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The article provides insights on creating a thriving specialty contact lens practice, emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge and training. Topics discussed include building expertise through advanced education and hands-on experience, developing strong referral relationships, and ensuring comprehensive practice support with the right diagnostic lenses and staff.

Astigmatism is commonly found in patients all over the world. In the United States, approximately 30% of the general population has astigmatism of at least 1.00D. (1), (2) In Germany, [...]

With so many contact lens materials, parameters and modalities available today, it is important for the eye care practitioner to match the proper lens to each individual patient. Much information [...]

Last year's Fusarium keratitis outbreak brought a heightened awareness to contact lens care. Thanks to widespread publicity by the lay media, patients and practitioners alike have learned that solution composition [...]

The article discusses the safety measures of using contact lenses. It outlines the different types of contact lenses which include the scleral gas permeable (GP) contact lenses represent the fastest growing segment of the specialty contact lens industry. It outlines some procedures of filling and cleaning scleral lenses.

The article offers ideas for optometrists on how to help patients avoid confusion between look-alike products. According to the author, the prevalence of products that seemed to be alike because of their packaging causes medication error. She emphasizes the relevance of research in order for optometrists to educate their patients about certain products. The relevance of communication between optometrists and patients is also emphasized.

The article explains how eye care practitioners should keep astigmatic patients happy and satisfied in presbyopic lens choices available in the market. The demand of baby boomers and Generation Xers for optimal technology to correct both their astigmatism and their presbyopia is noted. It also discusses the need to perform a thorough health evaluation of the eyes, to assess the patient's personal characteristics, and to know the light levels at the vocation and avocations of the patient.

The article examines the testing methods of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for evaluating the activity of contact lens care productions in the U.S. The stand-alone testing examines a single solution and determines whether it can kill certain microorganisms. Meanwhile, the regimen testing evaluates the disinfection solution and all of the additional components of a care system.

The article reports on contact lenses in relation to the boomer and boomlet generations. It mentions that the business of providing contact lenses must consider the needs of different demographics in order to survive. The differences between the eye conditions of boomers or those people born between 1946 and 1964 and their offspring are discussed. The different needs in contact lenses in relation to demographics are also presented.

The article presents continuing education for optometrists on different care systems for cleaning and disinfecting hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Hydrogen peroxide disinfectants provide a thorough cleaning by expanding the lens matrix and oxidizing microbes. The PuriLens System uses a combination of subsonic cleaning and ultraviolet-c light to disinfect soft lenses. The article also presents some lessons learned from the Fusarium and Acanthamoeba keratitis outbreaks.

The article reflects a study concerning patient compliance with proper lens cleaning methods in the U.S. According to the study, an estimated 75% of lens wearer does not receive a full explanation and demonstration of their prescribe care systems. Furthermore, Bausch & Lomb Optical Co. considers the noncompliance as a major factor in the outbreak of Fusarium keratitis in 2006. An overview on the study, as well as charts and table which depict the study's data is also offered.

The article reports on the advancements in the treatment of dry eye disorders. Keeping dry eye patients happily wearing contact lenses involves a thorough knowledge of dry eye and the treatments available. Researches have discovered a plethora of information about dry eye, and the pharmaceutical industry has provided us with several new products. Coupled with a good knowledge of contact lens materials and solutions and a medical approach to the patient's eyes and general health, eye care practitioners can turn some of those 17 million per year contact lens dropouts into contact lens successes. INSET: Case Example.

In this article, the author offers information on the ways of handling and caring the scleral gas-permeable (GP) contact lenses. She discusses the handling guidelines and care instructions for the patients wearing GP contact lenses. She also discusses several disinfection solutions and daily cleaners for the lenses including Boston Cleaner by Bausch & Lomb Inc., Opti-Free Daily Cleaner by Alcon Laboratories Inc. and Sereine Wetting & Soaking Solution by Optikem International.

The article focuses on the therapeutic use of bandage soft contact lenses. It says that bandage lenses help protect the cornea from potential exterior sources of injury and eyelids' shearing. It states various indications in using bandage contact lenses including corneal protection, corneal pain relief, and healing improvement following corneal surgery.

The article discusses standards that eye care practitioners need to comply with when it comes to contact lens care. Various research are available for eye care practitioners and patients regarding lens care following the outbreak of Fusarium and Acanthamoeba among contact lens wearers. Standards are sought to establish compliance between manufacturers of the contact lens disinfecting solutions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the patients and practitioners on contact lens hygiene.

The article offers information on the insights of Douglas Johnson, a patient on the treatment of an Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in the U.S. As stated, this is due to overwearing of contact lenses. With regards to these, the optometry instructed him to discontinue wearing his contact lenses and advised to take medicines including Neosporin and chorhexidine. After several months of treatment his vision had improved and healed completely. INSET: Doug's Journal.

The article details tips to improve patient's compliance to prescribed lens solutions. The author cites four guidelines which include providing a sample care kit, explaining one's choice of a particular lens solution, providing a handout and writing a prescription. According to the author, it is the eye care practitioner's responsibility to know each solution components and be updated of new solution technology.

The article discusses updates for practicing optometrists on the contact lens care product market, as presented by Doctor Susan Gromacki at the 2010 meeting of the American Academy of Optometry. Gromacki reminds practitioners about revisions to products including AQuify, the ReNy Multiplus and ReNu Multipurpose Solution from Bausch & Lomb, Unique PH from Alcon, and the Ultracare Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) product line. She provided information on new formulations of traditional type lens care solutions.