contact lens management

A Do It All Lens For Astigmatism

Lens offers crisp, comfortable and convenient vision.

MICHAEL A. SLUSKY, O.D.

The ideal contact lens for the astigmatic patient is one that provides consistent all-day vision and comfortable all-day wear. Add ultraviolet ray protection (99.9% UVA and 96.1% UVB), and you've just described the Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism lens, from Vistakon.

Here, I explain the specific benefits of this lens.

Lens stabilization

Like its sibling, Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is able to provide sharp and crisp vision through its Accelerated Stabilization Design (ASD). ASD works to minimize blink-induced lens rotation, regardless of which direction the patient is looking. This is because the lens features four stability zones, which enable it to follow the cornea and allow the lens to stay aligned with the axis of astigmatism. In addition, ASD facilitates the fitting process, as its stabilization method, rapid alignment and settling allow an almost immediate determination of whether the lens will work on a given patient.

ASD has met the visual demands of many of my patients. For instance, a lens-wearing commodities trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange recently presented complaining that his vision at work was "terrible." He explained that every time he looked up at the electronic trading board — a requirement of his job — he had trouble seeing. Apparently, his lens was rotating upon upward gaze, compromising his vision. I fit him in Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism, and he's since reported that the visual demands of his job are no longer an issue.

In addition, an astigmatic lens wearer with emerging presbyopia and strabismus presented requiring a -4.00D spherical component and a -1.75D cylindrical correction O.U. Rather than immediately prescribe reading spectacles over his current lenses, I trial fit the patient in Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism in both a -3.50D and -3.75D. The result: He was able to achieve a comfortable distance acuity of 20/25 O.U. or 20/20 O.U., respectively. The bonus: His near acuity was 20/20 O.U. once again. The patient was thrilled that the lenses provided him with a reprieve from spectacle wear.

Finally, the ASD component of the lens is ideal for providing monovision to astigmatic patients who have presbyopia. The two reasons for this: (1) The ASD reduces my concerns about lens rotation during critical demands, such as driving. (2) The enhanced clarity of the lens gives me the opportunity to cut back on the distance prescription by 0.25D, without sacrificing distance vision, and decrease the disparity between the two eyes, while building an increased near-vision component of the prescription.

Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism

MATERIAL: Senofilcon A DK/T: 128.7 WEARING SCHEDULE: Two-week daily wear or up to six consecutive nights/seven days of extended-wear. RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE: Two-week daily wear DIAMETER: 14.5mm BASE CURVE: 8.6mm PARAMETERS: Plano to -6.00D (in 0.25D steps) * Cylinder Powers -0.75, -1.25, -1.75 * Axis 10° to 180° (in 10° increments) * Cylinder Power -2.25 * Axis 10°, 20°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 160°, 170°,180° HIGH MINUS POWERS: -6.50D to -9.00D (in 0.50D steps) * Cylinder Powers -1.25, -1.75 * Axis 10°, 20°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 160°, 170°, 180° * Cylinder Power -2.25 * Axis 10°, 20°, 90°, 160°, 170°, 180° PLUS POWERS: +0.25D to +6.00D (in 0.25D steps) * Cylinder Powers -0.75, -1.25, -1.75 * Axis 10°, 20°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 160°, 170°, 180° PATIENT COST: Three-month supply average is between $90 and $99 before rebates.

All-day comfort

Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism is comprised of Senofilcon A with Hydraclear Plus. Senofilcon A is a silicone hydrogel lens material with a low modulus (104) and a smooth polymer. The low modulus makes the lens soft and therefore less likely to cause mechanically induced lens-to-lid complications, such as giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). The Oasys polymer maintains the lens' resistance to lipid and mucous deposits, maintaining eye health. Also, the lens features Hydraclear Plus technology, which combines high performance base materials with a moisture-rich wetting agent. The combination of these two components can alleviate dryness-induced discomfort, making it perfect for patients who work on computers all day and/or are frequently exposed to air conditioning or heating ducts, among other challenging environments.

I've seen relatively few biocompatibility problems with Senofilcon A and have found it to work on my new and current contact lens patients. In fact, I've been able to successfully switch some patients who couldn't wear some silicone-based products, due to excessive lipid and mucous deposits or sensitivity to the material, into the Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism lens.

Because Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism minimizes blink-induced lens rotation (providing crisp and clear vision) and provides comfortable wear throughout the day, I've found that it affords my astigmatic patients the highest likelihood for lens-wear success. OM