Sunday, March 28, 2010 A free weekly e-mail newsletter brought to you by: 
CLToday Contact Lens Spectrum
Edited by Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum
This week CLToday® reaches more than 14,000 readers in 74 countries. 
  Submit News | Newsletter Archive | Subscribe | Contact Us www.cltoday.com | www.clspectrum.com  

ST to Develop and Supply Wireless Sensor for Sensimed's Continuous Eye Pressure Monitor, "Smart" Contact Lens

STMicroelectronics (ST), a leading supplier of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) devices for consumer and portable applications, announced that it will develop and supply a wireless MEMS sensor that acts as a transducer, antenna and mechanical support for additional read-out electronics in a breakthrough platform developed by Swiss company Sensimed AG. According to the companies, this product will enable better management of glaucoma patients via earlier diagnosis and treatment that is optimally tailored to the individual patient.
     Known as the Sensimed Triggerfish, the product is based on a "smart" contact lens that uses a tiny embedded strain gauge to monitor the curvature of the eye over a period of about 24 hours, providing valuable disease management data that is not currently obtainable using conventional ophthalmic equipment.
    The Sensimed Triggerfish is a two-part system comprised of the smart contact lens and a small receiver worn around the patient's neck. In addition to the strain gauge, the lens contains an antenna, a tiny dedicated processing circuit and an RF transmitter to communicate the measurements to the receiver. The lens is powered via the received radio waves and does not need to be connected to a battery. The embedded components are positioned in the lens in such a way that they do not interfere with the patient's vision. The lens is fitted by the eyecare practitioner and, when the patient returns the next day, the eyecare practitioner removes the lens and receiver, obtaining a complete record of IOP changes over the preceding 24 hours.
     The Sensimed Triggerfish has obtained the CE mark and the company is currently running numerous application trials. ST engineers are now working with Sensimed to translate this breakthrough technology into a reliable commercial MEMS product ready for mass production. ST expects the development of the MEMS sensor to be completed in Q2 2010 and manufacturing to start in Q3 2010, with availability outside trials to doctors and patients subject to regulatory approvals. Sensimed and ST anticipate progressively rolling out the product country-by-country across Europe beginning in Q3 and entering the US market by the end of 2011.

BCLA Conference Early Registration Deadline Extended

The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) reports its 34th Clinical Conference and Exhibition, which takes place May 27-30 in Birmingham, UK, is on track for another attendance record. The past three BCLA Clinical Conferences have attracted more than 1,000 delegates and set a new attendance record each year. There is still time to save on registration as the lowest half-price rate has been extended to March 30.
     Among many new features of this year's conference is a rapid-fire session on specialty lenses, chaired by Professor Nathan Efron and Jonathan Walker. Among the topics covered will be advances in lens care solutions and care techniques, multifocals, pediatric lenses, orthokeratology and specialist lens geometry, as well as the latest wavefront designs for asymmetric corneas. 
     So far, a total of 45 contact lens and contact lens related companies have booked space for the accompanying exhibition, which runs from Friday to Sunday (May 28-30). This year's conference will offer even more opportunities for delegates to hear about the very latest developments from industry and be among the first to handle new products launched at the event. Entry to the exhibition is open to non-delegates as well as registered delegates and is free of charge.
     The conference brochure and latest program are available on the BCLA website, www.bcla.org.uk, along with registration and hotel information/reservations. 

Thinsite2 Now Offered in More Material Options

Art Optical announced the availability of additional GP lens materials in the Thinsite2 ultra-thin lens design. A re-engineered version of the original Thinsite design, Thinsite2 was originally offered exclusively in BostonXO2 lens material. By practitioner request and to add greater versatility to the design applications, the company added Boston ES and Boston EO as available material options.
     Thinsite2 utilizes patented design technology combined with advanced lathing techniques to generate a thinner overall lens profile that reduces lens mass and increases oxygen transmissibility while maintaining lens stability. According to the company, the ultra-thin and light lens profile aids lens centration and promotes healthy lens wear, especially for patients with extreme cases of myopia and hyperopia. By eliminating stress points, Thinsite2 is less prone to lens flexure than other ultra-thin designs, even in lower powered lens parameters. Junctionless front surface technology reduces lens awareness and lid interaction to promote easier, faster adaptation.
     Manufactured exclusively by Art Optical, the lens is available in parameters to fit the vast majority of patients. For additional information on Thinsite2, visit www.artoptical.com or contact the Art Optical Customer Care or Consultation team at 800-253-9364.

Call for Papers and Posters for Upcoming CLAO ERF Contact Lens Research Symposium

The Education Committee for the CLAO Education and Research Foundation (CLAO ERF) is now soliciting free papers and posters for its biennial Research Symposium which will be held on September 23-25, 2010 at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas. Individuals interested in submitting a paper or poster for consideration may obtain a "Free Paper Submission Form" or "Poster Submission Form" by visiting the CLAO ERF Home Page at www.clao.org  or by contacting the CLAO Home Office via phone 877-501-3937, fax 651-731-0410 or email eyes@clao.org.     

Uncover the Contact Lens Patients Who Are Suffering Silently

Your contact lens patients may be suffering in silence when it comes to comfort. Though 90% of patients state that they are satisfied with contact lenses,1 almost 1 in 5 contact lens wearers are considering dropping out.2 The primary reason? Discomfort.2 But there's hope. Just by asking the right questions, you can reveal those patients who are experiencing discomfort in their current contact lenses. And by recommending ACUVUE® OASYS™ Brand Contact Lenses, you can open their eyes to a new world of comfortable, healthy, contact lens wear!

$75 rebate for new wearers! Good when patients get an eye exam and purchase 8 boxes of ACUVUE® OASYS™ (spherical product only)
Visit jnjvisioncare.com/rebate for more details.

1. Contact Lens User and Engagement Study, Jan-Oct 2008 & US Government Census Data. 2. 2008 Gallup study of the consumer contact lens market.
     ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the
package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting jnjvisioncare.com.
     HYDRACLEAR® Plus is our brand name for the next generation of our proprietary technology that allows us to use a higher volume of a moisture rich wetting agent in a state of the art formulation. This creates a more wettable, ultra smooth contact lens, especially for challenging environments that make eyes feel dry.
     ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS™, HYDRACLEAR®, and VISTAKON® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
© Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2010.

--ADVERTISING

Contact Lens Wearers Seek Relief from Spring Allergies

While eye allergy symptoms are a year-round problem for many, about 67 percent of allergy sufferers say that Spring is the time of year when eye allergy symptoms are worst, according to a recent survey conducted by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). For respondents who wear contact lenses, Spring is particularly frustrating as nearly half (45%) say that their eye-related allergy problems often prevent them from wearing their contacts, and one in ten (12%) admits to having to stop wearing their contacts because of allergies.
     To help allergy sufferers better understand and manage their condition, AAFA offers a free educational brochure titled Eye Health and Allergies. The brochure, which also includes smart allergy season strategies for contact lens wearers, can be viewed or downloaded at www.aafa.org/eyeallergies. For eyecare professionals, a PDF copy is available to use on practice websites and printed copies are available free of charge. To receive bulk copies (50 brochures per set) for your office, please e-mail your request, making sure to include your name and mailing address to eyeallergybrochure@rprmc.com.

Can-Fite and NIH Apply for a Patent to Treat Uveitis

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd, a biopharmaceutical company developing anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs, announced the filing of a patent application, in conjunction with the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), for the treatment of Uveitis with its A3 adenosine receptor ligands. Uveitis is the third ophthalmology indication being pursued by Can-Fite, in addition to Dry Eye Syndrome and Glaucoma. Can-Fite successfully concluded a Phase II clinical study in patients with dry eye syndrome recently, and is currently conducting a Phase II clinical trial in patients with Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.
     Can-Fite and the National Eye Institute of the NIH, which collaborate under a Material-Transfer Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, conducted animal studies which demonstrated the efficacy of Can-Fite's lead molecule, CF101, in the treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis. The submitted patent application protects the use of A3 adenosine receptor agonists for the treatment of Uveitis.
     Prof. Pnina Fishman, CEO of Can-Fite, said "The current standard of care for patients with uveitis is steroids and systemic immunosuppressive therapy. The lack of specific drugs for the treatment of this condition creates a need for novel targeted therapies such as the products Can-Fite develops."
     For more information on the company, visit www.canfite.com

ScienceBased Health Announces New Optometric Advisory Board

ScienceBased Health (SBH), a provider of premium nutraceuticals for eye health, announced its new Optometric Advisory Board. The Board will help guide the company's expanded educational focus in the optometry market and work together with SBH's Scientific Advisory Board on other initiatives.
     The Optometric Advisory Board members include: Kenneth Daniels, OD, FAAO, Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor in the Centers for International Studies and National Eye Institute Clinical Investigator at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry; Paul Karpecki, OD, FAAO, Research Director, Corneal Services and Ocular Disease, Koffler Vision Group, Lexington, KY; Jim Owen, OD, FAAO, MBA, Optometric Director, Alvarado Eye Associates, Encintas, CA; Peter Shaw-McMinn, OD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Studies, Southern California College of Optometry and Senior Partner, Sun City Vision Center; and Kirk Smick, OD, Chief of Primary Care Services, Clayton Eye Center, Atlanta, GA.
     SBH formulations are available through eyecare practitioners who distribute the products or directly from SBH by calling 888.433.4726 or visiting www.sciencebasedhealth.com.

Abstract: Ocular Surface Comfort During the Day of Contact and Non-Contact Lens Wearers Assessed by Instant Reporting

Researchers wanted to compare instant reporting of comfort throughout the day in hydrogel, silicone-hydrogel, gas-permeable, and non-contact lens wearers.
     More than twenty subjects were recruited per group. Comfort scores were recorded using short message service (text message) in the morning (9:00-11:00 am), afternoon (2:00-4:00 pm), and night (7:00-9:00 pm) using a 0 (causes pain) to 100 (excellent) scale.
     The pooled comfort scores across all groups and time periods revealed that data are skewed toward high values: 88% of the scores fell between >or=70 and 100, whereas the remaining 12% fell between >or=40 and <70. Comfort changed significantly over time (P=0.003), but no significant differences were found between groups (P=0.66) or in the interaction between time and group (P=0.79). Hydrogel and silicone-hydrogel contact lens-wearing groups showed similar reductions in afternoon (-4.5 +/- 11.8 and -4.5 +/- 8.6, respectively) and night comfort scores (-8.3 +/- 14.1 and -9.1 +/- 8.7, respectively), and these were greater than those found in gas-permeable and non-contact lens wearers both in the afternoon (-1.0 +/- 11.3 and -1.8 +/- 16.3, respectively) and night (-7.3 +/- 9.7 and -4.1 +/- 21.9, respectively).
     Hydrogel and silicone-hydrogel contact lens wearers' comfort scores are reduced at night compared with morning. The authors stated that the slight comfort reduction at night versus morning found in non-contact lens wearers might be related to ocular or general physical fatigue, which suggest the possibility that reduced end-of-day comfort reported by contact lens wearers might not be solely related to contact lens wear. They also concluded that the results of this study also suggest that interpretation of comfort scores should be carried out with caution.
Santodomingo-Rubido J, Barrado-Navascues E, Rubido-Crespo MJ. Ocular surface comfort during the day assessed by instant reporting in different types of contact and non-contact lens wearers. Eye Contact Lens 2010;36:96-100.

Editor's Commentary: Fitting Tips Welcome

One of the things we like to hear and report on are your contact lens fitting and practice tips. I'd like to hear more from you in this regard so that we may print these valuable suggestions. We can't usually print them all, but we are going to make a concerted effort to relay more of them to our readers. Please send tips to me directly at jnichols@optometry.osu.edu.
Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO

This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: a review of the potential uses, efficacy, safety and clinical performance of antimicrobial contact lens technology.

Report adverse contact lens reactions here: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ or call (800) FDA-1088.

Report possible grievances related to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act or associated Contact Lens Rule at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.
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.
For more information on Contact Lenses Today including archives of previous issues or to subscribe to this newsletter, please visit our website at www.cltoday.com. For the latest articles on contact lenses, important clinical information and helpful tools related to the contact lens practice visit the Contact Lens Spectrum website at www.clspectrum.com.
CLToday Services: Subscribe; Unsubscribe; submit news to news@cltoday.com.
Contact Lenses Today and CLToday are registered trademarks of Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions VisionCare Group, 323 Norristown Road, Suite 200, Ambler, PA 19002 | 215-646-8700

Contact Lens Spectrum | 323 Norristown Road, Suite 200, Ambler, PA 19002

If you prefer not to receive e-mail from us, please use the following link to remove your e-mail address from our list: Unsubscribe

This message was transmitted by Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions VisionCare Group | 323 Norristown Road, Suite 200, Ambler, PA 19002 | 215-646-8700

View Our Privacy Policy | Contact Us - Please do not reply to this e-mail message.

Please make sure our e-mail messages don't get marked as spam by adding lwwvisioncare-media.com to your "approved senders" list.