CONTACT LENSES TODAY
August 28, 2005
Contact Lenses Today® is edited by Dr. Joseph T. Barr and the staff of Contact Lens Spectrum. This week CLToday® reaches more
than 10,000 readers in 74 countries.
Aspirin May Reduce CL Infection
New research from the Vision Cooperative Research Centre (Vision CRC) shows the active ingredient in aspirin can prevent bacteria from
adhering to biopolymer materials and even combat infection. High concentrations of salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin and other NSAIDs, inhibit the
production and activity of surface-associated molecules of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It also reduces the production of virulence factors associated with inflammation
and infection, reducing the destructive effects of the infection. Results suggest it may be possible to use NSAIDs on the surface of contact lenses and other biopolymers
to provide built-in antibacterial properties.
O.D.s Screen Junior Olympic Athletes
A group of O.D.s and students of optometry from the Sports Vision section of the AOA performed free vision screenings for more than 250
athletes in the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games in New Orleans. The goal is to ensure visual problems do not limit athletic performance and to increase the
visual performance of individual athletes. It also provides an opportunity to identify the best types of sports vision testing equipment. The Sports Vision section has
performed this service since 1994. It’s sponsored by CIBA Vision, Indiana University School of Optometry and Illinois College of Optometry.
New Formulation Approved for Alphagan
The U.S. FDA has approved a new formulation for Allergan’s Alphagan P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1%). The company says the
new product is an improved version of Alphagan 0.2%, which was developed to minimize drug exposure while maintaining efficacy. Alphagan P is indicated for lowering IOP in
patients with open-angle glaucoma.
Due to high demand for ACUVUE® ADVANCE™ Brand Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM, VISTAKON® has decided to discontinue the
availability of ACUVUE® Brand TORIC diagnostics.
Since its introduction, the demand for ACUVUE® ADVANCE™ for ASTIGMATISM has been extraordinary. Because so many eye care
professionals have responded to its combination of fast, predictable fit, clear, stable vision and long-lasting comfort, diagnostic lenses of ACUVUE® TORIC will
no longer be offered. Revenue lenses will continue to be available. Existing diagnostic kits (lenses and plastic units) should be kept, as distributors will continue
to carry diagnostic lenses.
--ADVERTISING
Eyefinity Enters Agreement with Walman Optical
Eyefinity and Walman Optical will develop a new interface to expedite the processing of lab orders placed on the Eyefinity Web site.
Orders will be sent directly to the lab’s software system for processing. Eyefinity will also provide marketing services for Walman’s network of optical labs.
Abstract:
Ortho-K Inhibits Central Stromal Edema
A recent study at the University of New South Wales’ School of Optometry and Vision Science in Sydney, Australia, examined the overnight
corneal edema response during ortho-k. Eighteen young adult, myopic patients wore reverse geometry lenses while another group of ten subjects wore a conventional GP
lenses with a similar Dk in one eye only. Both groups wore lenses an overnight wear schedule for one month. Researchers then measured corneal stromal thickness in the
center, midperiphery and periphery in the morning after lens removal after one, four, ten and 30 nights of wear. The overnight response decreased significantly through
the study in both groups. Adaptation of the edema response occurred with continuing overnight lens wear. Results suggest the central pressure exerted by the flat-fitting
base curve of the OK lens acts locally as a clamp to inhibit over night central corneal swelling.
Alharabi A, La Hood D, Swarbrick HA. Overnight orthokeratology
lens wear can inhibit the central stromal edema response.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005 Jul; 45(7):2334-40.
Editor's Commentary:
Choose Your Refractive Procedure Wisely
Last week I talked about using all of the refractive devices and procedures at our disposal in our patients’ best interests. One tool I didn't
mention was Intacs. These intracorneal devices can reduce corneal irregularity in keratoconus patients and improve vision. Collaborative management and care between the
surgeon and contact lens practitioner is key for a successful outcome for these patients. I invite comments on such cases and
suggest http://www.keratoconussolution.com for more information. Please note: This is in no way an endorsement of a
product or procedure. Rather, it is an attempt to inform.
Fitting Tip:
An Eye for An Eye
If a contact lens patient comes in complaining one eye is irritated and has the same correction O.U., use the contact lens from the opposite
eye. This will readily determine whether it’s the eye that’s bothering him or the contact lens.
Miles William Press,
O.D.
Fredericksburg, Va.
This month at www.siliconehydrogels.org http://www.siliconehydrogels.org, review potential adverse responses to the daily
wear of silicone hydrogels, with a focus on contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis, and read about one practice’s success with silicone hydrogel bandage lenses in
a patient with epithelial basement membrane disease and corneal erosion.
Report adverse contact lens reactions here: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/ or
call (800) FDA-1088.
Access a reporting form for complications you've seen that were a result of contact lenses dispensed without a valid
prescription at the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry's (ARBO's) Web
site: http://www.arbo.org/arbo.asp?dt=R&doc=Complications. Complete and send the form online or print it
out and fax it to (866) 886-6164.
Send your favorite tips to tips@cltoday.com -- if your tip is selected
as 'Best of the Month,' you'll receive a free golf shirt (see http://www.CLToday.com for details). Please include your full name,
degree or title and city/state/country.
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