CLINICAL

  CONTACT LENSES

ULTIMATE DEVICES TO ‘WOW’

NEW TECHNOLOGY FACILITATES SPECIALTY LENS FITS

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

HAVE YOU heard “wow” from your patients recently? The three letter word lets you know you have gotten through — even awed — your patients. Would it surprise you to know that this can be the exclamation from specialty contact lens patients?

It’s true. With assistance from technology that both increases our efficiency in fitting and educates patients, we can elicit this word of excitement.

EQUIPPED FOR AN OPTIMUM FIT

OCT of the anterior segment allows us to visualize lens fit. For example, if a patient asks, “Why do I need this specific contact lens?” you can show him or her an OCT image of “how” a scleral contact lens vaults his or her irregular cornea and provides a smooth optical surface, thus providing the clearest vision possible. (See Fig. 1.)

Figure 1: Image of the patient’s vaulted cornea.

Corneal topographers enable us to simulate on-eye fits, so we can ensure we’re providing patients with the most appropriate lens. This technology is beneficial for answering the questions, “What is causing my blurred vision?” and “Why can’t you provide a new prescription for glasses to fix it?” The reason: You can show these patients photos of their corneal topography and their trouble spots to explain “how” visual images become distorted when it hits those zones.

EDUCATING THE PATIENT

Anterior segment cameras facilitate patient education regarding the need for a specialty lens, as they allow the patient to actually see the contact lenses on his or her eyes.

Let’s take a female patient who has an irregular cornea and needs a specialty contact lens. First, I take a few minutes to describe her condition and how the anterior segment camera can help the patient to understand her specific contact lens needs. Next, I use images and diagrams to illustrate my point. Finally, I describe what will happen during her follow-up procedures, so she understands returning to the practice a few times is a critical step to ensuring healthy and comfortable wear.

ACHIEVING THE “WOW”

Technology is advancing quickly. It is important to utilize it not only to improve outcomes with specialty contact lenses, but also to help patients better understand their conditions. Their “wow” reaction improves their perception of the practice and, thus, buy-in, which will drive success for both your patients and your practice. OM

DR. MILLER is a partner at Eyecare Professionals of Powell, in Powell, Ohio, on the board of the Ohio Optometric Association and is an adjunct faculty member for The Ohio State University College of Optometry. To comment on this article, visit tinyurl.com/OMcomment.