contact lens management

Achieve All-Day Patient Comfort

Lens material keeps eyes moist through end-of-day.

KEN LOSSMAN, O.D.

The daily disposable lens is often my first choice because it's extremely convenient, as it requires no end-of-day lens-care regimen, solutions or overnight storage.

Also, with the rise of environmental antigens causing discomfort and intolerance, and mounting concern regarding the safety of solutions and contact-lens storage, patients like to have this option.

Here, I discuss the Proclear 1-Day daily-disposable lens, from CooperVision.

The benefits of Proclear 1-Day

Proclear 1-Day (omafilcon A) is a PC hydrogel lens that utilizes patented phosphorylcholine (PC) technology, creating a lens material that attracts and maintains water — keeping my patient's eyes moist throughout the day. As a result of this technology, patients who have drier than normal eyes and those who experience heavy deposits, tell me they really enjoy this lens.

Also, the Proclear 1-Day lens is made from a naturally wettable material that the company says it has formulated for better comfort. In fact, the Proclear lens is the only lens with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the claim that it "may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear."¹

Finally, the Proclear 1-Day lens features an aspheric front-surface, designed to neutralize the spherical aberrations inherent in the contact lens and the eye. This is important, as the lens' molded round edge reduces conjunctival interaction, which aids in providing comfort.

Fitting pearls

Because the aspheric curve of the lens corrects low-level astigmatism, I find it's a great option for these patients.

Still, pay close attention to the subjective and objective characteristics of all patients' lens-wearing experience to ensure the best end result. Subjectively, ask the patient to tell you how the lens feels in his eye, to gauge the ease of handling and to describe the overall end-of-day comfort. Objectively, look carefully at the lens movement, how it covers the eye and whether there is any sign of end-of-the-day lens-induced superficial punctate keratitis.

A trick I find successful for fitting this lens: Fit one eye with the patient's established lens and the other with Proclear 1-Day. After a five-day trial period with both lenses, ask the patient his preference. The patient often prefers the Proclear 1-Day lens.

Part of maintaining a successful practice is letting patients know you're knowledgeable of the newest technologies. This keeps them loyal, as they know you're providing them with the best option available. I've found that adding Proclear 1-Day to my practice has optimized patients' daily disposable lens-wearing experience, making end-of-day comfort a reality. OM

1. CooperVision Proclear 1-Day package insert PDF www.coopervision.com/us/ patient_clenses_detail.asp?catid=8&id=51 (Accessed 5/22/07')

DR. LOSSMAN PRACTICES IN LAKE ZURICH, ILL. E-MAIL HIM AT KLOSSMAN@LOSSMAN EYECARE.COM.

Proclear 1-Day
MATERIAL: omafilcon A WEARING SCHEDULE: daily-wear WATER CONTENT: 60 % DK/T: 44 BASE CURVE: 8.7mm DIAMETER: 14.2mm SPHERE POWER: -0.25D to -10.00D (0.50D steps above +5.00D and -6.00D) MODALITY: daily CONSUMER COST: $50 to $60 per 90-lens carton.