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The article discusses several issues that contact lens patients should consider when wearing contact lens. Topics include perfunctory inquiries that can help assess the patient's attitude on his or her contact lens experience before the doctor ever sees the patient, the type of contact lens that the patient wears, and the need for patients to be asked about their replacement regimen.

The article discusses the issue of use of contact lenses by young children. It is often reported by the parents that many eye care practitioners recommend the use of contact lenses by young children. But at the same time other practitioners say that children below the age of 12 years should not be allowed to use contact lenses. It has been proved that the contact lenses reduce the progression of myopia but several clinical trials have also shown that alignment-fitted gas-permeable contact lenses do not slow the growth of the eye.

The article reports on the launch by the Vistakon division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc. of its 1-DAY ACUVUE TruEye contact lens (CL) during the annual meeting that was conducted by the American Optometric Association in Orlando, Florida in 2010. The CL features silicone hydrogel (SiH) that provides several advantages to the users including convenience, flexibility, and hygiene. The lens feature ultraviolet (UV) protection and the company's HYDRACLEAR wetting technology. Several CL-associated measures related to eye health are also identified including, limbal hyperemia, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining.

The article reports several developments in the optical market in the U.S. The Food & Drug Administration has approved Opti-Free RepleniSH Multipurpose Disinfecting Solution to keep contact lens surface moist all day. On the other hand, Essilor of America Inc. has acquired a deal with MGM Optical Laboratory Inc. that allows Essilor to offer products through MGM's ordering locations and customers. The Robertson Optical Laboratories opened a new anti-reflective coating laboratory in its corporate laboratory and office facilities in Atlanta.

This article focuses on a silicone hydrogel contact lenses with lotrafilcon A polymer, that allow wearers around-the-clock vision correction for 30 days of continuous wear. The lens offers oxygen transmissibility of 175 Dk/t, which, according to the manufacturer, is six times higher than conventional contact lenses. Extended-wear contact lenses fell out of favor in 1989, when researchers reported that the incidence of ulcerative keratitis jumped from 4.1 per 10,000 daily-wear soft contact lens wearers to 20.9 per 10,000 extendedwear soft contact lens wearers.

The article discusses the clinical and cosmetic applications of tinted or colored contact lenses. It notes cosmetic lenses which can improve a patient's quality of life by altering natural eye color or providing functional vision improvement, while prosthetic lenses can block or filter light. Other applications of tinted or colored contact lenses include in various sports or activities. The ocular health considerations are also emphasized.

The article discusses the effectiveness of tinted contact lenses in treating a 57-year-old male patient with debilitating fluorescent lighting-induced migraines. Topics covered include the use of the SoftChrome In-Office Tint System in applying the tint to the CooperVision Biomedics XC lens of the patient, and the benefits of in-house tinting of contact lenses, including color modification options and faster delivery time.

The article provides information on proper contact lens care and maintenance. Topics discussed include serious ophthalmic problems which could be the result of improper lens care and maintenance, results of severe cases of keratitis, the goals of proper lens care, the role of pharmacists in assisting contact lens wearers in selecting appropriate lens care products, and the role of pharmacists in identifying patients who may be at risk for drug-contact lens interactions.

The article focuses on the opportunity missed by optometrists who does not prescribe anti-reflective (AR) coating for their patients. Doctor Alan Goldstone shared that he does not recommend AR coating instead he prescribes it as more patients follow his prescription. AR-coated contact lenses were unpopular back in the days as it takes several days to fulfill an order but with smaller high-tech coating systems, more are able to offer the service.

Information on the 2012 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) entitled "Translational Research: Seeing the Possibilities" is presented. The meeting offered clinicians, scientists, and other ophthalmic professionals with innovative as well as interesting presentations and the latest in clinical and pre-clinical research. Topics such as retina update, anti-infectives, and contact lenses as well as drug delivery are discussed.

The article discusses the findings that noncompliance in washing hands when dealing with contact lenses (CL) contribute to eye infections. A research led by Darren Campbell at the Biomaterials Unit at Aston University in Birmingham, England found that hand washing decreases the lipid concentrations transferred to (CL). Charles W. McMonnies of University of New South Wales in Kensington, Australia advocated hand-hygiene guidelines for CL users in his literature review.

The article reports on the development of contact lens (CL) care systems. These systems, which were primarily intended to provide protection, through disinfection, to the eye against potentially harmful microbial agents that may attached to the CL ocular surface, were pioneered by electric-powered heat units in 1973. They have developed into multipurpose (MPS) CL care systems. Solution manufacturers are offering greater disinfection, regardless of patient compliance behavior.

The article discusses a study which found the association of the changes in the sloughing of human corneal epithelial cells with the transient nature of solution-induced corneal staining (SICS) in contact lens wearers, reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry. Baseline measurements of corneal staining were obtained prior to lens insertion and were re-graded after lens removal. Findings showed increased corneal staining in SICS eyes two hours after baseline in the same eyes and when compared to the contralateral eyes.

The article reports on the study conducted on the implication of soft contact lens to the development of myopia in children in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It reveals that wearing soft contact lens do not accelerate the development of myopia in children. There is no clinically meaningful difference between spectacles and contact lenses for treating nearsightness in children. The research dispels the belief that soft contact lenses increase myopia progression than other vision correction options.

The article describes how reporting over-the-counter sales of plano contact lenses on the local boardwalk by ophthalmologist Tim Steinemann to the State Medical Board led to the enactment of a law that required that all contact lenses be considered medical devices. Steinemann traveled to Washington to provide his testimony to the U.S. Congress about his case studies. The bill was signed into law in November 2005, and was enacted in January 2006.

The article presents the gas permeable contact lenses which are manufactured to the exact specifications of the fitter. The highly oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel lenses are available for every possible patient need. Contact lens manufacturers are on a mission to improve oxygen transmissibility and wetting angles.

The article reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has approved labeling claims for Bausch and Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc Multi-Purpose Solution (MPS). The labeling includes a specific indication for ReNu to be used with silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Director of Lens Care Marketing, Gerard Warner explains that the company has pursued the specific labeling claim to clarify and underscore further the appropriate uses of the product.

The article reports on the status of the bill that regulates cosmetic contact lenses in the U.S. The vote at the House of Representatives favors the implementation of the legislation. The bill seeks to ensure the safety of all contact lens wearers. Investigators emphasizes not on the purpose of wearing contact lenses, whether to correct vision or for fun or fashion, but on the risk that consumer faces from wearing them.

Reports on developments in the ophthalmic equipment industry in the U.S. Launch of Bausch & Lomb's Nike Maxsight sport-tinted contact lens; Agreement between Biosignal Ltd. and the Institute for Eye Research to develop an anti-bacterial daily disposable and other frequent-replacement contact lenses for the U.S. and Europe; Appointment of Steve Cech as vice president of research and development of Volk Optical Inc.

Cites a study conducted by ophthalmology professor Peter R. Kastl stating that silicone hydrogel contact lenses may produce fewer complications for patients because of their high oxygen permeability. Ability to deliver more oxygen to the cornea; Available silicone hydrogel lenses on the market; Therapeutic uses of silicone hydrogel lenses; Problems with the lenses' extended wearability. INSET: Take-Home Message.

The article informs that fitting and dispensing contact lenses into the ophthalmic practice is not only a huge investment of money, but also time and energy. Plus, there is the task of getting the word out to patients. While the thought of marketing the dispensary can be overwhelming, numerous marketing support and educational programs are available from many contact lens manufacturers. Eye care firm Bausch & Lomb Inc. seeks a collaborative relationship with eyecare practitioners to help them market their offices and grow their respective products.

This article presents news briefs related to eye care products industry in the U.S. Eye lenses manufacturer Eyefinity Inc. has begun to offer Definity progressive lenses on its web site through an agreement with the Spectacle Lens Group of eye care products manufacturer Johnson &am; Johnson Vision Care Inc. The eye care products manufacturer Sight Resource Corp. has sold the assets of its Shawnee optical subsidiary to a group led by its former president Robert Leonardi for $1.58 million. Leonardi was Shawnee's president before the 1999 acquisition by Sight Resource Corp.

The article discusses whether contact lens (CL) wear is safe for diabetics. Earlier studies showed the association of diabetes and the risk of CL-related microbial keratitis. According to the article, diabetics should be advised of the risks and benefits of CL wear and they should be allowed to make an informed choice.

The article discusses the advances in contact lens (CL) materials and designs which brought advantages to eye care practitioners and patients alike. It cites moves that promoted successful lens wear in the eye care practice including rediscovering the value of fitting guides the CL manufacturers provide. According to the article, many practitioners wanted to get significant revenue from the CLs themselves.

The article discusses a research study which supports the safety of silver salt-infused silicone hydrogel (SiHy) daily wear (DW) contact lenses (CL). Study results indicated the compatibility of silver salt-infused CL with the chosen multipurpose solution (MPS) for lens disinfection, and showed no adverse effects on the clinical performance of galyfilcon A lenses. Findings also revealed significant changes in some of the ocular health measures.

The article offers tips to minimize lens performance of multifocal contact lens (CL) and patient satisfaction in the U.S. It states that multifocal CL work well and provide patients with better vision than monovision lenses in the same amount of chair time as fitting monovision lenses. It notes that education and communication play a key role to ensure product performance and patient comfort as well as establishing patient's sighting performance.

The article offers information on a study that deals with artificial teardrop as a contact lens (CL) lubricant. According to researchers, the artificial teardrop can be used by CL wearers who experience dryness and discomfort caused by their CLs. They assessed the suitability and acceptance of an artificial wear by wearers of hydrogel, silicone hydrogel, and rigid gas-permeable CLs. Though the researchers have already submitted the paperwork to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, they do not have the appropriate labeling and package insert pertinent to a CL wearer.

The article discusses a study which found that soft bifocal contact lenses (CL) with distance centers helped improve children's quality of life after a month of CL wear. The results suggest the possibility for bifocal CL to slow myopia progression. Researchers discovered a significant improvement in the scale of satisfaction after only one month when children in the bifocal contact lens changed from spectacles to CL

The article discusses the results of a study which reported positive response of patients to senofilcon A multifocal contact lenses for treatment of presbyopia after initial fitting and one-week follow-up. The success rate for senofilcon A multifocals in the study was 74 percent while 26 percent of subjects were unsuccessful citing unacceptable near vision as the common cause of failure. Findings also revealed post-blink movement in 84 percent of fittings, push-up tests in 79 percent of fittings, and version lag in 80 percent of fittings.

The article discusses the results of an observational study of patients wearing silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lenses which provided evidence that better compliance favored better outcomes, presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry. The study found that subjectivity rated vision or comfort deteriorate during the day and toward the end of the wearing period. According to Kathryn Dumbleton, senior clinical scientist at the Centre for Contact Lens Research, University of Waterloo, Canada, many patients are poorly compliant about changing their contact lenses. Analysis also showed that replacement frequency played a role in positive outcome.

The article discusses the use of toric soft contact lenses (CL) on patients with odd-shaped corneas, the success of which depends on thorough examination, careful lens fitting and proper lens selection. It says that a major factor in the success of a CL is the stability of their rotation or the way the lens fit on the patient's eye. According to the article, using silicone hydrogel toric CL minimizes rotational issues and improves eye health because of the slower rate of dehydration they create.

The article reports on the recent data from ABB CONCISE's Soft Lens Retail Price Monitor, which states that independent eyecare professionals (ECPs) raised retail prices of 20 leading soft contact lens brands a weighted average of 1.3% during 2008 in the U.S. Of the 20 brands included in the analysis, it notes that the average ECP pricing rose for 18 brands during 2008, while pricing decreased for two brands.

The article reports on the change that occurs in the epidemiology of fungal keratitis seen at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Dr. Kathryn A. Colby states that there was an increase in the number of filamentous fungal infections and more cases occurring in soft contact lens wearers in 2004-2006, compared to 1999-2002 period. Thus, she explains that these infections are mainly due to noncompliance with recommended cleaning strategies and incomplete lens disinfection.

The article reports on the number of visitors to the "All About Vision" Web site, www.allaboutvision.com, reaching another record year in 2006. It has served 7.7 million unique visitors, which is up by 20 percent from 2005, according to weekly reports from WebTrends. The most visited content area of the site is the section about contact lenses, up by 33 percent over 2005. The site receives traffic from other sources, including global news media, academic institutions, and the U.S. government.

The article evaluates the silicone hydrogel multi-focal contact lens Purevision MultiFocal from Bausch & Lomb Surgical Inc. and offers information on the available designs and distinct features of the product.

The article evaluates the Acuvue Oasys brand contact lenses from Vistakon Inc. and offers information on the distinct features and materials and technology used in the product.

The article evaluates the Illumina general-purpose progressive lens product line from Vision-Ease Lens, which includes LifeRx Photochromic Polycarbonate, Plastic Clear CR39 and, SunRx Polarized Polycarbonate, and offers information on the distinct features and materials used in the product line.

The article evaluates the new FreshLook One-Day color contact lenses from CIBA Vision Corp. and offers information on the distinct features and materials and technology used in the product.

The article presents information on a study conducted by Suliman Otman, a clinical researcher at the Welsh Institute of Dermatology at Cardiff University, which reveals that ultraviolet light-blocking contact lenses are not suitable for patients undergoing Psoralen Ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. Thirty different ultraviolet-blocking contact lenses in 120 PUVA patients were tested by Otman over a three-year long period.

Describes an artificial iris diaphragm implant from Kahn Medical Devices that changes the color of the eyes. Comparison with contact lenses in terms of tolerability and appearance; Use of the implant to address problems of oculocutaneous albinism and colobomas; Features of the implant. INSET: Take-Home Message.

The article focuses on teaching contact lens care and handling. Patience is the most important attribute of a good contact lens dispenser. The insertion of a contact lens for the very first time, although easy for some patients, can be a challenge for most patients. Even though the desire to wear contact lenses may be great, the natural reflex of the eye to an oncoming foreign body can be extreme. Often the patient is surprised and embarrassed by this response and that increases the level of anxiety. A calm reassuring manner helps the patient overcome these obstacles. INSET: Keep a supply of contact lens solution handy.

The article presents the author's view on contact lenses. In her practice over the last 10 years, the author has seen a vast improvement in contact lens materials. In the past, many of her patients with dry eye could not tolerate contacts. Now, she is happy to see that these patients can be fit with numerous new types of contact lenses--especially ones that contain the newest polimers such as ornafilcon with phosphorylcholine (PC) integrated into the polymer. These PC molecules attach to water allowing the lens to resist deposits thus function better.

The article focuses on contact lenses. Over the years, some eye-care professionals may have told patients that they could not wear contact lenses due to astigmatism or presbyopia. There area lot of reasons for this. The fact is that even 30 years ago hard contact lenses were available in front toric, back todc, bitoric, and a variety of bifocal designs. Even simple spherical designs were an excellent method of correction for many patients with some astigmatism. However, the products were often expensive for patients, and one or two failures resulting in a refund often turned contact lens fitters away from the whole idea. INSET: Contact lens options abound.

Reports on the approval by the Food and Drug Administration of an enhanced fitting guide for the orthokeratology treatment of Bausch & Lomb Inc. in the U.S. Usage of computer mapping and precise measurements to create the contact lens; Advantage of the fitting system; Qualifications of patients who will be using the fitting system.

This article asserts that wavefront-guided PRK may be superior to standard. According to Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, Wavefront-guided PRK using the CustomVue S4 laser was found to be safe and effective and to induce fewer higher order aberrations when compared with standard PRK. All PRK procedures were performed using the CustomVue S4 laser. No nomogram adjustments were made and the investigators attempted to standardize as much of the procedure as possible. A bandage contact lens was applied after the procedure and standard postoperative medications were prescribed.

The article discusses delivery of drugs via contact lenses. Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology developed a method of delivering drugs via contact lenses. Edwin Chow and Yi-Yan Yang, researchers, use a microemulsion polymerization process to load drugs in a nanostructured polymer matrix that is permeable to gases, water, and tears. By altering the size, concentration, and structure of the polymeric nanoparticles, the researchers hope to control the drug delivery rate and tailor the application to different drugs.

Reports on the efficacy of implantable contact lenses for treating a wide range of myopia in the U.S. Result of 3-year study from U.S. multicenter Myopic Implantable Contact Lens Clinical Investigation; Presentation of the result of the study at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting; Improvement of the result of the study with lower degrees of preoperative myopia. INSET: Take-Home Message.

Looks at the necessity for contact lens businesses to re-evaluate contact lens service in response to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act. Focus on the two components of contact lenses; Simplification of the actual ordering of contact lenses by using the contact lens vendor web sites and direct mail capabilities; Promotion of a new technology to patients as a way to increase contact lens fittings and general eye exams.