Contact Lens Spectrum
Issue link: https://clssupplements.epubxp.com/i/740958
working on computers or looking at their smartphones or tablets. We have found that the intermediate computer dis- tance is important for people from all walks of life, whether they are teachers, students, Internet technology specialists, retirees, or stay-at-home parents. People who spend hours on their computers and digital devices appreciate the benefits of MoistureSeal Technology. People who have high near- point demands relative to their distance vision during the work day often take the time to comment how much they appreciate the visual performance of these lenses. Patients also comment on the crispness and clarity of their distance vision with the Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia lenses. ey say driving at night seems clear when they are wearing them, and they also notice the smooth transition from distance to near vision. Success One Case at a Time While studies, surveys, and polls provide important big- picture data, clinical experience can be powerful in chang- ing the mindset of patients and practitioners alike. We have had numerous successes with the Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia lens, underscoring its utility in everyday practice. A recent example at Dr. Geffen's practice involved a new patient who had never required vision correction until presbyopia developed in her 40s. A low hyperope, the patient had been using over- the-counter reading glasses at her computer and "hated" them. When asked if she had ever considered contact lenses, she said her previous eye doctor had never men- tioned them as an option for her. After being fitted with Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia lenses, the patient first remarked that her distance vision was clear. en, when she looked at her cell phone, she said, "is is incredible! I can read every- thing!" As the lenses fit well and were comfortable, the patient decided to try them for a week. At her 1-week follow-up visit, the patient was thrilled with her freedom from eyeglasses. She says these lenses are so comfortable, she has to remember to remove them at the end of the day. Patients like this woman represent untapped potential in many practices. In the past, we know that some practi- tioners have tended to avoid fitting emmetropes with mul- tifocal contact lenses. With today's advanced materials and designs, however, we are routinely fitting emmetropes and low hyperopes in multifocal contact lenses in our practices, primarily Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia lenses. Offering contact lenses to all patients who need vision correction — even emmetropes with presbyopia — is a routine practice in our offices; however, we have found that, in some cases, even patients who declined this option previously may change their minds. Here, Dr. Gaddie shares a good example. To compound this situation, increased concentration associated with visual tasks performed on digital devices results in a reduction of blink rates, on average, from 15 to 5 blinks per minute, 4-6 while the number of incom- plete blinks and tear film breakup times increase. 7-12 For contact lens wearers, particularly those with presbyopia, these factors may lead to increased lens dehydration and symptoms of dryness and blurred vision. Satisfying Preferences While presbyopic patients face visual, ergonomic, and physical ocular challenges, their expectations for vision correction remain high. Patients who currently wear multifocal contact lenses say they are superior to eye- glasses because they are better for active lifestyles and make people look younger, among other reasons (Figure 1). When weighing their satisfaction with their multifo- cal contact lenses, patients cite sharp, clear vision at near and mid-range distances, and ease of transition between near and far distances as top priorities (Figure 2). 13 ese drivers of satisfaction are understandable, given today's lifestyle demands, not the least of which is our use of digital technology. Bausch + Lomb introduced the Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia multifocal contact lens in 2016. is lens combines the moisture retention benefits of the sam- filcon A silicone hydrogel material with the clear near, intermediate, and distance vision benefits of the unique 3-Zone Progressive Design. As members of a group of practitioners across the United States conducting patient evaluations of this product, we would like to share some of our own expe- riences with the lens and our patients' reactions to this innovative technology. Initial Reactions One of the first comments we hear at both the dis- pensing and follow-up visits — particularly from cur- rent multifocal lens wearers — is how comfortable the Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia lenses are. Patients also report their vision is clear, particularly when they are S P O N S O R E D B Y B A U S C H + L O M B Tasks for Which Multifocal Contact Lenses are Perceived as Superior to Eyeglasses 13 (top five reasons cited among current wearers) • are better for physically active people • make people look younger • are better for daytime activities • are more comfortable to wear • allow people to grow older gracefully. Figure 1