Monthly replacement lens shown to feel like nothing
The “Contact Lens Focus” column presents optometrists’ firsthand experiences with a new lens, via answers to questions posed by Optometric Management.
PLEASE DESCRIBE THE LENS AND WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE.
TOTAL30, from Alcon, is a monthly replacement lens clinically shown to feel like nothing, even at day 30, reports an Alcon clinical study. It is unique because it was created from the Water Gradient Technology of DAILIES TOTAL1.
Specifically, TOTAL30 features an inherently lubricious lens surface. Also, the reusable modality of TOTAL30 comes from biomimetic CELLIGENT Technology, which combines a biomimetic surface and a unique lens chemistry to help resist bacteria and lipid deposits.
FOR WHOM IS IT INDICATED AND CONTRAINDICATED?
TOTAL30 is indicated for patients who want and/or need to wear a monthly reusable contact lens, and are looking for a comfortable all-month wearing experience.
I do not fit TOTAL30 on my patients who have significant astigmatism, presbyopia, or those who want to sleep in their lenses.
WHAT RESULTS CAN AN OD EXPECT FROM THE LENS?
When prescribing TOTAL30, ODs can expect that their reusable contact lens patients will have a comfortable wearing experience from day one to day 30 because the lens is clinically shown to feel like nothing.
Additionally, ODs might have different interactions with reusable lens patients to whom they can now offer this option.
HOW DO YOU DISCUSS THE LENS WITH PATIENTS?
I simply ask how long their existing lenses are on before they feel them. If the answer is any time before they would like to remove their lenses, I let them know I now have a new reusable lens that has been proven to feel like nothing on their eye, even on day 30.
Additionally, I educate them that this is possible because of the CELLIGENT Technology built into the lens that repels all lipid deposits and bacterial adherence. Also, I explain that the technology in TOTAL30 matches their physiological corneal sur-face, making a difference in their comfort experience all month long.
WHAT CHAIR TIME IS INVOLVED IN FITTING THE LENS?
I’ve found when prescribing TOTAL30, less chair time is needed because my patients haven’t had issues with the lens.
Many times, my reusable lens patients come back into the office due to issues with improper lens cleaning, but the CELLIGENT Technology in TOTAL30 has helped them resist lipid deposits and bacterial adherence.
HOW ARE STAFF INVOLVED WITH THE LENS?
It is important my staff know why we prescribe TOTAL30 to patients who want or need to wear reusable lenses.
I’ve ensured that my entire staff is educated on all the benefits of TOTAL30, including TOTAL30’s origin in the Water Gradient Technology of DAILIES TOTAL1, and how the CELLIGENT Technology enables lipid and bacterial deposit-resistance for the month.
It’s helpful to educate my staff about the TOTAL30 technology, as they then know how to tease out those who are right for TOTAL30 in conversations. OM
