CONTACT LENSES TODAY

January 4, 2004

Contact Lenses Today® is edited by Dr. Joseph T. Barr and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum. This week CLToday® reaches nearly 10,000 readers in 74 countries.

Constricted Eye Arterie Indicates Risk of Amputation for Diabetics
Research from investigators at the University of Wisconsin suggests that the eye disease that commonly affects diabetics predicts their risk of having a foot or leg amputated. They analyzed the data of nearly 1,000 people who have insulin-dependent diabetes and who had undergone eye examinations between 1980 and 1982. These individuals were then followed for 20 years to determine amputation rates. During the 20 years, 10% of patients required an amputation and the researchers tied constricted arteries of the eye to an increased risk of having a lower extremity amputation. Patients who experienced constriction of the eye arteries were up to 3.5 times more likely to have an amputation than others and the link between eye disease and amputation remained even after accounting for the patient's blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Researchers reported their findings from this study in the November issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. They did note that it's impossible to draw conclusions for type 2 patients however, because similar studies of patients who have diabetes that doesn't require insulin have yet to be completed.

ODs Design PRM System for Other ODs
EyeconX has launched its online Patient Relationship Management (PRM) system designed by optometrists for optometrists. According to the company, its system allows eyecare providers to distribute personalized eye health information as well as product/service recommendations. All patients who are registered on the system receive their own Web portal from their eyecare professional where they can access relevant eyecare articles. Optometrists can send automated e-mail reminders for contact lens replacement and reorders as well as post-purchase product instructions. EyeconX also offers appointment time and date reminders, recall reminders and electronic birthday cards. For more information call (866) 533-CONX (2669).

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FDA to Review Verisyse PMA
The FDA will review the Pre-Market Approval (PMA) application for the Verisyse phakic intraocular lens on February 5, 2004. The current PMA application is for correcting -5.00D to -20.00D of myopia in phakic eyes. Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. holds global distribution rights to the Verisyse phakic IOL, which it launched in Europe in 2002, and is the exclusive distributor of the product in North America and in Japan. Ophtec USA, Inc. markets the product outside of North America and Japan under the brand name Artisan.

Abstract: Studying Pigmented Arcs in Orthokeratology
Researchers observed pigmented arcs in two 23-year-old patients starting at one week, at six weeks and at 28 weeks of wear. The subjects participated in a one-year study and then stopped lens wear. The arcs were no longer present after two months of no lens wear.

Cho P, Chui WS, Cheung SW. Reversibility of Corneal Pigmented Arc Associated with Orthokeratology. Optometry and Vision Science 2003;80(12):791-795.

Editor's Commentary: GPs, Eyelids and Vision
Our reader's response (see tip below) about a previous comment I made regarding ptosis with GP lens wear is a good one. Indeed, I think many long-term presbyopic GP multifocal lens wearers use their upper eyelid to "aim" the lens for best distance and then for near vision. I've never heard of superior visual field loss with GP lens wear that's seen in some cases of severe upper eyelid ptosis that require surgery.

To all of our readers: Best wishes for a prosperous 2004.

Fitting Tip: Giving Hope to Patients Who Have Droopy Eyes
We refit some GP patients who had droopy eyes and who were aware of them into soft contact lenses. These patients appreciated the high liklihood that their lids would lift again. But were they happy in their reduced vision acuity? Not every patient will accept that loss. Trials are compulsory, but the patient has the last word when he also discovers that the GPs were less difficult to take care of and didn't dry out at the end of the day.
--Daniela Garese, Optician
Montevideo, Uruguay

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