Monthly contact lens meets the needs of unique corneas

In this Focus column, the author answers questions about a new contact lens, based on his firsthand experience.

Can you describe the Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism and what makes it unique?

The Bausch + Lomb ULTRA for Astigmatism contact lenses provide all-day comfort and consistently clear vision through a two-phase polymerization process, which increases moisture within the contact lenses and maximizes surface wettability. Also, its OpticAlign design provides stability for a predictable fit. Additionally, the contact lenses’ wide range of parameters allow for same-day access to -2.75 D cylinder power of astigmatic correction. The contact lenses are indicated for daily wear as a monthly disposable or for extended wear for up to six nights and seven days, still needing replacement with a new lens once a month.

For whom is the lens indicated?

The majority of contact lens wearers are prescribed a non-daily disposable lens. For the patient in whom a monthly disposable toric lens is prescribed, this functions exceptionally well. It works well for those who spend significant time in front of a computer screen, given the moisture retention within the contact lens.

LENS PROFILE

ULTRA FOR ASTIGMATISM

→ MATERIAL/WATER CONTENT: SAMFILCON A/46%

→ DK/T: 114 at center for -3.00D

→ WEARING SCHEDULE: MONTHLY

→ DIAMETER: 14.5 mm

→ BASE CURVE: 8.6 mm

→ POWER: Spherical powers +6.00D to -9.00D in 0.25D steps (0.50 steps above -6.00D); Cylinders of -0.75, -1.25, -1.75, -2.25, -2.75; axes of 10° to 180° (in 10° steps).

For whom is the contact lens contraindicated?

As with any contact lens, if there are any hypersensitivities to any components in the lenses or the patient has any conditions, such as eye disease or infections that affect the ocular surface or surrounding areas, the contact lenses would be contraindicated.

What has been the feedback you’ve received from patients?

I listen for feedback at two particular times: The initial impression after the contact lenses have been placed on the eyes and after the patients have worn the contact lenses for two to four weeks in their real environments. Patient feedback has been extremely positive at both of these time points.

Please describe the fitting process. Do you have any tips?

These contact lenses are relatively logical to fit. The spherical and cylindrical spectacle plane powers are appropriately vertexed (if needed), and the axis closest to the refracted axis is selected. With additional astigmatic powers available, it is efficient to appropriately prescribe contact lenses for those who have higher astigmatic needs (i.e. -2.75 D of correction at the cornea).

What chair time do you see with fitting this contact lens?

In my experience, the contact lenses stabilize so quickly and appropriately, that the fitting time is virtually identical to fitting spherical lenses. Additionally, for neophytes, the handling is exceptional, reducing the learning curve.

Do you have a compelling patient story to share about the product?

A new, previous contact lens wearer who refracted to 3.00 D of astigmatism expressed interested in trying contact lenses again; he was shocked we had something in the office to fit his level of astigmatic correction. Additionally, he said he was impressed by the comfort and clarity of vision. OM

DR. BRUJIC practices full-scope optometry in Bowling Green, Ohio. He receives honoraria for speaking, writing or participating in an advisory capacity or research from multiple companies, including Bausch + Lomb. Email him at brujic@prodigy.net.