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The article reviews multifocal scleral lenses and how they can be used to provide an excellent visual solution and also benefit ocular surface disease. Topics discussed include reasons for contact lens dropout, benefits of scleral lenses in dry eye, which is one of the most common reasons for patients to visit their optometrist, and information on currently available multifocal scleral lenses worldwide.

Concern about comfort is the main reason why patients are reluctant to try contact lenses initially and poor comfort is instrumental in patients dropping out from contact lens wear. This "drop out" effect is counter-productive for patients, practitioners and manufacturers. This article examines the multi-factorial reasons why this continues to be one of the main challenges that practitioners face in everyday practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues faced by eye care practitioners in improving patient compliance to prevent adverse events for people wearing contact lens. The mistakes committed when wearing contact lens include not replacing contact lenses and wearing lenses much longer than advised. Information is also presented on the ideal contact lens wearing time and hygiene and lens care.

The article discusses the options for management of contact lens-induced dry eye (CLIDE). It notes that a range of contact lens re-wetting drops which are formulated to be used while a patient continues with contact lens wear can help alleviate CLIDE. According to the author, these products should be distinguished from other forms of moisturisers or comfort drops which provide soothing or refreshing effects for tired eyes. The author stresses that contact lens-friendly products only relieve the symptoms of CLIDE.

The article reports on the mechanical and physiological effect of contact lense wear on the ocular surface of the eyes. It is noted that being aware of the effect of contact lens wear also serves as a basic component in the management of contact lens patients. The recommended approaches for examining and observing the responses of the ocular surface to contact lens wear are cited, including the use of a broad white beam, retro-illumination, and the use of a 2-3 millimeter (mm) vertical slit at 25x magnification.

The article provides insights for contact lens practitioners on the interaction between contact lenses and the tear film. The fluid in the menisci at the lid margins covers the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva and the cornea is called tear film. Tear volume and quality are among the principal characteristics that should be made at the slit lamp with contact lenses in situ. Some of the changes to the film due to contact lens wear involve film structure, film mucins and electrolytes.

The article discusses the classification and chemistry of optical lens materials and describes care regimens that are important in the contact lens dispensing practice. There are many custom-made contact lenses available in Great Britain that are manufactured from materials that are not approved by the British Federal Drug Administration (FDA) but these products may still be classified using the old category system. Several characteristics of contact lenses like wettability and biocompatibility are described.

The article presents a study that deals with increasing toric contact lens prescribing and driving increased patient satisfaction. They can be achieved by offering existing wearers the opportunity to benefit from the latest innovations in design and materials. The author highlights the importance of informing patients about the latest innovations for improved vision, health and comfort. He attributes loyalty to one's contact lens business to successful lens wearers.

The article provides information on SynergEyes contact lenses. A historical overview of hybrid lenses is presented, along with a profile of SynergEyes. The contact lenses feature a special surface treatment known as HydrolEyes that enhances surface wettability. These lenses should be fitted through the use of a diagnostic fitting set. In order to insert the contact lens, it should be filled with saline solution plus a drop of Fluoresoft high molecular weight fluorescein.

The article features eye care products company Alcon. In 2012, Alcon merged with CIBA Vision, creating what is known as the world's largest eye care company. The company will reportedly launch a 'breakthrough technology' in 2013 in contact lenses which comes with a full training programme at the Alcon Academy at Watchmoor Park. Known to offer a wide array of contact lenses and lens care, Alcon's other products include Air Optix, Dailies and FreshLook contact lenses.

The article features SCL Lenses, hand painted soft contact lenses and printed therapeutic contact lenses specialist, established by Steve Lennox in 1990, whose work include contact lenses as optical and cosmetic solutions, and special effect lenses for movie, advertising and music industries. Lennox explains that aside from Europe where demand mainly is, they supply contact lenses to about 40 countries. Vision care company No7 Contact Lenses is their new, exclusive global distributor.

The article reports on CooperVision's Meeting the presbyopic challenge event which was held at the Audi Quattro rooms in West London, England in November 2012. The event was aimed at providing practitioners with the skills needed to maximise their success and confidence when fitting multifocal contact lenses. Karl Aberdeen of CooperVision says running a business is tough and they want to provide practitioners with more knowledge and experience in terms of fitting multifocal contact lenses. INSETS: Workshop 1 - Presbyopia: A peer review approach to maximising...;Workshop 2 - Profiling the presbyope;Workshop 3 - Using enhanced communications to inform and.....

The article discusses contact lenses as a good alternative to spectacles for children who need a refractive correction and offers tips on fitting them. Practitioners are reportedly wary of contact lenses on children because they may not be compliant to instructions. The author believes that with parental help, a child is less likely to develop bad habits. He adds that practitioners should first explain to children that contact lenses are comfortable and are made mostly of water.

The article focuses on a report regarding consumer preference from opticians in Great Britain. Key Note research entitled "Opthalmic Goods and Services" reveals that goods prices and services are key drivers consumers are looking for in an optician. It also reveals that 40 percent wears glasses because they cannot or do not wish to wear contact lenses. The research also shows that online retailing and offering of well-known brands of contact lenses at discounted prices contribute to price deflation in the market.

The article examines the performance of soft toric contact lenses used in correcting astigmatic error. Two studies were conducted to assess the rotational recovery abilities of Lo-Torque and Accelerated Stabilization lens designs where the subjects were assigned a stabilization design on each eye and the Primary Gaze Orientation (PGO) was assessed. The role of lens design characteristics in realigning the lens as well as the importance of keeping stable lens orientation is emphasized.

The article reports on the subject of fitting children with contact lenses which was discussed by optometrist and comedienne Sarah Morgan at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's "Raising the Bar Higher" roadshows held in October 2012. Morgan explained the benefits of contact lenses from a trio of perspectives. She mentions that it is important to show children what a contact lens is.

The article discusses the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and how eyes can be protected from UV rays. Optometrist Simon Donne from Bedfordshire said that long term exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause harm to the eyes and surrounding tissues, such as cataract, pingueculae and pterygia. He said that the best protection is to wear wrap-around glasses, a wide brimmed had and UV-blocking contact lenses for those who need vision correction.

The article offers brief information on eyewear protective product innovations such as Solitaire Protect Plus coated lens from Rodenstock, and the Sport Contrast contact lens from Pace Optics.

The article features the leaflet "Buying Contact Lenses," produced by the British Contact Lens Association and General Optical Council, as part of a Summer consumer campaign on safe contacts. The leaflet lists questions and answers related to contact lenses including asking for a copy of contact lens details and specification to buy contact lenses. Details of the plan for launching the leaflet are offered.

The article addresses how an optometrist can make a transition into a contact lens specialist. It relates the motivation of an optometrist to become a contact lens specialist. It also highlights different types of specialist lenses such as a simple rigid gas permeable lens or a complex bi-toric multifocal rigid gas permeable lens.

The article discusses the predictions of Dr. Philip Morgan of Eurolens Research for the future of contact lenses. He stresses the three clinical aspects in which contact lens must succeed, which are vision, comfort and ocular physiology. He suggests that new contact lenses must be user-friendly and readily available in the marketplace. Other contact lens developments include Toric lenses, multifocal design contact lens and aberration-control with contact lenses.

The article focuses on the continued development of contact lens. It relates the advent of gas permeable (GP) contact lenses in the late 1970s and the explosion of 38 percent hydrogel lenses. It stresses the important role of GP lenses in everyday practice. Other contact lens developments include silicone hydrogel lens and single use lens.

The article discusses research which has found that hyaluronic acid, a common fluid found in human body, can be utilized as a natural moisturising agent in contact lenses. The research was conducted by chemical engineering researchers at McMaster University in Canada. It relates the negative effects of using synthetic materials as a wetting agent. It outlines the other uses of hyaluronic acid, including treatment of patient with dry eyes, and in cataract surgery.

The article focuses on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a material for contact lenses that can measure pressure within the eye. Biomedical engineers at the University of California in Davis was able to develop a fabrication method for the use of PDMS in contact lenses. It describes how the PDMS in contact lens would be able to measure the pressure within the eye. It relates the impact of such capabilities in contact lenses for clinicians.