CONTACT LENSES TODAY

February 2, 2003

Contact Lenses Today® is edited by Dr. Joseph T. Barr and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum. This week CLToday® reaches 9,291 readers in 74 countries.

Alcon Develops Once-Daily Formulation of Patanol
Alcon, Inc. has developed a new, once-daily formulation of Patanol for allergy sufferers and recently presented the results from two clinical trials involving the drug. In the first trial, where adult subjects were given Patanol once and then exposed to an allergen that previously caused intense ocular allergic reactions, subjects experienced a significant reduction in ocular itching and redness when compared to the placebo group. The second trial demonstrated that the new formulation was safe and well tolerated in children, adolescents, adults and elderly participants. Alcon anticipates approval of its NDA later this year.

Therapeutic CLs Now Used as Low Vision Tool
A new twist on therapeutic contact lenses will aid low vision patients who are challenged with diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and other conditions and impairments. Stan Harper, CEO of Adventures in Color Technology, Ltd., announced that his company has perfected a series of tints that range from yellows to reds and are custom matched to the individual needs of the low vision patient. Adventures in Color Technology also offers a variety of pinhole lenses (with or without color tints) to help minimize glare for patients who are extremely light sensitive. According to the manufacturer, the company hand paints the iris portion to make the lens look like a normal iris.

This Valentine's Day Offer A Lens Design Your Patients Will Fall in Love With: CooperVision's new Crazy Lens heart design is the newest addition to the Crazy Lens family. Available in powers from plano to -4.00D (in 0.25D steps), Crazy Lenses offer a fun lens option for your patients. Order online at www.coopervision.com or contact CooperVision Customer Service at (800) 341-2020 for more information on special seasonal pricing on the heart lens now through Valentine's Day.
--ADVERTISING

First Annual CLES Meeting a Success
Initial results from the first annual meeting of the Contact Lens and Eyecare Symposium (CLES) reveal that between January 22 - 26, more than one thousand people from 46 states and 16 countries registered. Between 750 and 800 eyecare professionals were offered a total of 133 hours of continuing education courses and the exhibit hall contained booths representing more than 50 companies.

Abstract: Hong Kong Researchers Evaluate Ortho-K Lenses
Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Centre for Myopia Reduction interviewed 12 ortho-K practitioners between March 1, 2001 and June 30, 2001 to obtain information about the characteristics of three main types of otho-K lenses (DreimLen, Fargo and Contex) used in Hong Kong. The researchers reported on the performance of the lenses based on the clinical impressions of the interviewed practitioners. They found that the median maximum myopia reduction reported for DreimLens, Contex and Fargo were 6.25D, 6.00D and 4.50D, respectively.
Cho, Pauline; Cheung, Sin Wan; Edwards, Marion H., Practice of Orthokeratology by a Group of Contact Lens Practitioners in Hong Kong, Clin Exp Optom 2003; 86: 1: 42-46.

Editor's Commentary: Insights Into Future CL Use
At last week's successful Contact Lens Institute (CLI) meeting, Brien Holden, Ph.D., predicted that in a few years, 40 percent of the contact lenses used in Australia will be silicone hydrogels. Research is underway to improve the lens designs and surfaces to prevent GPC. Dwight Cavanagh, M.D., indicated that these lenses seem safer than hydrogel lenses for extended wear but proper patient selection is still important. Serious dry eye patients who have blepharitis and acne rosacea and previous contact lens failure should raise raise a red flag in the clinician's mind.

Fitting Tip: Bifocals or Monovision?
This tip is in response to your question, "Do most practitioners prefer bifocal contact lenses over monovision?" I prefer a monovision fit initially with the least amount of near possible to provide adequate improvement. I would then go to a modified monovision with the bifocal in one eye if the patient is having adaptation difficulties. It has been my experience that this preserves good distance vision in most cases. It has also been my experience that presbyopes who don't require a distance prescription find it difficult to wear bilateral bifocal contact lenses and much prefer a one-lens-only solution.
-- Ryan Powell, O.D., Kansas City, Mo.

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