MEGs (micro-environment glasses)

[Rebecca Petris]

THANK YOU Margaret for the tip-off about the site updates...

MEGs appear to be inching closer to reality. You can see what they look like on the website: http://www.seefit.net. Don't bother phoning them, the number doesn't work, and when I was playing around with the site ordering did not work either, but at least there are lots of pictures so you can get a good idea what they're like.

The site is kind of awkward... at first it will look like there's only one color per size but if you click on the frames you'll see lots of choices.

They aren't exactly what I'd call glamorous, but I think they look much more office-friendly than Panoptx/Wiley.

Apparently they will be sold with plano lenses and you can get prescription lenses put in them locally. Makes good sense... best to get Rx lenses from an optician you know.

Having said that, I'm kind of in sticker shock at the moment. $249 before the Rx lenses. But, well, if they work....... people will buy them. Fingers crossed.

[lboogie]

Yeah, very pricey...but hey, I think they pretty stylish -- compared to other options! I would be really interested in getting a plano pair. I wonder if they would be open to giving some early adopter discounts to folks like us here at DEZ! We could chat it up online here and get their search engine rankings going ;)

It looks like someone has to assemble it?

[Lucy]

http://www.seefit.net/Ocular_Surface_published_article.pdf

Below is part of the article I was able to "copy". It seems that Gary Foulks, M.D. is connected to this study. His name is the same one that keeps coming up (is this right?). Lucy

Isolation of the Ocular Surface to Treat
Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome Associated with
Computer Use
Richard W. Yee, MD,1 Harry G. Sperling, PhD,1 Ashballa Kattek, MD,1
Martin T. Paukert,1 Kevin Dawson,1 Marcie Garcia,1 and Susan Hilsenbeck, PhD2
©2007 Ethis Communications, Inc. The Ocular Surface ISSN:
1542-0124. Yee RW, Sperling HG, Kattek A, et al. Isolation of the
ocular surface to treat dysfunctional tear syndrome associated with
computer use. 2007;5(4):xxx–xxx.
ABSTRACT Dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS) associated
with computer use is characterized by mild irritation, itching,
redness, and intermittent tearing after extended staring. It
frequently involves foreign body or sandy sensation, blurring
of vision, and fatigue, worsening especially at the end of the
day. We undertook a study to determine the effectiveness of
periocular isolation using microenvironment glasses (MEGS™)
alone and in combination with artificial tears in alleviating
the symptoms and signs of dry eye related to computer use.
At the same time, we evaluated the relative ability of a battery
of clinical tests for dry eye to distinguish dry eyes from
normal eyes in heavy computer users. Forty adult subjects
who used computers 3 hours or more per day were divided into
dry eye sufferers and controls based on their scores on the
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Baseline scores were
recorded and ocular surface assessments were made. On four
subsequent visits, the subjects played a computer game for 30
minutes in a controlled environment, during which one of four
treatment conditions were applied, in random order, to each
subject: 1) no treatment, 2) artificial tears, 3) MEGS™, and
4) artificial tears combined with MEGS™. Immediately after
each session, subjects were tested on: a subjective comfort
questionnaire, tear breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein staining,
lissamine green staining, and conjunctival injection. In this
study, a significant correlation was found between cumulative
lifetime computer use and ocular surface disorder, as
measured by the standardized OSDI index. The experimental
and control subjects were significantly different (P < 0.05)
in the meibomian gland assessment and TBUT; they were
consistently different in fluorescein and lissamine green staining,
but with P > 0.05. Isolation of the ocular surface alone
produced significant improvements in comfort scores and
TBUT and a consistent trend of improvement in fluorescein
staining and lissamine green staining. Isolation plus tears
produced a significant improvement in lissamine green staining.
The subjective comfort inventory and the TBUT test were
most effective in distinguishing between the treatments used.
Computer users with ocular surface complaints should have
a detailed ocular surface examination and, if symptomatic,
they can be effectively treated with isolation of the ocular
surface, artificial tears therapy, and effective environmental
manipulations.
KEY WORDS computer-related dry eye, controlled adverse
environment, microenvironment glasses (MEGS™)
I. Introductio n
ith the exponential increase of computer usage
in the workplace, there has been a proportionate
increase in reports on the rate of eye complaints.
1-20 In our approach to the dry eye-related components
of computer eye complaints, we hope to contribute
to the development of a treatment modality that will be
broadly applicable to dry eye problems associated with
ocular surface abnormalities in general.
The tear film, which overlies and protects the cornea,
consists of, from anterior surface inward, a lipid layer, an
aqueous gel layer, and a mucin layer. Dry eye results from
evaporation of the aqueous component.1, 5 The lipid surface
layer protects the aqueous layer from too-rapid evaporation.
It is secreted as meibum by the meibomian glands embedded
in the eyelids. The normal physiological mechanism
of meibum secretion is associated with the eye blink. The

[NYer]

Very cool to see that they are finally going to be available to the mass market instead of having to find someone that custom makes them for tons of money. Thank you for posting that, Rebecca. :)

[odydnas]

Is this what a pair of custom moisture chambers would look like? I was under the impression that a custom moisture chamber would be like panotpx goggles...an all around seal. MEGs seem to only have side protection.

Can someone please clarify?

Thanks!

[NYer]

It is an all-around seal. You can zoom the picture and you'll see that there is a thin rubber gasket going all the way around. The sides have to be longer than the pieces on the bottom and top. That's why they are more visible to you.

[odydnas]

Great! Thanks! I looked around their website and I now see that its an all around fit.

I wonder if this model (besides just size) will fit everyone? None of the panotpx or wileys I've tried fits me...

The online ordering is now working! Who's planning on getting a pair?

[YGB]

I just checked out the site and it looks like it's ready to accept orders.

http://www.seefit.net/mm5/merchant.mvc

[odydnas]

I emailed Debbie from the website and she said that they are only open parttime, which is why you cannot reach them by calling and email is best.
Also, FYI, return/exchange policy is 14 days from shipping date, and there is a 20% restocking fee for returns.

[calli66]

They don't look too bad....but they're a bit pricey. What color would be least noticeable? And, I always wonder, will an optician be able to fit a high prescription in the frame and have the MEG shields still fit.

Quoting the website, "Prescription lenses that are improperly sized will cause MEGS to not fit properly."

I haven't gotten to the point where I'm ready to call them for more info.

C

[Silverlady]

I wonder if they offer a fitting set so you could try the frames on to see what fits best and what will hold your prescription? Seems like they could do this with a refundable deposit or something. I can't tell what the actual size of the things is. No diminsions on the glasses. I'm willing to cough up the money for them because my Panoptyx have always made me dizzy and I can't see well enough to do without a prescription.

The sample that is called black looks clear with black frame. Anyone know?

Billye

[odydnas]

In terms of prescription, I had emailed them was told that a -10 was no problem, but you should get the thinnest lens that can be made

[calli66]

Thanks for the info. I am still below the -10 point, thank goodness. Does SeeFit make lenses also, or just the custom frames? I'm not sure any of my optical shops have the skill to learn to cut a lens in the special way. They goof up about 50% of the time with my regular prescription----usually it's a problem cutting the groove or ridge correctly.

I think I understand how they make the glasses---they are rimless with a groove cut into the lens edge. The eye cups must have a ridge that snaps into the groove. Simple idea---I like it.

Billye, I noticed that too---that the "black" frame had clear sides. I was thinking that one would be least noticeable. And they should include the "eye size", bridge width, and temple length for their frames. The women "small" looks about the same size as my glasses 48mm (lens size) x 17mm (bridge width).

Calli

[kimby2007]

Anyone buy a pair yet?

[calli66]

Not me! I may have been considering it, but this week I found out that I need 2 dental crowns on my front teeth---there goes over $2000 bucks! Thanks to Sjogren's, I'll bet. I don't have dental or vision insurance, so bye, bye, money.

Since I can still "see" with my current glasses, though not that great, I'm stuck with those plus my Guard Dog fit-overs till I save up some more money.

Calli

[kimby2007]

I've been chewing on a root canal for over a week now thanks to this stupid disease. I hear you Calli. All of this should be covered under our medical insurance.

Kim

[jenny2008]

I had 2 root canals done last March--then it hit my eyes hard. Damn Sjogrens! AHHHH.. We must keep hanging on! :)

[MyDryEyes]

They look much nicer than the Wiley/Panopt. goggles. I think I would be much less self conscious. It doesn't look like they form a full seal around the eyes - according to informatin on their website. I wonder how they would work for people that are really sensitive to moving air or outdoors? Does anybody know?

[calli66]

Well, just from the picture, it looks like the cup part goes in pretty close to the face. They don't have any vents like Panoptx, so I guess it's not a bad thing to have some small gaps---so they don't fog up.

Waitin' for Silverlady to take the first step and order..."you go first"...

C

[lboogie]

seriously -- they should give Rebecca some complimentary demo ones for members to try out. Then they would have some quote for their website and free PR.

[odydnas]

I'm emailed the site letting them know that Dry Eye Zone is desperately waiting to try thiem out...and that theres a potential market here for them. Haha I hope that speeds things up....

[odydnas]

I brought a picture of MEGS to two local opticians and they said that they could not fit it with a -10 prescription. A high index lens cannot be used bc the lens has to be drilled with a hole to put into a MEGs and high index lens will crack when drilled. A regular lens would be way too thick and heavy and would not work with the MEGs is what I was told.

Anybody have any success with fitting high prescription into a MEGs?

[calli66]

My optician says his suppliers can drill any type of lens---even high index plastic. Most optical shops will tell you they can only drill polycarbonate. I think these places have different equipment. I have not actually ordered a drilled frame style, but have repeatedly asked this question every time I go in for new frames, and he always says drilled high index plastic is no problem.

So I would recommend that you call all the optical stores you can 'till you find one that does high-end, specialty work. It might take awhile, but I think it's possible. You're going to have to find a specialty shop anyway, since the groove on the edge of the lens is different from the usual lens manufacturing profile.

Calli

[Silverlady]

Hope none of you are waiting on me. I've got to sell a house first before I bite the bullet with a purchasing them. If this manages to happen before Christmas you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be ordering a pair ASAP. I don't think they would be any more expensive than my last pair of Panoptyx and hopefully more comfortable.

Billye

[Redbirdi]

I haven’t been to DEZ in awhile. I thought by now someone would have got these MEGs and have some comments about them to share. I’m wondering all the same things that have been asked here (above). And I’m outraged by the initial price. Add to that prescriptive progressives and wow, it’ll take me a year to save. Anyway, I’m hoping to hear from some first hand experience.

Biggest question will be how do they compare in comfort[relief] to the panoptx? Getting away from the foam will be a relief alone for me. Also, I was wondering how different are these from say eagle eye customs? Thought this was a newer technology, but it is a plastic guard around regular lenses. With such a high price, why not go with the custom MC and then you can get the clear outer coverage.

I look forward to more comments about this.

Thanks,
Rose

[dryeyes2]

Hi everyone,

I finally bit the bullet and had regular moisture chamber glasses made (Eaglevision). They work fairly well. In comparision to MEGs, it is my opinion, that the moisture chambers are less noticeable than MEGs. They are also less expensive. Not a perfect solution, but they do help some. Especially for those of you with high prescriptions like, me, it is worth a try if you can find someone to make them for you.

Best wishes,
dryeyes2

[hkgcomet]

I brought a picture of MEGS to two local opticians and they said that they could not fit it with a -10 prescription. A high index lens cannot be used bc the lens has to be drilled with a hole to put into a MEGs and high index lens will crack when drilled. A regular lens would be way too thick and heavy and would not work with the MEGs is what I was told.

Anybody have any success with fitting high prescription into a MEGs?

I think it would be impossible to use 1.8/1.9 glass to drill ^^

You are going to have 2 cups in front of your eye! Then what would the thickless of the lens affects you? I may choose low index len, may be eg. Hoya 1.6 plastic that optician saying have good optical quality and consider for anti-fog, polorize such things...

It is already better than wearing a swimming google or a war game google walking on the street, haha

But make sure the shop can made the lens is most important, or it will hurts for US$250 @_@

I also have -10.00D, it make me crazy now...

[Rojzen]

I have a pair of MEGs I'm planning to fill with my own Rx soon. . .As a veteran of custom moisture chambers, I can say that the MEGs compare favorably to my custom chambers in terms of the coverage they provide, though they provide less coverage around the bottom of the lens than did my custom moisture chambers. (I'm not rushing to have the MEGs made up for me because I don't use protective eyewear much anymore, after my dramatic success with Dwelle.)

In my case, the MEGs are HUGELY less expensive than custom chambers, since my opticians always tacked on about $300 extra just to put EagleVision chambers on the glass frames. . .

I have a strong distance prescription, but since have not yet asked an optician to make new lenses for my MEGs, I don't know what the response will be. . .I'm optimistic that at least polycarbonates can be made up to withstand the holes that need to be punched for mounting on the frame. . .

[ttdub]

What is the difference between MEG's and Moisture chambers?

[Rebecca Petris]

Here on DEZ "moisture chamber" is often used to refer to any form of protective eyewear worn to reduce airflow around the eyes and provide a moisture-rich environment. Moisture chambers usually reduce pain and frequency of artificial tear installation quite noticeably.

Moisture chambers include:

1) Foam-lined sunglasses or goggles by makers such as 7Eye/Panoptx, Wiley-X, Clic goggles, Adidas, Harley, Guard-Dogs and a few others.

2) Custom panels fitted onto your own glasses by a skilled optician. It is usually a transparent flexible material such as that produced by Eagle Vision. The idea is it fills most of the gap between the glasses frame and your face.

3) MEGs, which are a ready-made pair of glasses with a special opaque guard built onto them. It is a commercial non-custom version of what was formerly available only as a custom moisture chamber.

[hkgcomet]

I have a pair of MEGs I'm planning to fill with my own Rx soon. . .As a veteran of custom moisture chambers, I can say that the MEGs compare favorably to my custom chambers in terms of the coverage they provide, though they provide less coverage around the bottom of the lens than did my custom moisture chambers. (I'm not rushing to have the MEGs made up for me because I don't use protective eyewear much anymore, after my dramatic success with Dwelle.)

In my case, the MEGs are HUGELY less expensive than custom chambers, since my opticians always tacked on about $300 extra just to put EagleVision chambers on the glass frames. . .

I have a strong distance prescription, but since have not yet asked an optician to make new lenses for my MEGs, I don't know what the response will be. . .I'm optimistic that at least polycarbonates can be made up to withstand the holes that need to be punched for mounting on the frame. . .


EagleVision's cost US$300? :confused:

MEG would be a choose that it last longer and you can change to another lens.
Optician says making the high index lens to fit in the moisture shield is no problem, with $$$ there's no any problem :)

But finally, I made my own MCG myself:D
Now under testing...:p

[Rojzen]

Oh . . I so hope I have not scared anyone off of moisture chambers because of my own peculiar experience having to pay a high fee to have these made. . .Just from reading posts here, I know that there are opticians who charge next to nothing to add the EagleVision shields to frames, and so I hope that people inclined to try the moisture chambers will go ahead and find a good optician to work on these, for a fair fee. . .Making one's own MCG is a GREAT idea, moreover! Our Dotanne in Australia did this a while ago, and I recall she did a great job! Why not? Making moisture chambers is an art, rather than science, and I believe that trying to rig up a pair is well worth the effort, if one has the tools. . .

[longhorngal]

Hi everybody,

I have a pair of MEGs that I've been using for awhile, and I love them. There has not been much feedback on MEGs on the dry eye zone, so I'm hoping this will help! I use them when I study late at night, and I think it increases my studying time. I'm doing an internship right now, and I've been wearing my MEGs while I sit at the computer. I can take off the goggle part and wear them as regular glasses. As far as fitting goes, I have a rounder face with big cheeks, so the unisex pair works well for me. I recommend these glasses because of the versatility. If you're worried about the look, just take off the goggle part when you're not at your desk or don't need the moisture for your eyes. I consider my red MEGs a fashion statement! :)