Survey Shows Monthly Replacement Contact Lens Wearers Report a Decrease in Wearing Comfort over the Course of a Month
About seven in ten monthly silicone hydrogel (71 percent) and hydrogel (68 percent) wearers reported a decrease in wearing comfort as the month progressed. Asked which week of the month, in general, they start to notice that their lenses become more uncomfortable, 95 percent said they become aware of discomfort in weeks three and four. Monthly silicone hydrogel wearers who experienced discomfort tended to notice it earlier in the lens cycle than hydrogel wearers.
The J&J survey also queried lens wearers about their perceptions of the eye care professional's role in communicating the benefits of contact lens innovations. More than eight out of ten (81 percent) say they expect their doctor to recommend an upgrade on comfort grounds, and three quarters state that they would consider seeing their eye care doctor more often if he or she would proactively propose lenses that would give them better comfort. In addition, around nine of ten (91 percent) wearers say they are more satisfied when their doctor shows them lenses that are better for their ocular health and offer more comfort.
To view an article on the survey results visit http://www.jnjvisioncare.com/pdf/cl-research-monthly-081308.pdf.
NFOS to Host Alumni Reception at ABO-NCLE Conference
The ABO-NCLE National Education Conference offers over 150 hours of ABO-NCLE approved optical and contact lens training and education to improve an optician's technical, professional, managerial and personal performance. The weekend also offers review classes for both the ABO and NCLE Basic and Advanced exams, with the corresponding certification examinations offered on-site. The Optical Showcase exhibit hall will feature state-of-the-art products, major companies from the optical and contact lens fields and "show and tell" demonstrations.
This venue is also the location of the Opticians Association of America 2008 National Opticians Convention. Register at www.abo-ncle-conference.com.
Comfort for Performance
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Optometric Nutrition Society Announces Education Meeting
The agenda includes the following speakers and topics: Ellen Troyer MT, MA, Current Thoughts on Nutrition: The Latest from A-Z; Steve Whiting, PhD, Understanding the Importance and Concepts of Full Spectrum Nutrition; Stuart Richer, OD, FAAO, Inflammation and the Retina; Bruce Ames, PhD, Nutrients and Mitochondrial Health; Larry Alexander, OD, FAAO, Nutrients and Neuroprotection; and Jeffrey Anshel, OD, The Role of Nutrition in the Primary Care Practice.
Registration is open to all members of the Society (non-members can join on the website). For details visit www.optometricnutritionsociety.org/.
Registration Open for CLMA Annual Meeting
GSLS Free Papers and Posters Submission Deadline Is September 1, 2008
Those interested in submitting free papers or posters should note that the submission deadline is September 1, 2008. Visit www.GSLSymposium.com for more information or to register for this unique meeting. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Sean Casey at 732-483-4302 or sean.casey@wolterskluwer.com.
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Abstract: Treatment, Material, Care, and Patient-Related Factors in Contact Lens-Related Dry Eye
Several factors were significantly associated with dry eye, including treatment factors such as a recent contact lens refitting (odds ratios [OR] = 5.75, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 2.14 to 15.46) and use of artificial tears/rewetting drops (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.16), in addition, currently worn materials including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) group II (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.14 to 6.19) and IV (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.08 to 3.24). Significant patient-related factors included decreased overall satisfaction (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 2.08 to 5.88,), dry eye in the absence of contact lens wear (OR = 6.54, 95% CI = 2.57 to 16.62), reduced daily lens wear duration (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.26), and reduced ability to wear lenses as long as desired (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.30 to 4.54). Care solutions were not associated with contact lens-related dry eye.
They concluded that the strong association of common treatment factors with dry eye status in contact lens wearers suggests that these treatments are not entirely effective. The use of high water content materials was strongly related to dry eye in lens wearers, whereas care solutions were not. Contact lens-related dry eye was also associated with several patient-related factors such as greater ocular discomfort (without lenses), dissatisfaction, and inability to wear lenses for desired durations.
Ramamoorthy P, Sinnott LT, Nichols JJ. Treatment, Material, Care, and Patient-related Factors in Contact Lens-Related Dry Eye. Optom Vis Sci. 2008 Aug;85(8):764-72.
Editor's Commentary: Recommended Replacement Schedules
Carla Mack, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Report possible grievances related to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act or associated Contact Lens Rule at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.