BUTLER TWP — Eye care has changed a lot in the past few years, nearly as much as it had in the 50 years previous.

Lori Randall, president of Butler Eye Care, and Pam Boothe, an optician at Butler Eye Care, said the changing trends in eye care are part of the reason they enjoy the field.

“It’s because it always changes,” Boothe said.

One recent trend is the use of task oriented glasses, including glasses for computer use and playing golf. Boothe said these lenses are not for wearing all the time, similar to reading glasses.

Another trend is the use of LASIK eye surgery.

Although it is still a popular option, Randall said she is not getting as many requests about it as she did a few years ago.

“I think they did a whole lot more with that five years ago,” Randall said.

One problem with LASIK, Boothe said, is that it would not be helpful to many of the people who are interested in it.

“Refractive surgery isn’t for every patient,” Boothe said. “For certain people, it’s great.”

Boothe said LASIK is mostly for people who are nearsighted or farsighted. People who have astigmatism generally have more difficulty with the surgery.

“One shoe doesn’t fit all feet,” Randall said.

Another problem with surgery is that, even after it is performed, a person’s eyes continue to age.

The eye care field also is changing, Randall said.

She pointed out that within the past 10 to 15 years, optometrists have been allowed to prescribe medicine and to treat glaucoma, something that they previously were not allowed to do.

Eye examinations are quicker now, as well. Just a few years ago, a basic exam could take up to 30 minutes. Now, they only take around six minutes.

But there are other trends that Randall does not like, such as customers ordering glasses online.

“It’s a customized thing; everyone’s eyes are different. It’s very hard to see that pair of glasses online and see how it will look on your face,” Randall said. “You can do your taxes online, but if you get audited, who’s going to represent you?”

Randall also is wary of stores that offer discounted glasses after buying a full price pair.

“This is a medical device that we wear on our face,” Randall said.

Boothe agreed, saying the prescription is more important than the style.

Despite the fact that the need for eye care is widespread, Randall said she thinks there is a problem with people being able to access it in Butler County.

“I think there’s a lot of need in the area for underprivileged children and adults,” she said.

In the past, many insurance companies would fully cover a person and his family for eye care. Now, she said, companies are cutting back coverage.

“I think a lot of families suffer for that,” Randall said. “If I could, I would get glasses for every kid who needs glasses.”

Regarding children receiving free screenings in schools, Boothe said those screenings are comparable to a screening a pediatrician would give.

“It’s a screening, not an exam,” she said.

Randall said screenings in schools are pass/fail. If the student fails, it lets the student and the family know that they need to consult an eye doctor.

Although eye care is serious medicine, numerous myths surround its use.

One myth is that people’s eyesight gets worse because they become dependent on their glasses. Boothe said in actuality, increasingly poor vision is part of the aging process, and the glasses are not to blame.

Boothe also said the myth that wearing someone else’s glasses will harm a person’s eyes is false. Instead, it will cause eye strain and a possible headache.

“I certainly wouldn’t recommend it,” Boothe said.

And, for the adage about carrots being good for your eyes, Boothe said beta-carotene in carrots can be helpful to eyesight, but Randall said that is not exclusive to carrots.

“All vegetables are good for you,” Randall said.

She also has seen unusual items people have used to hold their glasses together when they break, including super glue and toothpicks.

“In emergencies, they get creative,” she said.