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AAO
Conference Demonstrates the Broad Scope of Optometric Research
While
the annual press conference of the American Academy of Optometry is a marathon for
attendees who listen to 20 presentations, it is a sprint for presenters, who have
less than five minutes to explain their respective topics. Held during the Academy's
recent annual meeting in Denver, the conference provides a healthy over-view of
some of the latest research, products and services that impact eye care. Split evenly
between industry presentations and scientific papers, the conference is
summarized below.
The latest science
Mark Bullimore, MCOptom., Ph.D., F.A.A.O., presented the results
of a study that concluded patients who wore silicone hydrogel contact lenses (Night
& Day, CIBA Vision) had no change in refractive error during a three-year period,
while hydroxyethyl methacrylate lens wearers experienced a 0.75D myopic progression,
or 0.41D when adjusted for age.
In a study of 34 adults who have low vision, Marlee Spafford,
O.D., MSc., found that subjects did not seek low vision care because they were unaware
of such services (73.5%), they struggled but man-aged without low vision services
(68.6%), they were waiting for an eyecare professional's recommendation (41%), or
they were resigned to no hope for their situation (32%). Also, 82.4% thought low
vision aids threatened their independence. Dr. Spafford called for accessible public
education, heightened professional education and an understanding of patient attitudes
toward low vision.
Presenting "Effects of visual impairment on driving and pedestrian
recognition at night," Joanne M. Wood, Ph.D., explained that the number of night
time fatalities can be three to four times greater than fatalities during daylight
hours. Among patients who experience reduced vision due to blur or cataracts, the
effects of cataracts were greater than blur in night driving situations (even though
visual acuity was the same) but much smaller in daylight. The ability to see pedestrians
was improved up to 80% when pedestrians wore reflective tape on their moveable joints.
Jane Gwiazda, Ph.D., F.A.A.O., reported in a scientific paper
that the proportion of juvenile-onset myopes with two myopic parents is significantly
higher than the proportion with one or no myopic parent. However, the proportion
of adult-onset myopes does not vary by number of myopic parents. These results suggest
that there may be different etiologies for myopia.
Other scientific presentations included:
• "Evaluating the relative risk of microbial keratitis in
longer term overnight wear of orthokeratology vs. alignment RGP lenses" By Jennifer
Choo, O.D.
• "The impact of soft contact lens (SCL) wear on LASIK surgical
outcomes," by Kuang-Mon Tuan, O.D., Ph.D.
• "Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and the Pathogenesis of Dry
Eye," by Rachel L. Redfern, O.D.,
• "Marker selection for genetic association studies of refractive
error" by Robert Wojciechowski, O.D., MSc.
• "The impact of a near task on tear-breakup dynamics," by
Meredith Jansen and Monica Bedroya.
From lab to marketplace
Scott Jens, O.D., presented EyeCodeRight ECR v4.0, an electronic
health records/practice management software solution that resides on the Internet,
allowing practitioners to access the system from any high-speed Internet connection.
ECR v4.0 eliminates the cost of networking computer workstations in multiple offices.
Erich Bauman, O.D., introduced the CIBA Vision O2Optix
Custom, the first made-to-order silicone hydrogel lens. The lens is available in
three diameters and 14 base curves (see additional coverage in "Pulse.")
Michael Edwards, Ph.D., pres-ented Pataday (olopatadine HCI 0.2%,
Alcon). In a study of 46
patients during grass/pollen season, one drop per eye of Pataday
reduced itching at onset and at 24 hours. Among patients, Dr. Edwards noted that
Pataday demonstrated a satisfaction rate of nearly 90%, confirming its comfort and
safety profile.
Tim
Gels of Eschenbach Optik of America presented the low vision aids SmartView Xtend
and the Scribolux portable LED illuminated stand magnifier. The SmartView Xtend
is a video magnifier that presents images on a 17-inch or 19-inch monitor. The Scribolux
features a large, open viewing area for reading or writing.
Harvard Sylvan, O.D., provided a preview of CooperVision's Biomed-ics
EP (emerging presbyope) contact lens, which provides up to +1.50D add. This multifocal
two-week replacement lens will be available in the first quarter of 2007. Dr. Sylvan,
director of professional relations for CooperVision, noted that the lens can fill
a large niche: about 2.4 million adults become presbyopic each year, he said.
Robert Sambursky, M.D., dis-cussed Rapid Pathogen Screening's
RPS Adeno Detector, an in-office test that can determine the cause of conjunctivitis
(viral, bacterial, allergenic or chemical) within 10 minutes.
Dan Mannen, O.D., board chair of VSP, announced that the VSP Vision
Loans program will be expand-ed to include an Associate Salary Program. The program
will provide loans for VSP network optometrists to use toward the salaries of new
optometric associates. Dr. Mannen explained that since 2003, VSP has issued $13
million as part of the Vision Loans program.
In the "Contact Lens in Pediatrics (CLIP) Study" of children (ages
8 to 12) and teenagers (ages 13 to 17), Jeffrey J. Walline, O.D., Ph.D., found that
"children as young as eight years old are as capable as teenagers at wearing and
caring for soft contact lenses." He recommends that both age groups "be presented
with the option of contact lens wear when vision correction is required."
The study of 169 children who wore silicone hydrogel contact lenses
concluded that both kids and teens perceive an improvement in quality of life. The
study did not find any significant differences in contact lens fitting times between
children and teens.
Troy Smith of Cynacon/Ocusoft announced Ocusoft Lid Scrub Plus
Extra Strength for severe cases of blepharitis. Ocusoft Lid Scrub re-moves oil,
debris and desquamated skin from the eyelids. It is available in pre-moistened pads,
a foam and a solution, which can be applied with a damp, warm washcloth or cotton
swab.
Joseph Vehige, O.D., Allergan, presented "The benefits of compatible
solutes in the treatment of dry eye." Dr. Vehige explains that as tear film evaporates
and tear production decreases, tear film can become more hyperosmotic, presenting
conditions conducive for dry eye. Dr. Vehige ex-plained that numerous tissues and
organs protect their cells from hypertonicity with compatible solutes.
The research presented by Allergan concludes that compatible solutes
can also protect corneal cells from the physiological stress of exposure to hyperosmotic
conditions. The protection reduces pro-inflammatory changes in the cells in vitro
and demonstrates the potential benefit of compatible solutes in artificial tear
formulations.
Recalls from
Alcon and AMO
■
Alcon
announced a voluntary recall of Systane Free Liquid Gel lubricant eye drops distributed
in the United States, including Puerto Rico. This recall was in response to 11 consumer
reports citing the presence of foreign material that the company identified as mold.
The company received no reports of fungal infections, and according
to Alcon, the development of an infection is "unlikely" because of the characteristics
of the mold.
The mold is related to formulation of the eye drops, not the manufacturing
processes, said Alcon. The recall does not affect the original formulation of Systane
lubricant eye drops and Systane unit dose.
The drops can be identified by the words "Free" and "LIQUID GEL"
on the product box or bottle.
Those in possession of Systane Free Liquid Gel should immediately
discontinue use and call (866) 608-3936, or visit www.systane.com for instructions.
Alcon will replace any purchased bottles of Systane Free LIQUID GEL with its original
formulation of Systane lubricant eye drops.
Complete lots recalled
Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) announced a nationwide, voluntary
recall of certain lots of its 12 oz. Complete MoisturePLUS multipurpose contact
lens care solution and Active Packs. Three lots sold in Ja-pan, traced to a manufacturing
plant in China, were found to have bacterial contamination, which compromised sterility.
AMO is recalling 18 lots distributed in the United States that were manufactured
on the same production lines during the same production period. AMO has not received
any reports of adverse health events associated with the recalled product lots in
the United States. The company said it believes that the likelihood of solution
users experiencing an adverse reaction is low.
The recall does not include 4 oz. and 16 oz. bottles or professional
samples. The recall includes approximately 183,000 units, or less than 1% of COMPLETE
MoisturePLUS contact lens products distributed in the United States on an annual
basis.
Lot numbers are located on the top of the product box and on the
side of the product bottle. The re-called product lots include:
• COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Active Pack package lot numbers ZB03087
(bottled lot numbers in kits ZB03085, ZB02845), ZB03724 ( ZB03713, ZB03506), ZB03734
(ZB03506, ZB03713), ZB03735 (ZB03510, ZB03713), ZB03736 (ZB03510, ZB03713), ZB03739
(ZB03510, ZB03737)
• COMPLETE MoisturePlus package lot numbers ZB02710 (bottled
lot number in kit ZB02709), ZB02714 (ZB02713), ZB02718 (ZB02717), ZB02722 (ZB02721)
• Complete MoisturePLUS 2 x 12 oz. package lot numbers ZB02746
(bottled lot number in kit ZB02745), ZB02750 (ZB02749), ZB02771 (ZB02770), ZB02792
( ZB02791), ZB02796 (ZB02795), ZB02800 (ZB02799), ZB02804 (ZB02803), ZB03535 (ZB03534)
Those who believe they are in possession of the recalled product
should discontinue use immediately and call (877) 884-7779 Monday through Friday
between 8a.m. and 5p.m. Eastern Standard Time, or visit amo-inc.com for instructions.
MADE-TO-ORDER SILICONE HYDROGELS
CIBA Vision Customizes O2Optix
CIBA
Vision has introduced the O2OPTIX Custom contact lens, a silicone hydrogel lens
that is available in a total of three diameters and 14 base curves. The daily-wear,
quarterly replacement lenses can be produced in a greater number of configurations
through a patented technology, InnoLathe, which manufactures the lens based on an
individual patient's lens design.
As custom lenses require high-precision lathing that is difficult
to achieve with silicone, CIBA Vision developed a new silicone hydrogel material,
sifilcon A, to be used with the new manufacturing process. O2OPTIX custom
are available for patients who have high myopia, high hyperopia, large and small
corneas, steep and flat corneas and aphakia.
The Dk/t of the lens is 117. It is available in sphere powers
of +20.00D to -20.00D in 0.25D steps and in diameters of 13.2 [base curves (mm)
of 7.4, 7.7, 8.0, 8.3] 14.0 [base curves of 7.8, 8.1, 8.4, 8.7, 9.0] and 14.8 [8.0,
8.3, 8.6, 8.9, 9.2].
CIBA Vision offers a "Perfect Fit Guarantee" where upon receiving
patient measurements, it will ship two single lenses within 10 working days. These
lenses are used for the first on-eye evaluation. If a change is necessary, the O2OPTIX
are exchanged until the patient is satisfied. When the optom-etrist arrives at a
final prescription, the O.D. orders a four-pack of lenses for each eye.
For more information, visit
O2OPTIXcustom.com.
O.D.
NOTEBOOK
■ CE deadline clarification:
In the November OM CE ("Strategic Skill Builders), the deadline for submission,
listed on page 57, should read September 15, 2007, not September 15, 2006. We apologize
for any confusion.
■
Henna
Inam has been appointed president of CIBA Vision's America's Region. Ms. Inam has
been with CIBA's parent company, Novartis, for nine years, most recently as general
manager, Mexico for Gerber.
■
CIBA
Vision has established a new Customer Development Group. Karen Gough, previously
president, Americas region, has been appointed chief customer officer to lead the
group in meeting the needs of an increasing and diverse global customer base, including
optometrists. Richard Weisbarth, O.D., joins the team as vice president, global
head of professional development and partners. Manny Rodriguez will serve as vice
president and global head, key customer programs, and Marcus Swalwell has been appointed
vice president and global head of sales force effectiveness and customer excellence.
■
Advanced
Medical Optics (AMO) and Tracey Technologies announced AMO's world-wide, non-exclusive
license to Tracey Technologies' ray tracing wavefront technology. This replaces
a prior agreement between Tracey Technologies and AMO's predecessor, VISX.
■
Bausch
& Lomb has purchased Alimera Sciences' OTC allergy franchise, including Alaway
(ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025%), a multiple action eye antihistamine,
which is indicated for use up to 12 hours.
■
Transitions
Optical has introduced a new brochure in the "What to Expect" series. The "Adult
Eyes" brochure, available in English, French and Spanish, provides information and
statistics on types of vision problems that come at different stages of adulthood.
Optometric Management, Issue: January 2007