FDA Committee to Review Contact Lens Care Products
Interested persons may present data, information or views, orally or in writing. Written submissions may be made on or before June 5, 2008. Oral presentations from the public will also be scheduled. For more information view the Federal Register notice at http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/E8-11451.htm.
Pennsylvania College of Optometry Becomes a University
"The university's name supports the institution's vision of an academic community that emphasizes a holistic approach to education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and includes a commitment to interdisciplinary learning," according to Salus University President Thomas L. Lewis, O.D., Ph.D. "Our faculty, students, staff and Board of Trustees realize that, as this institution grows and becomes more complex, the name Salus will offer direction, underscoring the value of inter-disciplinary education and early clinical experience that are the hallmarks of our innovative curriculum."
Established in Philadelphia in 1919, PCO was the nation's first nonprofit, independent college of optometry. Over the past 25 years, the College has broadened its focus to include other disciplines and currently offers a total of seven graduate and two professional degrees. In addition to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, PCO today is comprised of the PCO School of Audiology, four programs in Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment and a Physician Assistant program. Through its Center for International Studies, the College brings students and practicing optometrists to Philadelphia through its optometric programs in 17 countries around the world.
Unilens Launches Aspheric C-Vue Daily Disposable Lens
According to Unilens, the C-Vue 1 Day ASV lens is easy to fit and designed with aspheric optics that provide superb comfort and an improved depth of focus at all ranges. Per the company, it is ideal for low level astigmats and early presbyopes, among others.
"With the continued success of our best selling C-Vue Multifocal lenses, C-Vue Toric Multifocal and C-Vue ASV we are now pleased to offer our very first daily disposable single vision solution," stated Michael Pecora, Chief Executive Officer of Unilens Vision Inc. "This new offering expands the Company's portfolio of soft lens products, serving the rapidly growing one-time use daily disposable single vision market."
For additional information on the company and its products visit www.unilens.com.
Comfort for Performance
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CLSA Plans for New Mexico
OWL Elects Markward to Advisory Board
Founded five years ago, OWL promotes professional development, networking opportunities and personal growth for women in the ophthalmic industry and has more than more than 500 members worldwide. For additional information, visit www.owlsite.org.
Vision for Life
Take the World Sight Day Challenge
...and give sight - and hope - to people in need.
Register at www.givingsight.org or contact 1-888-OGS-GIVE / usa@givingsight.org.
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Abstract: Lens Care Solutions and Silver Impregnation of Cases Effect on Bacterial Transmission
For transmission studies, biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus 835 or Pseudomonas aeruginosa no. 3 were grown on lens storage cases and incubated with a contact lens in different multipurpose lens care solutions (Opti-Free Express, ReNu MultiPlus, and SoloCare Aqua) or 0.9% NaCl. In addition, planktonic bacteria were directly suspended in multipurpose solutions and their killing efficacies were determined. The numbers of transmitted live and dead bacteria on the lenses were measured using a combination of plate counting and fluorescence microscopy.
The highest killing efficacies were shown by Opti-Free Express for planktonic as well as for biofilm bacteria. Silver impregnation of lens cases in combination with the prescribed solution increased the killing efficacy for P. aeruginosa in biofilms, whereas effects for S. aureus were minor. Lowest numbers of live and dead bacteria were transmitted to a lens in Opti-Free Express multipurpose solution, with no significant differences between lens types and no effects of silver impregnation.
Vermeltfoort PB, Hooymans JM, Busscher HJ, van der Mei HC. Bacterial transmission from lens storage cases to contact lenses-Effects of lens care solutions and silver impregnation of cases. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2008 Apr 24.
Reader Commentary: More on Daily Disposables
I agree with Dr. Chatelain that daily disposables are a good option, but they are not for every patient. We all know that a large percentage of our patients over wear their contact lenses. For these patients, higher Dk materials (like silicone hydrogels) would probably be more appropriate.
Anthony Wecker, O.D.
Big Rapids, MI
I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Chatelain. Daily disposable contact lenses are by far the best choice for most patients. They are by far the safest, healthiest, most comfortable modality for our patients. About 90% of my eligible patients wear one day contact lenses. Daily disposables comprise greater than 70% of the Japanese market and about 50% of the European market. Do they know something that we in the United States do not?
Michael Greenberg, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O.
Chagrin Falls, OH
Editor's Commentary: Silicone Hydrogel Daily Disposable
Carla Mack, O.D., F.A.A.O.
This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org: the latest advancements in silicone hydrogel lenses, complications relating to over wear of hydrogel lenses, the growing popularity of silicone hydrogel lenses on a university campus, and part one of our 2007 AAO update.
Report possible grievances related to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act or associated Contact Lens Rule at: https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01.