CLINICAL

  CONTACT LENSES

CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO

BE AWARE OF THE LATEST CONTACT LENS MATERIALS TO ENHANCE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

JASON R. MILLER, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O.

IT’S OUR responsibility to continually educate ourselves — and our patients — about new technologies. New products and materials are introduced regularly. Offer something new at each patient encounter. You’d be surprised by the number of patients who accept the offer.

In the contact lens material world, developments are either re-engineered or a novel new material. Both are acceptable strategies for fulfilling our patients’ needs.

Here, I discuss examples of the latest technologies from the major contact lens manufacturers and how to discuss them with your patients.

ULTRA (BAUSCH + LOMB)

The company’s ULTRA contact lenses with MoistureSeal technology, introduced more than a year ago, are a monthly modality. The technology includes a two-phase manufacturing process that results in a lens with high oxygen transmissibility (Dk/t), modulus and water content, the company says.

Patients: I recommend this lens to patients looking for more comfort, but who prefer a monthly disposable lens.

How: I say, “I have a new lens design that may satisfy both your comfort and visual needs. The material maintains its moisture, which will prevent dehydration or the dry, itchy feeling you get at the end of your day.”

DAILIES TOTAL1 (ALCON)

DAILIES TOTAL1 contact lenses, also introduced more than a year ago, are water gradient contact lenses that combine high oxygen transmissibility and minimal friction with eye tissues, the company says.

Patients: I prescribe this lens when I suspect a patient suffers from lens discomfort.

How: Identify those sufferers by asking probing questions, such as “what time do your lenses become dry and irritating?”

ACUVUE OASYS 1-DAY (J&J VISION CARE)

ACUVUE OASYS 1-DAY with HydraLuxe Technology is a recently introduced daily disposable. The updated material utilizes tear-like molecules that integrate with the wearers’ tear film. It mimics the mucin layer by increasing network bonding (cross-link density) in the polymer, says the company.

Patients: This lens is a daily disposable option for patients looking for more comfort.

How: I ask all contact lens wearers about their daily visual demands. For active patients, I recommend this lens: “Given your lifestyle, this lens is an option. The material of the lens maintains comfort in a variety of activities and environments.”

MYDAY (COOPERVISION)

MyDay is a new daily disposable lens with Smart Silicone technology, the company says. The material and technology provide less raw silicone, enabling more space for the hydrophilic material.

Patients: I recommend this lens to patients who wear their lenses for long hours, or even for full days, for their job, for example a firefighter.

How: As with the previous lenses, I discuss the merits after introducing it: “This is a new lens option for you to consider, given that you typically wear your contact lenses for a significant period of time each day.”

DO THE HOMEWORK

By being aware of the latest in contact lens technology, we have more tools with which to find our patients’ perfect fits. OM

DR. MILLER is a partner at Eyecare Professionals of Powell, a Vision Source member in Powell, Ohio, on the board of the Ohio Optometric Society and an adjunct faculty member for The Ohio State University College of Optometry.