CONTACT LENSES TODAY
August 26, 2007
Contact Lenses Today® is edited by Dr. Carla Mack and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum. This week CLToday® reaches more than 12,000 readers in 74 countries.
Alcon, B&L Settle Promotional Suit
Alcon Labs and Bausch & Lomb (B&L) have settled a lawsuit B&L filed concerning Alcon’s promotional claims about its ReNu MultiPlus multipurpose disinfecting
solution (see CLToday, July 1, 2007). The suit concerned Alcon’s use of a color-coded chart that identifies differences in superficial punctate transient corneal staining profiles observed in Dr. Gary
Andrasko’s research. Alcon has agreed to change the red-yellow color scheme used in its promotional materials. In light of the companies’ agreement, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice and without payment of
any damages from either party.
According to a joint release issued by B&L, there are several factors that may contribute to the risk of corneal infection and the parties acknowledge that there is no
clinical evidence that the differences in corneal staining observed by Dr. Andrasko increase the risk of infection.
CooperVision names new CEO
CooperVision has appointed Robert Weiss, currently the company’s chief
operating officer, to succeed Thomas Bender. In April, Mr. Bender announced his
plans to retain a role with the company, but step down from the position by the
end of the year. Mr. Weiss has been with CooperVision for 30 years. He will
takeover on Nov. 1, 2007, the start of the company’s 2007-08 fiscal year.
CLAO Annual Meeting, Awards Research Grants
The Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO) will hold its annual meeting at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from October 5 to 6, 2007, immediately following the Education and
Research Foundation (ERF) Scientific Symposium, which takes place from October 4 to 5. Program highlights include major international symposia presented by the Japan Contact Lens Society (JCLS), European Contact
Lens Society of Ophthalmologists (ECLSO) and the Brazil Society of Cornea and Contact Lenses (SOBLEC). Visit
http://www.clao.org for information and registrations forms.
The CLAO ERF has also awarded $10,000 grants to three scientific researchers to explore issues directly related to contact lens and ocular anterior segment science:
• Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, O.D., M.S., Cleveland, Ohio. Research title: "Role of Bacterial Biolfilms in Infiltrative Keratitis."
• Danielle M. Robertson, O.D., Dallas, Texas. Research title: "CTL/IGFBP3 Regulation of Corneal Epithelial Apoptosis."
• Amanda Ackerman, University of California, Berkeley. Research title: "Exploring Corneal Epithelial Barriers to Bacterial Infection."
Teachers Believe Clear Vision as Important as Nutrition to Academic Success
A new survey reveals 93% of teachers believe poor vision impacts a student’s academic performance and 74% of those surveyed have personally observed children falling behind in school
due to vision problems. The survey involved 509 kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and was conducted by Russel Research on behalf of Give the Gift of Sight foundation. The teachers surveyed estimated that two
in five of their students suffer from vision problems, more than one-third of which they say have not been treated. Other findings include:
• 82% of teachers believe poor vision hinders academic motivation
• 70%
believe poor vision negatively affects self-confidence
• 64% believe it affects a child’s ability to enjoy sports and games
• 40% believe poor vision affects a student’s ability to develop social
skills.
The teachers surveyed also believe eye care should be provided for underprivileged children, with 88% saying that exams should be offered free of charge for students who can’t afford them, 87%
believe these children should receive free vision screenings and 80% think they should receive free prescription eyeglasses. For more information, visit
http://www.givethegiftofsight.org.
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Important Safety Information
Link to disclaimer:
--ADVERTISING
Global Keratoconus Congress 2008
Contact Lens Spectrum and the LWW Health Care Conference Group will host the second Global Keratoconus Congress (GKC), January 25-27, 2008, at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las
Vegas, NV. As with the 2007 meeting, the 2008 congress will include information for vision care professionals in all disciplines, with both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. GKC 2008 will also feature
15 new speakers providing hands-on workshops, strategies for irregular astigmatism and expert insights into fitting after surgery and corneal trauma. More than 500 participants attended the 2007 meeting, which
was accredited for continuing education under COPE, NCLE and JCAHPO and offered 17.5 credit hours. Those interested in attending the 2008 Global Keratoconus Congress can visit
http://www.GKCongress.com for more information
or to register for this unique meeting. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Heather Seasholtz at 215-643-8073.
Additionally, the Educational Program Committee of the Global Keratoconus Congress
invites the submission of abstracts for the Free Papers and Scientific Posters Competition to be held January 25-27, 2008 in Las Vegas. Papers and Posters related to keratoconus, corneal topography, post
penetrating keratoplasty or related irregular corneal surface, gas permeable lens and lens care topics are welcome. Please visit
http://www.GKCongress.com for information.
--ADVERTISING
Give Sight, Give Hope
Join the World Sight Day Challenge on October 11, 2007. Optometry Giving Sight hopes practitioners will help give sight to the millions in need by: donating exam fees on World Sight
Day, signing up for a regular monthly donation of $25, $50 or $100, and asking patients to add $5 to their invoices in October. Visit
http://www.givingsight.org.
Abstract:
CL-Related Microbial Keratitis Risk Factors
Researchers in Sydney, Australia recently conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary referral hospital to determine the characteristics of, and risk factors for contact lens (CL)
related presumed microbial keratitis. They identified 291 cases of presumed microbial keratitis over a two-year period and reviewed the records for a history of CL wear and, where identified, collected CL, demographic
and clinical data. They also identified lens wear controls through a community telephone survey.
The investigators found 99 (34%) new cases of presumed microbial keratitis associated with CL wear. Overnight
soft lens use was associated with an increased risk of infection compared with daily-disposable wear. When compared with older wearers, researchers found the risk of infection was 3.5 times greater for patients age
15 to 24. Of the 84 cases with available data, 24 (29%) lost two or more lines of BCVA. A delay in treatment of 49 to 72 hours was associated with a 4.5 times greater risk of visual loss compared with those who sought
treatment earlier. Of the 99 cases of infection, 88 were scraped and 78% (69 of 88) returned a positive culture with gram-positive bacteria as the predominant causative organism.
They conclude that overnight
use of CLs and youth carry a greater risk of infection and remind practitioners of the importance of reinforcing proper CL care at all times and early presentation following onset of symptoms.
Edwards K,
Keay L, Naduvilath T, Snibson G, Taylor H, Stapleton F. Characteristics of and risk factors for contact lens-related microbial keratitis in a tertiary referral hospital. Eye. 2007 Aug 17;[Epub ahead of
print].
Editor's Commentary:
Be Proactive
It appears my commentary on comfort last week was interpreted in two different ways. First, let me clarify: I do feel that contact lens comfort is an issue, but often, the practitioner
needs to be proactive in recommending better or improved contact lens materials, modalities and care solutions. Contact lens patients often don’t know or realize that they could have improved contact lens comfort
unless you show them (see “CLC Survey: Many Patients not Aware of New CL Options,” CLToday, August 19, 2007).
I didn’t mean to imply that the industry has led us to believe contact lens discomfort is
a bigger issue than it is in reality. My patients are often appreciative of the improvements in contact lens comfort and increased wearing time that they receive from my recommendations. Many of these patients
presented as apparently content, comfortable contact lens wearers.
But, I want your feedback! If you have something to say, please contact us at
news@cltoday.com.
Carla Mack, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Reader's Commentary:
Flight-Size Solution
I’ve had two patients ask where they can buy a 3 oz. or smaller bottle of their contact lens solution for use in an airplane. I have asked two sales representatives from the solutions
companies and no one has an answer. The only solution (pardon the pun) I’ve found to this problem is to give a sample size (2 oz.) to these patients for use onboard a plane. Has anyone found a 3 oz. size for sale
anywhere or know whether the industry will address this issue? Does anyone have a better solution?
Diane G. Fries-Balog, O.D.,
Pottstown, Pa.
Editor's Response:
Adhering to Regulations
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) caught us all off guard by limiting liquids to 3 oz. in carry-on luggage. I've had great conversations this week with several companies who
manufacture contact lens solutions and I can assure you they are all looking into this issue and take our concerns seriously. The best recommendation I received was to delve into the TSA website further where I
learned something new: contact lens solutions and eye drops are, in fact, exempt from the size limitation (http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm)
However, if you do
have a solution that is over the 3 oz. size or is not revealed in the clear, one-quart, zip-top bag, you must declare it to airport security for further inspection. My recommendation would be to have a copy of
the guidelines with you and ready to show the official as well. Of course, this will not guarantee your solution will not be confiscated, but it’s a good proactive try nevertheless.
This month at http://www.siliconehydrogels.org review the discussion of whether SH lenses have solved the problems seen in daily wear, and read about fitting SH lenses to myopic
presbyopes. Differences in tear volume with low and high water content SH and hydrogel lenses are revealed in this month's poster.
Report adverse contact lens reactions here: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ or call (800)
FDA-1088.
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