Contact Lens Management
A New Outlook on Life
Try Acuvue 2 Colours...for a change.
BY MITCH CASSEL, O.D.

What's new in color contact lenses? Vistakon recently introduced Acuvue 2 Colours, for color and comfort.

Look at the advantages

Vistakon's new lenses offer an innovative technique that layers colors throughout the lens for more authentic shades. And though my patients found many cosmetic lenses to be uncomfortable and unnatural looking, they say the Acuvue 2 Colours series (both enhancers and opaques) are comfortable. They look natural, too, regardless of the patient's original eye color. Furthermore, Acuvue 2 Colours offer clear, crisp vision.

Acuvue 2 Colours give clear, crisp vision.

Taking an inside view

Like Acuvue 2, Acuvue 2 Colours are made from etafilcon A and consist of 42% polymer and 58% water. The pigment is sandwiched in the etafilcon A so it never touches the eye. Both lenses share the same design, chemical properties and physical dimensions and are manufactured to the same specifications. They're available as:

Acuvue 2 Colours Enhancers. Blue, green and aqua tints add impact to blue or green eyes but don't compromise vision or color perception. They come in 8.3 mm and 8.7 mm base curves with a 14.0 mm diameter. Clinical studies have shown that current Acuvue 2 wearers can be successfully prescribed Acuvue 2 Colours in their habitual base curve (8.3 mm or 8.7 mm).

Acuvue 2 Colours Opaques. Opaque lenses to cover dark irises come in honey, blue, green and gray. They're available in an 8.3 mm base curve, 14.0 mm diameter.

Both my own experience and clinical evidence show the 8.3 mm base curve for the opaques to be a very successful in achieving both optimal centration and acceptable movement. Optimal centration is very important, particularly for an opaque lens, to ensure the best vision and cosmetic appearance.

Who wants them?

Studies indicate strong consumer interest in changing eye color. These patients represent an enormous business opportunity for you. Females represent a larger market share, but I've been surprised by the response from men wanting to change eye color. Existing Acuvue 2 wearers are easily coaxed to try Acuvue 2 Colours.

Vistakon's point-of-purchase displays, brochures and newsletters can promote interest. The company supplies a color selection mirror and color palette wheel to help patients determine their best colors.

Fitting tips

Take some extra time to explain the patient's new contact lens choice to him. Acuvue 2 Colours, like any other contact lens, must be fit by a licensed eye care professional even if no vision correction is needed. Plano trial lenses have the word "trial" printed on them, which prevents patients from keeping the lenses and allows us better control over lost profits.

Although Vistakon doesn't promote this, I often piggyback a trial color lens over a patient's existing higher power (in the office only) to demonstrate the final eye color. I recommend the patient try no more than two colors, to prevent confusion. Skin and hair tones and the patient's initial comments about color interest can narrow choices.

So offer these lenses to any of your patients who fit the categories I've mentioned. They'll probably be glad you did, and your practice will be the better for it, too.

DR. CASSEL IS ONE OF THE LEADING PROVIDERS OF PROSTHETIC SOFT CONTACT LENSES AND SPECIAL EFFECT LENSES TO DOCTORS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. HE PRACTICES IN NEW YORK, N.Y. YOU CAN REACH HIM AT (800) 598-2020 OR VISIT WWW.CUSTOMCONTACTS.COM.