Contact lens blocks harmful rays, increases comfort

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

Please describe what makes Acuvue Oasys Transitions lens unique.

Acuvue Oasys with Transitions, a two-week replacement senofilcon A spherical contact lens, incorporates Transitions Light Intelligent Technology to quickly and seamlessly adjust from clear to dark and back in response to changing light conditions. The lens also reduces exposure to bright light indoors and out, filtering blue light and blocking harmful UV rays.

For whom is it an ideal lens?

In my experience, this lens is ideal for not only patients who move frequently from indoors to outdoors, but also patients who work under fluorescent lighting, who have high screen time or who drive at night.

What results can an O.D. expect from prescribing the lens?

Johnson & Johnson Vision found that 64% of consumers admit to being bothered by bright light daily. The photochromic molecule of the lens appears to address this via a decrease in discomfort due to sunlight and indoor lighting.

LENS PROFILE

What does chair time look like for prescribing this lens?

This lens takes no additional time to fit, as compared to the Acuvue Oasys lens. The only increased time comes from making sure we, as providers, fully educate patients on what they can expect: brightness control, improved comfort and less need for compensating behaviors, such as squinting, during the day.

How do you educate patients on the product?

The big benefits of this lens are dramatic transitioning in the sun. Therefore, patients will easily see these benefits during the trial period. Instead of talking about this, I discuss the more subtle benefits: the technology, the ability to vary tint based on the amount of light present, fewer halos and starbursts driving at night, protection from blue and HEV light and the comfort of the Acuvue Oasys platform.

Specifically, we tailor our discussions to the patient’s lifestyle/needs. For example, when addressing people who are in and out all day (UPS, mailman, etc.): “Given the light adaptive technology of these lenses, you will be able to decrease the number of times you reach for your sunglasses. They will also provide comfort and accessible vision throughout your day.”

For all patients, reinforce this lens doesn’t replace sunglasses!

Please describe your dispensing procedure and the benefits it has to your practice.

Our experience has shown patients do not often notice the benefits of the product until they can see a direct comparison, so we provide patients with the lenses to wear for a week, followed by a check-in appointment. If the patients have any doubts, we provide their habitual lenses back to them.

What, if any, follow-up procedure do you have?

If the patient has been an Oasys wearer, we see the patient at dispensing and follow-up with a phone call. If the patient is new to the brand, we follow up in seven to 10 days for the reason outlined in the previous answer.

What marketing efforts, if any, do you utilize for the product?

To date, my practice has used social media and email as marketing tools. We are preparing ads to appear on more traditional media. Johnson & Johnson Vision provides both print and video ad copy. We are, however, seeing the personalized social media ads, detailing our patients’ experiences via videos, have a big impact. OM

DR. KANNARR practices at Kannarr Eye Care in Pittsburg, Kan. He is on the medical staff at two hospitals and has been the principal investigator for studies of contact lenses, solutions and pharmaceuticals. He serves on multiple advisory boards and speaker panels, including for Johnson & Johnson Vision, and is a Vision Source administrator.