contact lenses and aftercare?

EyeDream expanded

This summer No7 CooperVision Specialty EyeCare launched EyeDream MC, a new orthokeratology option for managing myopia.

The original EyeDream lens, with an optic zone diameter of 6mm, is fitted with support of EyeLite software. The new lens is recommended for all new fits intended to slow the progression of myopia; however, the company suggested it may be useful for existing wearers of the original lens who are progressing faster than the ECP would like (≥1.00D).

Eye care professionals (ECP) should conduct their usual examination as part of a patient’s aftercare, the company shared, and if myopic progression is above expected, they can opt to switch the patient into the EyeDream MC lens with a 5.5mm optic zone diameter.
Christina Olner, head of professional affairs, UK and Ireland, for CooperVision, explained: “There is no need for a washout period. All the ECP needs to do is update the corneal topography within the fitting software and it will make all of the necessary compensations to the lens, reducing unnecessary repeat visits for the patient and the frustration associated with non-correction during washout.”

Aftercare compliance 

Bausch + Lomb has launched an aftercare campaign focused on contact lens care compliance, which will run to the end of the year. 

To support conversations with patients, the company has created a patient leaflet illustrating how to insert and clean contact lenses while also reinforcing safety messages. When ordering a Biotrue starter kit for patients, practices can also order the leaflet, along with a goody bag. Videos on inserting and removing soft contact lenses are also available online.  

The company outlined: “It is beneficial for eye care professionals (ECPs) to promote, highlight and repeat lens care compliance to all their patients, whether they are new to contact lenses or are existing lens wearers, during routine aftercare appointments. This is to help prevent contact lens drop-out and to ensure patients leave the practice with knowledge that contact lenses can be easy to wear, provide excellent vision and high levels of comfort, provided their contact lenses are appropriately cared for as recommended by their ECP.”

Easy custom fit

A soft monthly lens from Menicon is coming to the market this autumn. Menicon Niji offers “a specially tailored solution with the simplicity of fitting a disposable lens,” the company suggested.

The lens supports all patients, “especially those with more complex corneal shapes and prescriptions,” Menicon shared, and can be fitted without using a topographer. The silicone hydrogel lens has a high Dk, a low modulus, and a water content of 74%.

The company suggested the Menicon Niji is not a conventional soft lens fit: “Rather than considering corneal curvature and diameter separately, its design considers the two parameters together to achieve a more suitable fit for every eye.”

The contact lens will soon be available in three different radius-diameter combinations, offering multiple sizes to fit a variety of wearers. Six pairs of monthly lenses are included per pack.

Spherical and toric for myopia

Positive Impact has introduced the Esencia contact lens, which is CE-marked for myopia management in children and teenagers.

The lens is designed to modify peripheral retinal blur as a method for reducing the visual factors that induce myopic progression, and features a multi-aspheric power addition increasing plus power from the centre with no area of hyperopic defocus.

The soft spherical and toric contact lens from the Tiedra pharmaceutical company is replaced quarterly.

The Esencia Toric is available for children and adolescents with up to 6.00D of corneal astigmatism. 

Food for thought

Johnson & Johnson Vision has produced a new podcast, Vision Matters, a series of conversations designed to enable eye care professionals to reflect on their practice and ensure they can continue to provide excellence in patient care.

Eye care professionals in the UK can gain one CPD point by listening to an episode and completing an accompanying exercise available on the company’s website. The podcast can be found on Spotify.