CONTACT LENS FOCUS

PRESCRIBE DAILY DISPOSABLES

INNOVATION WITHIN THE MODALITY PROVIDES MORE OPTIONS

ROXANNE ACHONG-COAN, O.D., F.A.A.O., F.I.A.O.

A PATIENT presents sneezing with seasonal allergies. He says his red, itchy eyes have caused him to drop out of contact lenses. Daily disposable lenses, such as MyDay, from CooperVision, provide this patient with an option to wear his contact lenses while combatting his allergies with a cleans lens every day. Here is more information about the lens.

OVERVIEW

MyDay is a silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens. Its Smart Silicone chemistry balances silicone content, at 4.4%, and hydrophilic components that hold onto water, which leads to natural wettability throughout the lens material and overall comfort without surface coatings or treatments, according to the company. Also, the low silicone content results in a low modulus and a soft lens, without comprising breathability and ocular health.

INTRODUCING THE LENS

In my practice, we introduce new contact lens technology to every contact lens patient, despite his or her current modality. Reason being, a patient may not realize he or she has a problem, such as discomfort, without experiencing new designs. We also discuss new technology with potential contact lens wearers. Patients who can benefit from this lens: children, part-time contact lens wearers, those with an active lifestyle, those who work in a dusty environment, those who travel a lot and those with dry eyes and allergies.

CooperVision MyDay

PRACTICE BENEFITS

Sixty-five percent of my contact lens patients wear daily lenses. That percentage increases each year for three reasons: (1) Patients upgrade to new technologies for comfort and convenience; (2) Innovations in contact lenses provide more options for those with allergies and dry eye disease; (3) I dispel misconceptions regarding comfort and cost through increased communication. For example, when I offer the contact lens, I demonstrate the comfort by allowing the patient to try it.

In addition, for daily disposables, I educate patients that their lenses will not collect deposits or dry out. I make patients aware that they will not have to purchase contact lens solutions or artificial tears. I also talk about the advantage of having back-up lenses.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The high success in fitting daily disposable lenses, such as MyDay, makes one’s practice the go-to source for better vision and innovation. OM

DR. ACHONG-COAN practices at Coan Eye Care in Ocoee, Fla. Also she is an adjunct assistant clinical professor at Pacific University College of Optometry, a fellow of the AAO Contact Lens Section and of the International Academy of Orthokeratology. Dr. Achong-Coan is a consultant for CooperVision.