ECP Solution Center

Effectively Managing Low Light Conditions

James D. Colgain, OD

James D. Colgain, OD, Lt. Col., USAF-Ret., is Clinical Director at the Warfighter Eye Center at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He heads up a four-doctor, 5,000-square foot multi-specialty vision care and laser center that provides vision care to active duty patients and retirees from all four branches of the armed services.

During his military and civilian career, Dr. Colgain has utilized W.A.V.E. Technology 2™, and more recently, Varilux Physio Enhanced™ Lenses to successfully address difficulties patients encounter when in low light environments. This, as it turns out, is almost everyone.

■ USE ANALOGIES. When explaining these technologies, Dr. Colgain tries to avoid overly technical explanations and often uses analogies.

“For example, a few years ago, I thought my big screen analog TV was terrific. However, now that I have HD digital TV, the analog design is a much poorer viewing experience,” he tells patients. “The newest optical lenses are similar to having many more and better quality megapixels to comprise the visual image. Varilux Physio Enhanced Lenses enable you to have the best quality of vision, especially in demanding low light visual environments, similar to the difference between analog and HDTV.”

■ LOW LIGHT EMPHASIS. Patients are often challenged and have complaints when driving at night, reading in low light, or performing any task requiring sharp vision.

“As the pupil dilates in low light, the optical system produces more aberrations, and patients may find their quality of vision diminished,” Dr. Colgain explains. “A lens designed to address the change in pupil size can minimize higher-order aberrations; thus, the patient will have better quality of vision in low light.”

■ MARKETING SAVVY. Internal marketing is the most cost effective option, but only if everyone in the practice is addressing and connecting with patients during the visit.

“In 30 seconds, at the conclusion of the exam, I address the lens treatment plan and recommendation,” says Dr. Colgain. “But it is the entire office—from the person greeting patients to the dispensing optician—that is critical in recommending the best lens solution and visual outcome.”

■ THE BEST. The practice goal is to have everyone understand and be wearing the best product. “Once you experience the best in vision, or for that matter, any technology, it is hard to be satisfied with a previous generation technology,” he notes. “Digital is nothing if the design isn't good. And W.A.V.E. Technology 2™ design with No-Glare (AR) is powerful.”