Crystal M. Brimer, OD, FAAO

New contact lens releases moisturizers during wear to maintain homeostasis

Behold the significant, protective power of the eyelids

Every patient responds differently to contact lens best practices. Here are five methods to help get patients to comply with their contact lens prescription.

Keeping patients compliant and happy in their contact lenses can be challenging. Crystal M. Brimer, OD, FAAO, gives five practice pearls to drive contact lens success.

Considering that many CL patients are desensitized, it is critical we not only monitor their tear film and ocular surface for change, but we demonstrate stability or instability through measurable means. This creates trust, validates our recommendations, induces compliance, and generates positive outcomes.

Whether that’s true or not, you shouldn’t be intimidated by multifocal lens fitting.

Most ODs could list all the missing items in their contact lens supply line. They could construct a wish list of products they would like to see available in the future. On days when we find ourselves ransacking the contact lens trial room, ODs may think technology is moving too slowly. Perhaps it’s time for some needed perspective.

Depending on where you live, spring is here-or at least on its way. It’s the time of year to thaw out along with the trees, grass, and flowers. With spring comes our promise to get ourselves into shape for the summer, and life gets busier with more outdoor activities for the whole family.

It is a constant challenge to be able to inspire patients to care meticulously for their lenses when life is easy, but what happens to that care when life gets hard? What happens when their schedules are upside down, and they are on the go? Travel influences how patients wear and care for their lenses-let’s look at the how, why, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

Historically, we know that competing with big box stores for profit is an uphill battle-like trying to fight the Ebola virus with a Z-pack.

After writing about lens care for more than two years, I wondered if my well had run dry. So this morning while on a flight, I perused PubMed and waited patiently for a new idea. When it didn’t come, I decided to turn to the guy next to me in 1A for a fresh perspective.

Well, here we are, another year behind us, another new start ahead. And what made the cutoff for our list of resolutions? Lose 10 pounds, wake up earlier, save more money, make more family time? But wait-how can we possibly forget everyone’s list topper: To rub your contact lenses every day and replace the solution, to throw your lenses out on time?