Lens releases moisturizers, electrolytes and osmoprotectants to combat dryness

The “Focus” column presents an O.D.’s firsthand experience with a new contact lens, via answers to questions posed by OM.

Please describe the lens and what makes it unique.

Bausch + Lomb’s Infuse lens is a daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lens manufactured with a proprietary combination of osmoprotectants, electrolytes and moisturizers released during lens wear to promote ocular surface homeostasis. This feature, called ProBalance Technology, addresses the challenge of contact lenses, which by their nature, alter the balance of ocular surface homeostasis, which can lead to ocular dryness and discomfort.

Infuse is a kalifilcon A single-vision spherical lens, which is available in a 8.6 mm base curve from a +6.00 D to -6.00 D in 0.25 steps, and -6.50 D to -12.00 D in 0.50 steps.

For whom is it indicated and contra-indicated?

Any patient who you would fit in a single vision spherical silicone hydrogel daily disposable lens is a candidate for the lens. While there are no true contraindications for the lens, some patients have a better wearing experience with non-silicone lenses.

What results can an O.D. expect?

We have been using the lens since late July 2020 and can report an easy and predictable fitting experience. My patients report remarkably good comfort upon insertion, ease of handling with both insertion and removal and a successful full day of lens wear. This includes both patients who were happy with their habitual lenses as well as those who were not. Of course, patients appreciate the crisp vision the lens provides, as well.

How do you discuss the lens with the patient?

For this specific lens, I tell patients about how wearing contact lenses — by putting these little pieces of plastic on our eyes — can disrupt the balance and chemistry of the tear film and ocular surface, which can lead to challenges with dryness and comfort, and how the lens has been designed to address this.

What chair time is involved?

Chair time, in my experience, takes no more than a couple minutes to offer, place the lens on the eye and perform an evaluation.

How are staff involved with the product?

In my practice, technicians discuss daily disposable contact lenses with any patients who are not already wearing them, especially if these patients report challenges with lens wear. If a patient is already wearing a single-day lens, my staff says the doctor will discuss lens options during their exam.

Throughout the exam, the staff is involved in bringing the diagnostic lenses to the patient, training them on insertion and removal, if necessary, and doing an initial assessment of VA and getting patient feedback. By working closely with the patients, as they try different products, our staff sees how patients respond, reinforcing the entire process and building enthusiasm among our staff for this lens.

Case study

One of the first patients I fit in Infuse was a young woman who had tried a variety of daily disposable lenses, but had always returned to her frequent replacement lenses, not feeling like the experience in daily lenses was remarkable enough to warrant changing modalities. Since she is always willing to try new options, she recently tried Infuse.

She noted immediately upon insertion that the lenses were “different.” She took a 10-day supply home to try. Within a few days, she called and wanted to order an annual supply. OM

DR. GIEDD is a founding partner of Eola Eyes, in Orlando, Fla., specializing in contact lenses. She has served as a clinical investigator, consultant and/or speaker for contact lens companies, including Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, J&J Vision Care, Alcon and Allergan. She is a member of the AAO and AOA.