This is a sponsored post by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., a supporter of NewGradOptometry & new graduate optometrists!
In Part I, we established how to identify patient need, and what the most common needs are.
In order to prescribe a lens with confidence, you must understand the science behind the lens and communicate how that science and technology will help meet the needs of your patient. This helps create a more personalized prescribing experience. Here I will highlight the aforementioned four most prominent areas of patient need, and which specific ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses work best to meet these needs.
1) Eyes With Sensitivities
I find that patients falling within this category frequently report suffering from seasonal allergies, or report symptoms of itchy, or irritated feeling eyes.
Lenses - 1 Day ACUVUE® MOIST Family
This group of lenses provides an option for patients within this category of need across all types of refractive error.
The 1 Day ACUVUE® MOIST Family of lenses all feature LACREON® Technology.
This dual action technology consists of a wetting agent permanently embedded into the matrix of the lens which doesn’t decrease with blinking and helps improve end of day comfort.
In addition, etafilcon A material helps maintain low levels of inflammatory biomarkers by uniquely attracting and retaining lysozyme in its natural state*, and its very low modulus and INFINITY EDGE™ design profile combine to help minimize mechanical irritation.
*Based on in vitro data, clinical studies have not been done directly linking differences in lysozyme profile with specific clinical benefits.
Watch how LACREON® Technology works:
This family of lenses provides your patients with a fresh start to every day as single use lenses.
2) Patients In Challenging Environments
I find that patients in this category often report spending a lot of time working on digital devices, or spend time in environments that are challenging for the eyes. These situations or activities can destabilize the tear film which may lead to feelings of tired eyes, especially after a long day of activities.
Lenses:
Many patients find themselves immersed in visually demanding environments or situations on a daily basis, which can induce symptoms of dryness and tired feeling eyes throughout the day.
These are the patients that can benefit from unique tear stabilizing technologies.
ACUVUE OASYS®
ACUVUE OASYS® features HYDRACLEAR®PLUS for 2 week use or HYDRALUXE® Technology for daily disposable use: ACUVUE OASYS® HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology.
HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology works by embedding polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) within the lens. PVP mimics the mucins found in the tear film to help support a stable tear film.
Watch how HYDRACLEAR®PLUS Technology works:
ACUVUE OASYS® 1-Day with HydraLuxe® Technology
HydraLuxe® Technology is a tear-infused design that features an enhanced network of tear-like molecules which helps the lens integrate with the natural tear film of your patient, creating stability and providing comfort.2
HydraLuxe® Technology does not simply create a coating, but a tear-like network throughout the entire lens that works consistently all day rather than being blink released. This helps create long lasting all day comfort.
3) Patients Seeking to Maximize Wear Time
Lenses:
I have many patients who will wear their contact lenses from the moment they wake up until the moment they go to sleep. My primary concern with these patients is choosing a lens that provides an uninterrupted, comfortable wearing experience. It is critical to choose a lens to help facilitate optimal comfort throughout the wear schedule and help maintain healthy contact lens wear.
1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye®
1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® features HYDRACLEAR® 1 Technology, helps provide a seamless interface between the lens and eye by utilizing embedded PVP molecules that mimics the mucins found on the cornea and the eyelid. This results in a lens that is nearly invisible to the eye itself and comparable to no lens wear.3*
*Comparable to no lens wear on comfort and 5 out of the 6 measures of ocular health (limbal hyperemia, corneal vascularization, corneal staining, bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, and papillary conjunctivitis. The sixth measure was conjunctival staining.)
ACUVUE® VITA™ is a great option for those patients wearing contact lenses who desire a monthly modality lens that can provide comfort throughout the duration of wear.
In regards to comfort, in a clinical study, patient ratings for ACUVUE® VITA™ were superior for "Overall Comfort" compared to other leading monthly lenses at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Providing patients with a comfortable contact lens wearing experience can increase loyalty and confidence within you as their eye care provider.
4) Patients Seeking Eye Enhancement
Lens:
1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE®
1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® limbal enhancement contact lenses work with your natural eye to amplify contrast and enlarge and enhance the appearance of iris depth and dimension to create a vibrant appearance.
This particular lens shares the same platform as 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST which means it has similar fitting characteristics and also features LACREON® Technology.4
1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® is created such that pigments are enclosed, ensuring they do not come in contact with the eye.
1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® lenses are available in different designs that blends seamlessly with your eyes' color and patterns.
Designs:
The ideal candidate for these lenses are patients wanting to enhance the appearance of their eyes in a natural way with the reassurance of health and comfort.
Note: ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are known for being the only major brand of contact lenses with UV protection†* across the entire product line. ACUVUE® VITA™ is the only monthly lens that provides UV blocking.
Outcomes of understanding patient needs:
By understanding patient needs and identifying them, we as eyecare providers can:
- generate increased patient awareness of the benefits of contact lens wear
- create a better contact lens wearing experience for our patients
- improve patient satisfaction, retention, and loyalty
- generate referrals from satisfied patients
- reduce chair time and repeat visits from unsuccessful contact lens fits
- grow the practice through increased revenue and a growing patient base
Important Safety Information:
ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information, available from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. by calling 1-800-843-2020 or by visiting www.acuvueprofessional.com.
†Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.
*WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.
Sources:
- 2015 Global Consumer Survey, N = 3,232 consumers 16 - 45 yrs old USA, UK, Russia, CN, Korea, & Japan. Base size varies: Data represents those CL wearers not completely satisfied with need. Understanding how wear time/dropout is affected by not meeting patient needs ; Predominant needs refer to the top 10 self-selected needs..
- “ACUVUE OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses 1-Day with HydraLuxe®” Contact Lens Information for Eye Care Professionals. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., 2016. Web. 11 May 2016.
- Morgan PB, Chamberlain P, Moody K, Maldonado-Codina C. Ocular physiology and comfort in neophyte subjects fitted with daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2013;36(3):118-125. Study conducted over 365 days.
- 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® Package Insert and Fitting Guide, http://www.acuvueprofessional.com/sites/default/files/content/us/desktop/pdf/PIs%20%26%20FGs/D-08-14-04_1DAVDwL_PI-FIG.pdf
