Ever since I sold twelve pair of a brand-new progressive design lens several years ago, and had all twelve patients come back to complain, I test-wear every lens before I sell it. Since then I’ve had some interesting experiences with lenses!
With all the new changes in lens design and manufacturing processes, it is time to run the new digital lenses through the mill, and see how they perform in the real world.
My first review is for the Hoya Summit ECP iQ. This standard design lens, with a molded front surface, has been a workhorse as a conventional ground and polished lens for several years. Now available with a digitally generated back surface, this lens has a whole new lease on life.
After three weeks of wear, I find that the lens has a decent area for distance vision, a wider than average mid-range, and nice, usable near. I rate the distance as slightly better than average; only CDL drivers and those prone to motion sickness may require an alternate solution.
The intermediate zone is very useful for computer use. At work I am on both a desktop, with the monitor 38” away, and a laptop with the screen about 26” away, and have not had to switch to my computer specific glasses once for either workstation. It also works well when I’m on my laptop at home.
Most progressive lenses do an acceptable job at near, and the Summit ECP iQ is no exception, nor exceptional; it is a good solid lens.
I feel that the overall clarity and acuity is substantially better with the digital aspheric and atoric curves than with the old ground and polished design.
Recommendations: an easy upgrade to digital for wearers who have been satisfied with progressives in the past. The crisper and sharper optics across the entire surface of the lens should be instantly noticeable to all wearers. As a part of our desire to see all of our patients in the best lens possible, this lens is priced lower than it’s non-digital sibling was, so there is no reason to not experience the benefits from this new technology. Please don’t hesitate to stop in to either location of Eye Care Services at Skagit Regional Clinics for more information.
Follow me on Twitter at @BillGregoryLDO
Check out my Facebook page at Bill Gregory Optician
Copyright © 2011 All Rights Reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment