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EyeQuip Introduces New Corneal Topographer
EyeQuip announced the introduction of the Piccolo Corneal Topographer, the third addition to the Keratron Topographer line. According to EyeQuip, the Piccolo offers the same software features as the Keratron and Scout topographers but in a much smaller form. Per the company, the Piccolo is designed to mount on most slit lamps and connects to any recent Windows computer. Features include: standard maps including Corneal Wave Front, auto-capture, Keratoconus detection, spherical aberration measurement, repeatability check, free software updates and networking and Wave Contact Lens Design Software.
Paragon Awarded Fourth Patent for Paragon CRT
Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc. was recently awarded its fourth United States patent for Corneal Refractive Therapy or CRT. The newest patent issued is for methods of fitting Paragon CRT lenses for overnight corneal reshaping. According to Paragon the patent complements previous patents for the CRT lens design itself and the methods of design and manufacturing. The co-inventors of the four patents are William E. Meyers, Ph.D. and Jerome A. Legerton, O.D., MS, MBA, FAAO.
CLSA Meeting Announced
The 53rd Annual Education Meeting of the Contact Lens Society of America (CLSA) will be held March 5-8, 2008 at the Hotel InterContinental in New Orleans, LA. Featured lecturers include: Michael A. Ward, FCLSA, FAAO, Craig Norman, FCLSA, Mark Andre, FCLSA, FAAO, and Marcus Soper, FCLSA, BCO. Guest lecturer James Chodosh, M.D., will present on The Artificial Cornea. Register online at www.clsa.info.
Global Keratoconus Congress 2008
The second Global Keratoconus Congress will be held this week, January 25-27, 2008, at Ballys in Las Vegas. The more than 300 current registrants hail from 24 different countries. Be a part of this exciting educational event. There is still time to register on line at
http://www.GKCongress.com and registration will also be available on-site.--ADVERTISING
Abstract: Contact Lens Patient Non-Compliance Examined
Researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center looked to assess the extent of noncompliant behavior of contact lens wearers and to develop strategies of engaging and educating patients to increase compliance with safe contact lens practices. The literature regarding noncompliance with medical regimens, contact lens wear, and cleaning was reviewed. One hundred eleven contact lens wearers from a college campus, a dental clinic, and ophthalmology clinics were surveyed in a pilot study regarding their contact lens knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with SPSS software.
A review of the literature found overall rates of noncompliance with medical regimens varies from 24.8% to 44%, and the rates reported for contact lens wearers varies from 50% to 99%. Noncompliant behavior affecting the safety of contact lenses is more common than behavior affecting lens comfort. This study found that many lens wearers thought they were compliant, but actually reported a wide variety of noncompliant behaviors.
The authors concluded that although there have been remarkable advances in contact lens science, noncompliance with lens-wearing schedules, replacement schedules, and lens care regimens remains a significant problem of contact lens complications and lens failure. Noncompliant behavior is a complex phenomenon that involves knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and available resources. Data regarding strategies for increasing compliance are scant. Noncompliance must be considered in the development of future lens care products and must be addressed by eye care professionals when patients are fitted with contact lenses and at each follow-up appointment.
Donshik PC, Ehlers WH, Anderson LD, Suchecki JK. Strategies to better engage, educate, and empower patient compliance and safe lens wear: compliance: what we know, what we do not know, and what we need to know. Eye Contact Lens. 2007 Nov;33(6 Pt 2):430-3; discussion 434.
Editor's Commentary: What are you worth?
While serving on a University Committee I had the pleasure of having a discussion with a third year dental student also on the committee. He proudly exclaimed that they are taught to not be shy about charging for their services. He said that most of the materials they use in dentistry are of relatively low cost and that most of what patients pay for is the expertise of their dentist. He went on to say that when he is in practice he plans to be a non-participating provider of insurance plans. I admired this young man and the fact that he saw great value in what he was providing. I've always said that, in general, dentists have the correct mindset when it comes to insurance and fees. I hate to keep saying this but I think optometrists, in particular, have a lot to learn about value.
Carla Mack, O.D., F.A.A.O.
This month at http://www.siliconehydrogels.org consider whether silicone hydrogels require one or more unique FDA class(es); review the case of a pediatric patient successfully fit with silicone hydrogels after a diagnosis of unilateral congenital cataract; read about a study designed to determine the quantity and identity of protein deposited on silicone hydrogel lenses; and review the latest silicone hydrogel research in part two of our synopsis of the 2007 BCLA meeting.
Report adverse contact lens reactions here: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ or call (800) FDA-1088.
Send your favorite tips to tips@cltoday.com. Your tip may be selected as best of the month. See http://www.CLToday.com for details. Please include your full name, degree or title and city/state/country.
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