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Optometry and Aesthetics: An appealing Crossover

by | Feb 1, 2023 | Manuscripts | 0 comments

Aakanksha Pathania, B.Optom

Optometrist, Sharp Sight Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India

 

Aesthetics can be defined as the philosophical study of beauty and taste. Everyone wants to look better and nowadays, aesthetics is not restricted to clothes only, it has been evolving every day, and so does in the field of ocular health also. (1) Aesthetic optometry can be defined as the art of prescribing to enhance eye health, its appearance and the performance of the ocular surface.

Figure 1: Different shaped frame according to facial structure
(Picture Courtesy – https://nexoye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/best-glasses-for-face-shape.jpg)

Aesthetic is not a new term in the optometry world. An optometrist has always guided their patients in selecting suitable frames, and contact lenses or even guiding them for refractive surgery. The ageing population finds ocular aesthetics appealing as it has a lot to offer from eye to face and skin.

The primary job of an optometrist is to guide patients in selecting proper frames according to their facial structure and choosing the correct lenses for them. (2) facial features are very important while selecting a frame. The top of the frame should always follow the contour of the eyebrow either partially or fully covered. (2) If a patient is having a square-shaped face, a round, oval, or butter-shaped frame will look more cosmetically appealing. A small face should always be balanced with a light or medium-weight frame.

Figure 2: Normal glasses and high index glasses
(Picture Courtesy – https://high-index-lens-//images.ctfassets.net)

Figure 3: Photochromic glasses
(Picture Courtesy – https://blog.safetyglassesusa.com//photochromic-blog2.jpg)

Similarly, optometrists can help patients in selecting the proper lenses that are to be used in frames. High-index lenses such as lenticular and myo-disc lenses are selected if the patient is having a high refractive error, where the peripheral thickness is reduced and looks cosmetically more appealing.(3) Photochromatic lenses and tinted lenses are prescribed to the patient which not only make a patient look cosmetically good but also reduced photophobia and glare.(4)

Coloured contact lenses have been lifestyle-enhancing services, it modifies the appearance subtly. (5) Optometrists first check whether there is any infection in the ocular surface of the patient and then prescribe coloured lenses. Apart from this, if a patient is presenting with total corneal opacity, an optometrist prescribes prosthetic contact lenses according to the colour of the other eye to provide a good cosmetic appearance, which in turn boosts confidence for the patients. (6)

Figure 4: Coloured Contact Lens
(Picture Courtesy – https://cdn.alensa.co.uk/image30x173.jpg)

Customised ocular prosthetic is made by an optometrist for the patient with phthisis bulbi or anophthalmic socket so that both looks similar in shape and structure, which will look cosmetically beautiful.(7)

Market is filled with toxins and eye irritants that obstruct the meibomian glands and people have been blindly following them. Optometrists are primary eye health care who can instruct patients how a careful selection of ingredients can garnish one’s eyes beauty products.

The optometrist should create awareness to maintain eyelid hygiene among the patients so that they are free of any ocular infection. Awareness about technologies and products like Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy helps in reducing redness and inflammations on eyelids and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) showed useful effects on wrinkles, scars, and inflammatory diseases. (8)

Figure 5: Prosthetic Contact Lens
(Picture Courtesy – https://www.clspectrum.com/archive/2019)

Figure 6: Customized Ocular Prosthetic
(Picture Courtesy – https://www.sankaranethralaya.org/images/patient-care/ocular_prosthetic_clinic/custom_made_prosthesis.jpg)

Lastly, optometrists can create a big impact on patients with the right knowledge and information.  An optometrist can help bring cosmetic marketing to our patients giving them the opportunity to be confident as well as to look presentable.

 

References:

  1. Mann, D. F., & Raymer, M. (2010). Catch up on cosmetic enhancements: for optometrists, the scope of cosmetic enhancement goes well beyond LASIK. Here’s an overview of several cosmetic procedures your patients are likely thinking about. Review of Optometry, 147(3), 82-86.
  2. Dowaliby, M. S. (1955). AESTHETIC CONSIDERATION OF EYEWEAR IN RELATION-SHIP TO FACIAL AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS. Optometry and Vision Science, 32(7), 383-385.
  3. Chen, J., Zhuo, R., Chen, J., Yang, A., Lim, E. W., Bao, J., … & Hou, L. (2022). Spectacle lenses with slightly aspherical lenslets for myopia control: clinical trial design and baseline data. BMC ophthalmology, 22(1), 1-10.
  4. Huang, L., Seiple, W., Park, R. I., Greenstein, V. C., Holopigian, K., Naidu, S. S., & Stenson, S. M. (2001). Variable tinted spectacle lenses: a comparison of aesthetics and visual preference. The CLAO Journal: Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc, 27(3), 121-124.
  5. S., Satani, D., Patel, A., & Vhankade, R. (2012). Colored cosmetic contact lenses: an unsafe trend in the younger generation. Cornea, 31(7), 777-779.
  6. Yildirim, N., Basmak, H., & Sahin, A. (2006). Prosthetic contact lenses: adventure or miracle. Eye & contact lens, 32(2), 102-103.
  7. Kulkarni, R. S., Kulkarni, P., Shah, R. J., & Tomar, B. (2018). Aesthetically characterized ocular prosthesis. J. Coll. Physicians Surg. Pak, 28, 476-478.
  8. Goiato, M. C., Nicolau, E. I., Mazaro, J. V. Q., Dos Santos, D. M., Vedovatto, E., Zavanelli, A. C., … & Pellizzer, E. P. (2010). Mobility, aesthetic, implants, and satisfaction of the ocular prostheses wearers. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 21(1), 160-164.

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