Last week’s discussions in the eye care community were both engaging and informative. Members actively shared their experiences and insights on what it takes to embark on a career in eye care, sparking thought-provoking conversations. Another recurring theme was the technological advancements in tools like lens edgers and refractors, highlighting their impact on daily practice. Additionally, several members explored the fascinating history of eyewear and the intriguing science behind human vision.
This Week’s Hot Topics
Thinking About a Career in Eye Care? Here’s What to Know
If you’re considering a career in eye care, this thread offers practical advice and experiences from seasoned professionals. It’s a great resource for anyone at the crossroads of career decisions. Read more here
What’s the Average Blink Rate Per Minute?
This discussion delves into the science behind a simple yet essential human function. It’s an eye-opener for those interested in the biological rhythms of vision. Read more here
How Did You Start Your Journey in Eye Care?
Members share their personal journeys into the eye care field, offering inspiration and practical tips for newcomers. It’s a supportive space for storytelling and advice. Read more here
How Far Can the Human Eye See on a Clear Day?
Explore the limitations and capabilities of human vision in this fascinating thread. It’s a perfect blend of science and wonder. Read more here
That ‘burnt’ smell during LASIK
This thread uncovers the cause behind the distinctive smell experienced during LASIK surgery, offering insights into the procedure’s intricacies. Read more here
What Lens Edger or Refractor Do You Rely On?
Dive into a lively discussion about the most trusted tools in the trade. Professionals weigh in on their go-to equipment, making it a must-read for those in practice. Read more here
Key Skills Every Eye Care Professional Should Have
This thread explores the essential skills that can make or break a career in eye care. A valuable read for both veterans and newcomers. Read more here
Who Invented the First Wearable Glasses?
A dive into history, this thread uncovers the origins of wearable glasses and their evolution over time. Perfect for history buffs and eye care enthusiasts alike. Read more here
Stay engaged and curious as we continue to build our community with valuable discussions. Looking forward to what next week brings!
Average blink rate’s about 15–20/min at rest but drops to about 5–7 on screens — , that wrecks refractions and comfort. > What Lens Edger or Refractor Do You Rely On? — We set a quiet 20-second chime next to the digital refractor and I say “full blink” between steps; tiny tweak, fewer dry-eye complaints. Anyone else building blink prompts into their phoropter workflow, or got a better low-tech cue?
I’ve started having patients do a quick “close, squeeze, open” twice, then wait 5 seconds before autorefractor and keratometry — repeatability improved and the tear film looks more uniform; if they’re heavy screen users, a non‑preserved drop helps, but I skip it if I need topography right after. Do you cue blinks during refraction, or time your steps around TBUT instead?
In our clinic, before keratometry we do 60 seconds of eyes‑closed rest (no squeeze) and only add a preservative‑free drop if noninvasive TBUT is under about 8 seconds — like polishing the windshield before a road test. @elopez44 have you tried a soft metronome cue during screen-based refractions to bump blinks without flooding the tear film?
We started dimming the autorefractor target to about 25% and running a soft metronome at 6/min for 30 seconds pre‑measure; that ‘blink on the beep’ cue steadied readings and cut re‑runs — stare‑down on screens drives me nuts. Only caveat: a few patients get twitchy with the beep, so we switch to a slow breathing cue instead; some support here: Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation of Fused Pyrano[3,2-e]tetrazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines and Diazepines - PubMed. With the refractor upgrades you mentioned, this small tweak saves chair time — anyone else trying timed cues?
I get steadier numbers by asking patients to look 10–15 degrees downward at a blank wall for 15 seconds, then raise to the target with a quick, “blink like you’re reading, not staring.” That brief reset keeps blinking natural without overdoing it; if they’re makeup heavy I do a gentle lid wipe first. @SaraNg, curious if a short down-gaze pause has worked in your flow.
We’ve had good luck timing a quick 5‑on/2‑closed cycle three times before refraction; it nudges patients back toward a typical about 12–18 blinks/min instead of the screen‑stare 4–6 — think of it as the windshield‑wiper warm‑up. Pairs well with @gfields54’s slight downward gaze; are you tracking incomplete vs full closures when you do it?