Contact Lenses

Optometric practices offer tinted and colored contact lenses to aid in cosmetic enhancement; however, many eyecare practices are unaware of the therapeutic effects that tinting a lens (contact or spectacle) can offer.

Corneal size does matter. In fact, it can turn a simple soft contact lens fitting into a complex clinical puzzle.

I recently attended one of our Optometry Times webinars, “Increasing your successful multifocal fits,” presented by our Editorial Advisory Board member David Geffen, OD, FAAO. David is one of the sharpest ODs I know, and his mastery of the subject matter was evident. I consider myself to be up to speed on this topic and was amazed at what I didn’t know!

The Optometry Times Editorial Advisory Board takes a look back the most popular contact lens stories of 2014 and discusses why these stories were important to optometry.

Increasingly, many practitioners in today’s practices are using specialty contact lenses. These contact lenses historically have been viewed as hard to fit, difficult to find, and much higher in cost. Let’s look at what’s so special about specialty contact lenses.

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?

Bausch + Lomb recently launched a new convenience pack for eyecare practitioners and their patients that combines Bausch + Lomb Ultra contact lenses and Biotrue multi-purpose solution.

Visioneering Technologies, Inc. (VTI) recently announced its NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day Disposable (etafilcon A) contact lenses received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance.

It is important that we use our influence during the exam to recommend lens care products that will positively influence their wearing experience. Peroxide systems have long been credited with superior cleaning capabilities, leading to better overall patient satisfaction.

Alcon recently announced its support for new standards that advise that contact lens care products be evaluated in accordance with real-world conditions for disinfection.

Johnson & Johnson recently announced the initial launch of 1-Day Acuvue Define contact lenses with Lacreon technology, a lens that will accentuate the eye’s natural beauty while helping to support eye health, according to the company.

A study published in The British Journal of Ophthalmology found that corneal collagen crosslinking appears to be an effective procedure in the management of superficial microbial keratitis.

Where is the research and development in care systems for these patients? Where is the development of new gas permeable materials?

SynergEyes, Inc. has expanded parameters for its Duette Progressive lens, which is now available in 0.1 mm increments.

With Halloween just around the corner, your patients may be looking for something to enhance their costumes, but if they purchase illegal cosmetic contact lenses, they can expect problems long after trick-or-treat.

Alcon recently began a national television, online, and print media campaign in support of Air Optix Colors prescription contact lenses.

A recent survey from Bausch + Lomb from that nearly half of women over the age of 40 are embarrassed or annoyed when reaching for reading glasses.

My grandfather was one of the first instructors in the 100-year old College of Optometry at The Ohio State University. I never knew him; he died when I was 2. He had an optometry practice in my home town. My father was an optician-he made spectacles and managed a lab. So I knew the optometric field as early as I can remember.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a contact lens microbiology workshop in early September as a follow-up to its May meeting to discuss updating recommendations for contact lens and lens care guidance documents. The goal is safer contact lens wear for patients.

CooperVision announced during Vision Expo West that the unilateral pricing policy (UPP) on Sauflon clariti contact lenses will be upheld. CooperVision completed its acquisition of Sauflon Pharmaceuticals Limited in August 2014.

Go down the eye care aisle at your local pharmacy or big box retailer and take a look at the contact lens care solutions. The choices can seem quite daunting to patients who have been given no recommendations before heading to the store.

During the Global Contact Lens Forum at Vision Expo West, Scot Morris, OD, FAAO, provided current information about the status of contact lenses in the United States.

During the Global Contact Lens Forum at Vision Expo West, Jeff Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO, discussed the predicted demise of gas permeable contact lenses.

During the Global Contact Lens Forum at Vision Expo West, Jeffrey Sonsino, OD, FAAO, shared tips on how to establish a specialty contact lens practice.

The deadline for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Unique Device Identification (UDI) rule has been extended for an additional year for some medical device manufacturers.

S. Barry Eiden, OD, FAAO, talks about what you can expect from the Global Contact Lens Forum to be held from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2014 in Las Vegas during Vision Expo West.

Michigan College of Optometry’s Vision Research Institute recently announced the availability the Scleral Lens Fit Scales, a downloadable document was created by the VRI for educational purposes and is designed to assist clinicians in practice.

The Senate Judiciary Committee's nine-member antitrust panel recently met to consider the decisions by Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and Johnson & Johnson to put in place minimum sale prices for some of their products.

Every optometrist who fits contact lenses knows what a problem many patients have with contact lens discomfort. It is likewise a significant clinical challenge.