CONTACT LENSES TODAY

June 23, 2002

Contact Lenses Today® is edited by Dr. Joseph T. Barr and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum. This week CLToday® reaches 8558 readers in 74 countries.

Aussies Report Progress with Implantable Lens
Scientists at the Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology (http://www.crcert.org/) at the University of New South Wales report progress in the development of an implantable contact lens made from a highly porous perfluoropolyether material. Implantation involves removal of the epithelium and placement of the lens on the debrided surface. A biological signal attached to the surface of the onlay material promotes tissue response, and the patient’s epithelium grows over the lens. Scientists are currently seeking funding to begin human trials.

U.S. Research on Phakic Refractive Lenses Continues
A phase-III clinical trial of implantable contact lenses is underway at 15 investigational sites in the United States. Researchers are implanting phakic refractive lenses into myopes ranging from –8.00D to –25.00D, with no more than 2.50D of astigmatism. The foldable lens is inserted through a very small incision, which requires no sutures. Medennium developed the lens, and CIBA Vision is the distributor.

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Dry Eye Drops Move Forward in Clinicals
Inspire Pharmaceuticals reported favorable results for INS365 Ophthalmic drops for dry eye in its second phase III clinical trial. In this 6-month study, the drops showed a highly statistically significant improvement over placebo for corneal staining. Enrollment is underway for the third phase III trial, which is being conducted in a controlled adverse environment. INS365 Ophthalmic is a P2Y2 agonist that activates receptors on the surface and inner lining of the eyelid to release water, salt, mucin and lipids.

Retinal Abnormalities Linked to Mental Decline
Middle-aged adults with retinal microvascular abnormalities may develop cognitive impairment, according to a study published in the June issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers studied 8,734 participants over 10 years and found that those with retinopathy had lower scores on tests of memory and other mental abilities. This link remained even when researchers controlled diabetes, blood pressure and other risk factors.

JAMA Article Supports Vitamin Supplements
On the heels of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, which supports the use of vitamin supplements by AMD patients, an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recommends adults take at least one multivitamin pill a day. The June 19 article states, “Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.”

Editor's Commentary: Choose . . . and Keep a Mentor
While on vacation, I read a good golfing tip: Choose a mentor who will teach you the fundamentals and stick with you. Whether it’s golf or contact lens design, materials, selection, fitting and practice management, take time to work with your mentor. Always make sure you and your mentor continue to work on the fundamentals.

Fitting Tip: Lens Care Kit for the Beach
I love to wear my contact lenses at the beach. Here are some tips for healthy lens wear at the beach:

Take extra contact lenses and eyeglasses.
Daily disposable contact lenses are the best for beach wear.
Take contact lens lubricating eye drops with you for improved comfort after swimming.
Don’t sleep with lenses on after you swim.
Take a good cleaner and disinfecting solution for after swimming if you wear reusable lenses.
Even if you wear UV-absorbing contact lenses, take a good pair of sunglasses.

--The Editor

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