SynergEyes Introduces New Multifocal
SynergEyes, Inc. announced the launch of its new daily-wear SynergEyes Multifocal hybrid contact lens. According to the company, the SynergEyes Multifocal concentrates the optics within two distinct focal ranges, providing patients with sharper vision where they need it most. A choice of multiple add powers allows the near focal range to be placed precisely where the patient prefers without the dilution of optical clarity that typically results from using higher add powers of other multifocal designs, the company states. The company adds that its HydrolEyes surface science gives patients comfortable all-day wear while the HyperBond technology gives a strong bond between the rigid center and soft skirt for long-term durability.
SynergEyes Multifocal has a paflufocon D center with a hemiberfilcon A skirt (27% water) with a reported DK of 100 (center). Parameters include base curve 7.10mm to 8.00mm in 0.10mm steps, and a 14.5mm diameter. Available sphere power is +4.00D to -8.00D in .25D steps; -8.50 to -9.00 in .50D steps; with add powers of +1.25D, +1.75D, and +2.25D. SynergEyes Multifocal will be available in two-pack vials.
SynergEyes is also offering a new Web site where patients can learn more about the lenses at www.myagelessvision.com.
SynergEyes Multifocal has a paflufocon D center with a hemiberfilcon A skirt (27% water) with a reported DK of 100 (center). Parameters include base curve 7.10mm to 8.00mm in 0.10mm steps, and a 14.5mm diameter. Available sphere power is +4.00D to -8.00D in .25D steps; -8.50 to -9.00 in .50D steps; with add powers of +1.25D, +1.75D, and +2.25D. SynergEyes Multifocal will be available in two-pack vials.
SynergEyes is also offering a new Web site where patients can learn more about the lenses at www.myagelessvision.com.
NSU-OCO Partners with TVCI
The Vision Care Institute, LLC, announced its fifth school to participate in its program to extend its professional-level training opportunities for optometry students with distance learning and live programming at on-campus satellite centers. The Northeastern State University Broken Arrow Oklahoma College of Optometry (NSU-OCO) will join optometry schools and colleges throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico already offering learning opportunities from TVCI.
"The Vision Care Institute satellite learning center at the Broken Arrow Campus of Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry is the key link in completing the connection of the NSU state-of-the-art campuses. This link also ties the remote rural constituents to the urban metroplex. Continuing education and new knowledge and skills are now accessible as never before," said Dr. George Foster, Dean of NSU-OCO.
Richard Clompus, O.D., FAAO, Director, The Vision Care Institute, LLC said that additional satellite centers will be built at other optometry schools in the future.
"The Vision Care Institute satellite learning center at the Broken Arrow Campus of Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry is the key link in completing the connection of the NSU state-of-the-art campuses. This link also ties the remote rural constituents to the urban metroplex. Continuing education and new knowledge and skills are now accessible as never before," said Dr. George Foster, Dean of NSU-OCO.
Richard Clompus, O.D., FAAO, Director, The Vision Care Institute, LLC said that additional satellite centers will be built at other optometry schools in the future.
B&L Announces Changing 100 Lives in 100 Minutes Program
On Wednesday, April 9, 100 low-income people in cities and towns across the United States will receive Crystalens cataract-lens implants, free of charge as part of the program, "Changing 100 Lives in 100 Minutes."
Bausch & Lomb, which manufactures the Crystalens intraocular lens (IOL) for cataracts, will donate 100 pairs of these lenses not generally covered by private insurance or Medicare. From coast to coast, 100 participating ophthalmologists will perform Crystalens IOL implantation surgeries simultaneously over the course of an hour and 40 minutes at no additional charge.
"We couldn't think of a better way to show our appreciation for the success of the Crystalens IOL than to share the gift of sight with people who struggle with cataracts," said Andy Corley, president, U.S. Surgical, Bausch & Lomb. "We hope that our contribution, and the contributions of dedicated surgeons across the country, makes a difference in the lives of people in need."
For more details about the Crystalens IOL Changing 100 Lives in 100 Minutes program, visit www.crystalens.com
Bausch & Lomb, which manufactures the Crystalens intraocular lens (IOL) for cataracts, will donate 100 pairs of these lenses not generally covered by private insurance or Medicare. From coast to coast, 100 participating ophthalmologists will perform Crystalens IOL implantation surgeries simultaneously over the course of an hour and 40 minutes at no additional charge.
"We couldn't think of a better way to show our appreciation for the success of the Crystalens IOL than to share the gift of sight with people who struggle with cataracts," said Andy Corley, president, U.S. Surgical, Bausch & Lomb. "We hope that our contribution, and the contributions of dedicated surgeons across the country, makes a difference in the lives of people in need."
For more details about the Crystalens IOL Changing 100 Lives in 100 Minutes program, visit www.crystalens.com
Offer Comfort and Convenience to More Types of Patients
Athletes, teens, part-time wearers, and those who are solution-sensitive, suffer from allergies or frequently travel are all great 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ Brand Contact Lens candidates. All these patient types and more can benefit from the long lasting comfort of LACREON™ technology, the convenience of fresh lenses every day and the protection of Class II UV blocking.* Improve the quality of life for more patients by prescribing 1•DAY ACUVUE® MOIST™ Brand. To learn more, go to:
*Important Product and UV Information | Important Safety Information
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*Important Product and UV Information | Important Safety Information
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Eye Disease Continues to Increase Among Americans
According to a new study from Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute, millions of Americans are currently living with age-related eye diseases, and that number is continuing to climb. The newly revised edition of the "Vision Problems in the U.S." study reveals that of the 130 million Americans aged 40 and older more than 30 million suffer from leading causes of vision loss such as cataract, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
The study updated data from the 2002 Vision Problems in the U.S. report on the prevalence of eye diseases and conditions in America. The findings showed that age-related macular degeneration cases rose 25 percent, the largest increase of the major eye diseases. Currently, 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with AMD. Also, the study shows that diabetic retinopathy affects more than 4.4 million Americans.
To receive a copy of the 2008 Vision Problems in the U.S. report, call Prevent Blindness America at 1-800-331-2020 or visit http://www.preventblindness.org.
The study updated data from the 2002 Vision Problems in the U.S. report on the prevalence of eye diseases and conditions in America. The findings showed that age-related macular degeneration cases rose 25 percent, the largest increase of the major eye diseases. Currently, 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with AMD. Also, the study shows that diabetic retinopathy affects more than 4.4 million Americans.
To receive a copy of the 2008 Vision Problems in the U.S. report, call Prevent Blindness America at 1-800-331-2020 or visit http://www.preventblindness.org.
ISTA Announces Clinical Trial Results
ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported results of a clinical trial of Xibrom (bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution) qd 0.18% formulation, a new formulation of ISTA's ocular, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. The findings demonstrated equivalence between the 0.18% formulation and ISTA's 0.09% formulation of Xibrom given once daily in achieving the primary efficacy endpoint of absence of ocular inflammation 15 days following surgery.
The data also showed no statistically significant difference between the two formulations in achieving the secondary efficacy endpoints of elimination of ocular pain and mean reduction of markers of inflammation (inflammatory cells and flare).
The data also showed no statistically significant difference between the two formulations in achieving the secondary efficacy endpoints of elimination of ocular pain and mean reduction of markers of inflammation (inflammatory cells and flare).
Abstract: Hyper Oxygen-Permeable Rigid Contact Lenses for the Treatment of Pediatric Aphakia
This researchers purpose was to establish the safety and efficacy of a hyper oxygen-permeable rigid contact lens material, Menicon Z, for the fitting of aphakic infant eyes. A prospective study was performed on 16 eyes of 10 newly aphakic infants. Aphakic fittings were performed postoperatively with the Dyna Z intralimbal design of lenses, made exclusively from Menicon Z material for this study. Examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, during which the lenses were used on a 1-week extended-wear basis. The following outcome measures were evaluated at each visit: Fit Characteristics, Ocular Integrity, Usability, and Contact Lens Integrity.
When used for the treatment of pediatric aphakia, the Menicon Z material provided excellent fit characteristics, was not damaging to the ocular structures, was relatively easy to manipulate for caregivers, and maintained its integrity well throughout the course of the study. Because there were no observable increases in the rate of microbial infection during the course of the study, the hyper oxygen-permeable nature of the Menicon Z material seems to provide adequate corneal oxygenation for aphakic children when used on a 1-week extended-wear basis.
The author concluded that the Menicon Z contact lens material provides a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of infants and children requiring aphakic correction. This hyper oxygen-permeable material offers sufficient corneal oxygenation at the lens powers and thicknesses demanded by newly aphakic eyes combined with a low risk for associated complications.
Saltarelli DP. Hyper Oxygen-Permeable Rigid Contact Lenses as an Alternative for the Treatment of Pediatric Aphakia. Eye Contact Lens. 2008 Mar;34(2):84-93.
When used for the treatment of pediatric aphakia, the Menicon Z material provided excellent fit characteristics, was not damaging to the ocular structures, was relatively easy to manipulate for caregivers, and maintained its integrity well throughout the course of the study. Because there were no observable increases in the rate of microbial infection during the course of the study, the hyper oxygen-permeable nature of the Menicon Z material seems to provide adequate corneal oxygenation for aphakic children when used on a 1-week extended-wear basis.
The author concluded that the Menicon Z contact lens material provides a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of infants and children requiring aphakic correction. This hyper oxygen-permeable material offers sufficient corneal oxygenation at the lens powers and thicknesses demanded by newly aphakic eyes combined with a low risk for associated complications.
Saltarelli DP. Hyper Oxygen-Permeable Rigid Contact Lenses as an Alternative for the Treatment of Pediatric Aphakia. Eye Contact Lens. 2008 Mar;34(2):84-93.
Editor's Commentary: Spring Energy
Spring has always been my favorite season because, where I live, we welcome the warm weather changes. I also enjoy spring because I get to teach my favorite course at Ohio State on specialty contact lens fitting. I have the great opportunity of teaching the fitting essentials of soft and GP torics, soft and GP multifocals, orthokeratology, and irregular and post-surgical fitting.
During my first lecture I stated that no longer do I consider soft torics to be a truly specialty design. Long gone are the days of "snowflakes." Manufacturers have worked to provide us with stable and reproducible options in all modalities and materials to fit nearly any power and axis we encounter. I've had discussions with some practitioners who are still somewhat baffled by multifocals with the misperception that the visual compromise is too great for most patients. Again, what a great opportunity I have with a captive audience of soon-to-be practitioners. I explain how multifocal contact lens options are underutilized. There are too many motivated presbyopic patients who would love to wear contact lenses and are not because of our biases, lack of knowledge, or unwillingness to offer the option.
With the soft and GP multifocal options available, it is more than worth your time to learn or retry these designs. Each spring as I prepare for this course, I'm amazed at all the offerings that have entered the market in a year's time that fall under the category of specialty lens designs. I refuse to make a course packet in advance so that I can incorporate the newest innovations. As an educator and a clinician, I'm energized by the array of options because I know it leads to satisfied patients. Energize your practice this spring by learning something new, offering multifocal contact lenses to every potential wearer, or trying a new lens design for your irregular cornea patients.
Carla Mack, O.D., F.A.A.O.
During my first lecture I stated that no longer do I consider soft torics to be a truly specialty design. Long gone are the days of "snowflakes." Manufacturers have worked to provide us with stable and reproducible options in all modalities and materials to fit nearly any power and axis we encounter. I've had discussions with some practitioners who are still somewhat baffled by multifocals with the misperception that the visual compromise is too great for most patients. Again, what a great opportunity I have with a captive audience of soon-to-be practitioners. I explain how multifocal contact lens options are underutilized. There are too many motivated presbyopic patients who would love to wear contact lenses and are not because of our biases, lack of knowledge, or unwillingness to offer the option.
With the soft and GP multifocal options available, it is more than worth your time to learn or retry these designs. Each spring as I prepare for this course, I'm amazed at all the offerings that have entered the market in a year's time that fall under the category of specialty lens designs. I refuse to make a course packet in advance so that I can incorporate the newest innovations. As an educator and a clinician, I'm energized by the array of options because I know it leads to satisfied patients. Energize your practice this spring by learning something new, offering multifocal contact lenses to every potential wearer, or trying a new lens design for your irregular cornea patients.
Carla Mack, O.D., F.A.A.O.
This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: research on patient compliance, piggyback lenses for patients with irregular corneas, measuring intraocular pressure over higher modulus lenses, and part 1 of our 2007 AAO update.
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