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Peer-reviewed articles

2024

Guthrie,S., Luensmann,D., Schulze,M., Woods,J., Jones,L. Investigation of Delefilcon A Contact Lenses for Symptomatic Daily Disposable Contact Lens Wearers with Dry Eye Disease: A Prospective Comparative Study Clinical Ophthalmology 2024;18(October):2999-3008 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: This prospective comparative study aimed to assess the effects on contact lens comfort, dryness, and wear time when symptomatic daily disposable (DD) contact lens (CL) wearers were refit with delefilcon A (DT1) lenses.

Patients and methods: Thirty five symptomatic DD CL wearers with dry eye disease as determined according to the TFOS DEWS 2 guidelines, were enrolled and completed the study. Participants wore their habitual DD CLs during an initial assessment and were subsequently refit with DT1 for one month. Participants were masked to the study lens type. Subjective ratings of end-of-day comfort and dryness, average wear time, and comfortable wear time were evaluated as primary endpoints.

Results: Of the 35 participants, two participants were classified as aqueous deficient dry eye, while the remaining participants exhibited symptoms primarily due to evaporative causes. The median CLDEQ-8 score for dryness significantly improved from 17 (fair) with habitual lenses to 13 (good) with DT1 lenses (p<0.01). Participants reported significantly better end-of-day comfort (p=0.01) and less end of day dryness (p=0.01) with DT1 compared to their habitual DD lenses. The comfortable wear time was significantly longer with DT1 (8.5 ± 4.1 hours) compared to habitual DD lenses (6.7 ± 3.2 hours) (p=0.04). No significant differences were observed in vision ratings (p=0.07).

Conclusion: Refitting symptomatic DD CL wearers with DT1 resulted in improved end-of-day comfort, reduced end-of-day dryness, and extended comfortable wear time compared to their habitual lenses. These findings suggest that DT1 may offer benefits for symptomatic DD wearers with dry eye disease.

Jabeen,A., Luensmann,D., Woods,J., Hill,J., Jones,L. Evaluation of Lag of Accommodation with Full-Field Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT) Contrast Management Spectacle Lenses in Emmetropic Children Clinical Ophthalmology 2024;18(May):1181-1190 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To evaluate the impact on the lag of accommodation (LOA) in emmetropic children after short-term wear of full-field Diffusion Optics TechnologyTM (DOT) spectacle lenses, designed to modulate retinal contrast to control myopia progression.

Patients and methods: This was a single-visit, prospective, randomized, subject-masked study of emmetropes (ametropes ±1.00D or less in each meridian) with no history of myopia control treatment. Unaided logMAR visual acuity was measured, and ocular dominance was determined using the sighting method. In a randomized order, participants wore plano full-field contrast management (DOT) spectacles (no clear central aperture) or control spectacles (standard single vision spectacle lenses). Each participant was given 5 minutes for adaptation to the respective lenses before open field autorefraction measurements were taken at 6 meters and 40 cm. Ten measurements were taken for each eye. Data were evaluated from the right eye and the dominant eye separately.

Results: A total of 30 participants (20 females and 10 males) with a mean age of 10.4 ± 2.8 (7 to 17) years completed the study. There was no significant difference in right eye mean LOA with contrast management spectacles 0.57 ± 0.39D versus control spectacles 0.62 ± 0.34D; Wilcoxon test, p = 0.37. For dominant eyes, LOA values were 0.60 ± 0.40D and 0.68 ± 0.33D with contrast management spectacles and control spectacles, respectively (p = 0.14). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in mean LOA between males and females or between age groups (7-11 years vs 12-17 years) for either right or dominant eyes with contrast management or control spectacles (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Full-field contrast management spectacle lenses had no significant effect on LOA compared to standard single vision spectacle lenses, indicating no differential impact on accommodative response over the short period of lens wear tested.

2023

Schulze,M., Fadel,D., Luensmann,D., Ng,A. Y., Guthrie,S., Woods,J., Jones,L. Evaluating the Performance of verofilcon A Daily Disposable Contact Lenses in a Group of Heavy Digital Device Users Clinical Ophthalmology 2023;173165-3175 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of verofilcon A daily disposable contact lenses (CL) in CL wearers who identified themselves as heavy digital device users.
Patients and Methods: This prospective, non-masked, open-label study enrolled CL wearers who reported ≥ 6 hours digital device use per day. Participants were dispensed with the verofilcon A study lenses for 14± 2 days, to be worn for at least 5 days a week and 10 hours per day, while continuing their normal routine of digital device use. Participants rated the lens performance at the Day 14 visit using a 0– 100 (with 100 being best) scale. Ratings were completed at lens insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use, just before CL removal and for overall experience. Participants also completed a 4-point (strongly agree/disagree, slightly agree/disagree) Likert scale-based questionnaire.
Results: Thirty-two participants were eligible and completed the study (27 females; age 25.8 ± 6.0 years, ranging from 19 to 40). Overall lens performance ratings at the Day 14 visit (mean ± standard deviation) for comfort, dryness, and clarity of vision were 91 ± 11, 88 ± 11, and 92 ± 9, respectively. Subjective ratings were stable throughout the day with no significant differences after insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use and before CL removal (all p> 0.05). The majority of participants agreed that the study lenses performed well, provided good all-day comfort (28/32; p< 0.01) and good all-day vision (29/32; p< 0.01). Participants also agreed that after ≥ 6 hours of digital device use they were satisfied with CL comfort (27/32; p< 0.01), vision (29/32; p< 0.01) and that the lenses provided good performance (26/32; p< 0.01).
Conclusion: Verofilcon A lenses were found to perform well, with high ratings for comfort, dryness and vision that remained high throughout the day, during extensive digital device use.

2022

Luensmann,D., Schaeffer,J. L., Rumney,N. J., Stanberry,A., Fonn,D. Magnitude of astigmatism – A comparison between eyes Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2022;45(5):101510 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose
Astigmatism is a highly prevalent refractive error and while studies typically focus to describe the axis symmetry between eyes, little is known about the refractive symmetry. Therefore, this study determined the astigmatic power symmetry between eyes in a large clinic population.

Methods
A clinical chart review was conducted at three optometric practices in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada and subjective refraction data from 88,891 patients 14–70 years of age who presented with at least −0.25DC refractive astigmatism in at least one eye were included in the analysis. Data were obtained at these practices between January 2014 and March 2017. The overall distribution (%) and magnitude (DC) of astigmatism was determined and refractive differences between eyes were identified.

Results
The mean age of the patients was 42.1 ± 15.9 years and included 51,685 (58%) female and 37,206 (42%) male patients. In this data pool of 177,782 eyes, 10.9% required zero astigmatic correction, while 56.2% had astigmatism of −0.25 to −0.75DC. In total 23.9% of patients presented with astigmatism of at least −0.75DC in only one eye, while the other eye had 0 to −0.50DC. Overall, the difference in astigmatism between eyes was less than −0.75DC for 82.1% of astigmatic patients. For patients who presented with astigmatism of −1.00DC in the right eye, 80.8% of them had an astigmatic prescription of −1.00 ± 0.50DC in the left eye. For an astigmatic prescription of −4.00DC in the right eye, only 40.6% of patients exhibited astigmatism of −4.00DC ± 0.50DC in the left eye.

Conclusions
The majority of patients exhibited a difference in astigmatism between eyes of less than −0.75DC, however the refractive cylinder power symmetry was significantly lower in patients with higher refractive astigmatism.

2021

Craig,J.P., Muntz,A., Wang,M.T.M., Luensmann,D., Tan,J., Travé-Huarte,S., Xue,A.L., Jones,L.W., Willcox,M.D.P., Wolffsohn,J.S. Developing evidence-based guidance for the treatment of dry eye disease with artificial tear supplements: A six-month multicentre, double-masked randomised controlled trial Ocular Surface 2021;20(April):62-69 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose
To assess the six-month therapeutic profiles of lipid and non-lipid-based artificial tear supplements in managing dry eye disease (DED).

Methods
Ninety-nine participants fulfilling the TFOS DEWS II diagnostic criteria for DED (64% females; mean ± SD age, 44 ± 16 years) were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre, double-masked, parallel group, randomised controlled trial. Participants instilled lipid-based nanoemulsion drops or non-lipid-based aqueous drops for six months, at least four times daily. Symptomology, tear film and ocular surface characteristics were assessed at Days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180.

Results
Sustained reductions in OSDI, DEQ-5, and SANDE symptom scores from baseline were observed from Day 30 onwards in both groups (all p < 0.05) and decreased superior lid wiper epitheliopathy grades from Day 60 onwards (all p ≤ 0.01). Improvements in non-invasive tear film breakup time, and sodium fluorescein and lissamine green staining scores followed from Day 120 onwards in both groups (all p < 0.05). Tear lipid layer grades increased from Day 90 onwards only with the lipid-based drops, and with significantly greater improvement in those with suboptimal lipid layer thickness at baseline (grade ≤3; p = 0.02). By Day 180, 19% of participants no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for DED.

Conclusions
Over a six-month treatment period, improvements in dry eye symptomology preceded tear film and ocular surface changes with regular use of both lipid and non-lipid-based artificial tear supplements. Both formulations addressed most mild-to-moderate forms of aqueous deficient and evaporative DED, while evaporative cases benefitted preferentially from lipid-based supplementation. This represents a first step towards mapping DED therapeutic strategies according to disease subtype and severity.

2020

Bitton,E., Elder,M., Srinivasan,S., Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Dry Eye Disease in University-based Clinics in Canada: A Retrospective Chart Review Optometry & Vision Science 2020;97(11):944-953 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE
Dry eye disease (DED) imposes a substantial burden on patients, which can lead to significant economic consequences for society. We provide insights into the DED patient population and DED diagnostic/management practices in Canada, which to date have been inadequately addressed in the literature.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to describe DED patient demographic/clinical characteristics alongside DED diagnosis/management in university-based optometry clinics in Canada.

METHODS
This was a retrospective chart review of nonconcurrent non-Sjögren patients with DED at two university-based optometry clinics in Montreal and Waterloo. Waterloo charts with a diagnosis of DED and all charts from the Montreal dry eye clinic were considered for inclusion.

RESULTS
Overall, 200 charts were reviewed. Most patients were female (Montreal, 76%; Waterloo, 72%), and the mean age was 57.2 ± 14.9 years at Montreal and 52.6 ± 20.1 years at Waterloo. Patients commonly reported multiple health conditions (e.g., allergies [Montreal, 44%; Waterloo, 36%]), and high use of systemic nonocular medications was observed (Montreal, 76%; Waterloo, 62%). Clinical signs and symptoms of DED were recorded more often in Montreal patients than in Waterloo patients (e.g., dryness symptoms, 100 vs. 72%; tear breakup time, 100 vs. 60%). Warm compresses (Montreal, 63%; Waterloo, 83%) and artificial tears (Montreal, 94%; Waterloo, 96%) were the most frequently recommended nonmedical treatment and ocular lubricant, respectively. Topical steroids were the most frequently prescribed medications (Montreal, 22%; Waterloo, 21%), with typically three to four different interventions recommended per patient at each clinic. No relationship was found between symptoms and clinical signs or recommended interventions.

CONCLUSIONS
This retrospective chart review provided the demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management options for DED patients in Canadian university-based optometry clinics. The more comprehensive assessments conducted at Montreal may be beneficial to better monitor the progression of DED and to determine treatment effects over time.

Luensmann,D., Omali,N. B., Suko,A., Drolle,E., Heynen,M., Subbaraman,L. S., Scales,C., Fadli,Z., Jones,L. Kinetic Deposition of Polar and Non-polar Lipids on Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses Current Eye Research 2020;45(12):1477-1483 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: This study investigated kinetic lipid uptake to four silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lenses over a period of four weeks, using an in-vitro radiolabel method.

Methods: Four contemporary monthly replacement SiHy lenses (lotrafilcon B, senofilcon C, comfilcon A, samfilcon A) were incubated in three different solutions: 1) An artificial tear solution (ATS) containing 14C-labeled phosphatidylcholine (PC), 2) an ATS containing 14C-cholesteryl oleate (CO) and 3) an ATS containing four 14C-radiolabeled lipids (PC, phosphatidylethanolamine, CO, and cholesterol (total lipid)). After 16 hours, lipids were extracted twice from the lenses with chloroform:methanol and the radioactive counts determined the lipid quantities to simulate 1 day of wear. OPTI-FREE PureMoist (Alcon) was used to clean and disinfect the remaining lenses daily and the lipid quantities were further determined after 2 weeks and 4 weeks.

Results: The amount of total lipid increased for all lenses over time (p < .01). After four weeks, total lipid accumulated was 20.26 ± 0.15 µg/lens for senofilcon C, which was significantly higher (p < .01) than all other lens materials (samfilcon A - 17.84 ± 0.21; comfilcon A - 16.65 ± 0.12; lotrafilcon B - 7.41 ± 0.56 µg/lens). CO was highest on lotrafilcon B (1.26 ± 0.13 µg/lens) and senofilcon C attracted the most PC (3.95 ± 0.12 µg/lens) compared to the other materials.

Conclusion: The amount of both polar and non-polar lipid deposition on monthly replacement SiHy lenses increased over 4 weeks, with significant differences being seen between lens materials.

Luensmann,D., van Doorn,K., May,C., Srinivasan,S., Jones,L. The Impact of Cosmetics on the Physical Dimension and Optical Performance of Contemporary Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses Eye & Contact Lens 2020;46(3):166-173 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: Contact lens wearers may inadvertently expose their lenses during the lens insertion and removal process or while wearing their lenses to cosmetic products being used. This study investigated the impact of
various cosmetics on the physical dimension and optical properties of three recently marketed monthly replacement silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Methods: In this in vitro study, three monthly replacement silicone hydrogel lens types including senofilcon C (ACUVUE VITA, Johnson & Johnson), samfilcon A (Bausch+Lomb ULTRA, Bausch+Lomb), and lotrafilcon
B+EOBO (polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene) (AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde, ALCON), were individually coated with cosmetic products followed by a 1-hr soak in phosphate-buffered saline. Cosmetic products
included; three hand creams (HC1: Glysomed; HC2: Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning; and HC3: Intense Relieve), three make-up removers (MR1: Lid-Care Towelettes; MR2: Gentle waterproof eye and
Lip Makeup Remover; and MR3: Oil-Free Makeup Remover), and three mascaras (MA1: Great Lash—waterproof; MA2a: Wonder’Lash—waterproof, and MA3: Voluminous Original). The contact lens dimensions were
determined for diameter, sagittal depth, and base curve, using the Chiltern (Optimec Limited), whereas lens power and optical quality were assessed using the Contest Plus II (Rotlex). Six replicates for each lens/cosmetic combination were used. The impact of cosmetics was tested between lenses and compared with uncoated control lenses.

Results: For lens diameter, makeup removers (MR2 & MR3) demonstrated the largest impact, with an increase of up to 0.26 mm (MR2) and 0.35 mm (MR3) for senofilcon C and samfilcon A, respectively (P,0.01 compared to baseline), whereas lotrafilcon B+EOBO showed a decrease of 0.01 mm (P,0.01 between lens types). For sagittal depth, mascara MA1 demonstrated the greatest impact, followed by makeup removers MR2 & MR3. All lenses showed increases in sagittal depth after MA1 exposure (0.1660.06 mm in lotrafilcon B+EOBO, 0.2460.22, and 0.2660.09 mm in samfilcon A and senofilcon C, respectively; P,0.01 for all lenses compared with baseline). For base curve, the makeup removers (MR2 & MR3) caused increases for both senofilcon C (up to 0.36 mm) and samfilcon A (up to 0.35 mm), but lotrafilcon B+EOBO was unaffected. Lens power changes were generally minor (,0.25 D). However, senofilcon C showed a significant change of 21.1860.65 D (more minus) after MA1 exposure (P,0.001). Image quality was most affected by mascaras, although given that all lens types were adversely affected to similar degrees, none of the lenses performed better or worse after mascara application (P.0.05). The parameters of the different lens types were not significantly affected by the hand creams.

Conclusion: Makeup removers and mascaras changed the lens parameters to varying degrees, which may affect the fit and overall performance of the lens, whereas no such effect was noted with hand creams. Lotrafilcon B+EOBO was typically less affected compared with senofilcon C or samfilcon A.

Qiao,H., Luensmann,D., Heynen,M., Drolle,E., Subbaraman,L. N., Scales,C., Riederer,D., Fadli,Z., Jones,L. In Vitro Evaluation of the Location of Cholesteryl Ester Deposits on Monthly Replacement Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Materials Clinical Ophthalmology 2020;14(September):2821-2828 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: The deposition profile of cholesteryl ester on the surface and throughout the matrix of silicone hydrogel contact lens (CL) materials was determined under conditions that mimic a daily wear regimen.

Methods: In this in vitro study, four SiHy CL materials (senofilcon C, lotrafilcon B, comfilcon A and samfilcon A) were incubated in an artificial tear solution (ATS) for up to 30 days. CL incubation was alternated between the ATS (16 hours) and a multipurpose care regimen (8 hours). The ATS included fluorescently tagged cholesteryl ester (5-cholesten-3ß-ol 6-[(7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]caproate; CE-NBD) and confocal laser scanning microscopy visualized the distribution of the lipid through the CLs.

Results: The distribution of CE-NBD was homogenous from the anterior to posterior surface in senofilcon C and comfilcon A, at all time points. For lotrafilcon B and samfilcon A, CE-NBD localization was heterogeneous, with greater amounts on the surfaces on Day 1 and Day 14 compared to the lens matrix; however, differences in concentration between the surface and bulk diminished by Day 30.

Conclusion: The distribution of the non-polar lipid CE-NBD varied with lens material chemistry. While some lens materials deposited the lipid primarily on the surface after 16 hours of exposure, all materials exhibited a homogenous distribution after one month.

Keywords: lipid distribution, silicone hydrogel contact lenses, cholesteryl ester, artificial tear solution

2019

Moezzi,A. M., Varikooty,J., Luensmann,D., Schulze,M., Ng,A. Y., Karkkainen,T., Xu,J., Jones,L. The short-term physiological impact of switching reusable silicone hydrogel wearers into a hydrogel daily disposable multifocal Clinical Ophthalmology 2019;13:1193-1202 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To evaluate ocular physiological responses to etafilcon A multifocal (etMF) daily disposable (DD) lenses after 4 weeks of wear, when switching from habitual silicone hydrogel (SiHy) daily wear.
Method: A single-arm, open-label, bilateral dispensing study was conducted in 39 habitual spherical SiHy wearers (14 hyperopes; 25 myopes). Clinical visits occurred with habitual SiHy (control) at baseline and after 4 weeks of etMF DD open-eye lens wear at exit. Objective limbal/bulbar hyperemia using the Oculus K5M (0–4) and subjective grading of lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) (0–4) were tested for non-inferiority (NI), using a margin of 1 grade. Corneal thickness along a 10 mm cord was measured using the Visante OCT and tested for NI using a 30 μm margin. Corneal staining area was graded (0–100%).
Results: The least-square mean differences (LSMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between etMF DD and habitual SiHy in central and peripheral corneal thickness (μm) were 3.64 (−2.0, 9.29) and 3.0 (−7.72, 13.72) in hyperopic, and 3.56 (−0.66, 7.78) and 6.40 (−1.62, 14.42) in myopic subjects. The LSMD (95% CI) for bulbar and limbal hyperemia were −0.08 (−0.19, 0.02) and −0.01 (−0.12, 0.09) in hyperopes, and 0.04 (−0.03, 0.12) and 0.04 (−0.04, 0.11) in myopes. The LSMD (95% CI) for LWE were 0.11 (−0.39, 0.60) and 0.30 (−0.07, 0.67) for hyperopes and myopes, respectively.
Conclusions: No clinically significant differences in a variety of physiological responses were found when habitual reusable SiHy daily wear subjects were refitted into hydrogel etMF, when the subjects were followed for 4 weeks.

2018

Luensmann,D., Schaeffer,J. L., Rumney,N. J., Stanberry,A., Walsh,K., Jones,L. Spectacle prescriptions review to determine prevalence of ametropia and coverage of frequent replacement soft toric contact lenses Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 2018;41(5):412-420 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of ametropia and astigmatism in a clinic population and to estimate the coverage of frequent replacement soft toric lenses. Methods: A review of patient files was conducted at three clinical sites. Prescription data collected between January 2014 and March 2017 in a patient cohort 14 to 70 years of age inclusive were analyzed to determine prevalence of ametropia and astigmatism. The percent coverage of frequent replacement soft toric contact lenses has further been estimated using different ranges for sphere, cylinder and axis availability. Results: In total 101,973 patients were included in the analysis of which 69.5% were considered myopic, 26.9% hyperopic and 3.5% emmetropic as determined by the eye with the larger absolute value of the spherical equivalent refraction. Astigmatism in at least one eye was found in 87.2% of the population, with 37.0% of the patients exhibiting astigmatism of at least −1.00DC in at least one eye. With-the-rule astigmatism was most prevalent in the 14 to 20 year-olds (53.0%), while against-the-rule astigmatism was most prevalent in the 41 to 70 year-olds (50.7%). For astigmatic eyes with a cylinder of at least −0.75DC (n = 83,540; 41% of all eyes), the coverage with toric soft lenses varied greatly depending on parameter availability and ranged between 30.7% (sphere: Plano to −3.00D, cylinder: up to −1.75DC, axes: 90 ± 10° and 180 ± 10°) and 96.4% (sphere: + 6.00D to −10.00D, cylinders: up to −2.75DC, 18 axes). Conclusion: Currently available frequent replacement soft toric contact lenses provide coverage for up to 96.4% of potential patients.

Yang,M., Luensmann,D., Fonn,D., Woods,J., Jones,D., Gordon,K., Jones,L. Myopia prevalence in Canadian school children: A pilot study Eye 2018;32(6):1042-1047 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: A pilot study to determine the prevalence of myopia, proportion of uncorrected myopia and pertinent environmental factors among children in a suburban region in Canada. Methods: Refraction with cycloplegia and ocular biometry were measured in children of two age groups. Myopia was considered at a spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤-0.50 D in at least one eye. Parents completed a questionnaire that captured the child's daily activities. Results: A total of 166 children completed the study (83 aged 6-8 and 83 aged 11-13). Myopia prevalence was 17.5% among the overall group, 6.0% among ages 6-8 and 28.9% among ages 11-13. Mean subjective SER in myopic children was -1.10 D (95% confidence interval (CI), -0.34 to -1.86 D) at ages 6-8 and -2.44 D (95% CI, -1.71 to -3.18 D) at ages 11-13. In this study, 34.5% of the myopic children were uncorrected, which represented 6.0% of the entire group of children. Mean axial length (AL) increased by 1.03 mm from ages 6-8 (mean 22.62 mm; 95% CI, 22.45 to 22.79 mm) to ages 11-13 (mean 23.65 mm; 95% CI, 23.45 to 23.84 mm; p < 0.01). The correlation coefficient between AL and SER was -0.618 (p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression between outdoor time and the prevalence of myopia showed that one additional hour of outdoor time per week lowered the odds of a child having myopia by 14.3% (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Myopia prevalence increased from 6% at ages 6-8 to 29% at ages 11-13. Thirty-five per cent of the myopes in this study were uncorrected. More time outdoors may be beneficial to protect against myopia onset.

2016

Keir,N., Luensmann,D., Woods,C.A., Bergenske,P., Fahmy,M., Fonn,D. Effect of Masking on Subjective Responses to Daily Disposable Contact Lenses Optom Vis Sci 2016;93(8):828-35 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To explore the effect of masking on subjective responses when wearing daily disposable (DD) contact lenses.
METHODS: In an adaptation phase, habitual wearers of Manufacturer-A (MFA) (n = 43) and Manufacturer-B (MFB) (n = 53) wore MFA-brand 1 or MFB-brand 1 DDs, respectively, for 30 days, open-label. Subjects were then randomly assigned to one of two experiments. Each experiment included two, 3-day crossover phases. An enhanced version of MFA and MFB lenses (MFA-brand 2 and MFB-brand 2) were worn contralaterally to evaluate potential differences in masking result between manufacturers. Experiment 1: subjects were fully masked to lens and packaging (FM) then unmasked (UM). Experiment 2: subjects were FM then partially masked using an over-label (PM). Comfort ratings (0-100) were recorded for each lens daily and preference between lenses was recorded on day 3 for each crossover phase. The mean difference between 0-100 ratings or preference when FM or PM versus UM for the same lens was considered a measurement of the effect associated with masking. The purpose of the study was withheld from subjects to minimize bias.
RESULTS: The effect associated with masking for habitual wearers of MFA and MFB lenses was less than 1 out of 100 (0 ± 2.5) in both experiments. Fifty-eight subjects (60%) expressed no preference when FM. This decreased to 29 (30%) when UM or PM (proportion test, p < 0.001). Approximately half the subjects had a change in lens preference when they were UM or PM, primarily in favor of their habitual lens manufacturer.
CONCLUSIONS: Masking did not have a measurable impact on 0-100 ratings with the DD lenses used in this study but did have an impact on lens preference. Subjects were more likely to express a preference when they handled the lenses and were exposed to the lens packaging and, in some cases, able to read the lens brand and lens manufacturer.

2015

Luensmann,D., Yu,M., Yang,J., Srinivasan,S., Jones,L. Impact of cosmetics on the physical dimension and optical performance of silicone hydrogel contact lenses Eye and Contact Lens 2015;41(4):218-227 [ Show Abstract ]

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of cosmetics on silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lens shape, lens power, and optical performance. Methods: In this in vitro experiment, 7 SiHy materials were coated with 9 marketed brands of cosmetics, including hand creams (HCs) (3), eye makeup removers (MRs) (3), and mascaras (3). Diameter, sagittal depth, and base curve were determined using the Chiltern (Optimec Limited), whereas lens power and optical performance were assessed using the Contest Plus (Rotlex). Six replicates were used for each lens and cosmetic combination.Measurements were repeated after a cleaning cycle using a one-step hydrogen peroxide solution. Results: Makeup removers had the greatest impact on diameter, sagittal depth, and base curve, resulting in changes of up to 0.5, 0.15, and 0.77 mm, respectively. The HCs and mascaras had little impact on these parameters; however, differences were observed between lens types. Optical performance was reduced with all mascaras, and a decrease of greater than 2 units on a 0 to 10 scale (10=uniform power distribution) was seen for 5 lens types exposed to waterproof mascara (P0.05). Lens cleaning resulted in some recovery of the lens parameters, and efficiency varied between cosmetics. Conclusion: Some eye MRs and waterproof mascaras changed the shape and optical performance of some SiHy lenses. Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications for SiHy lens wearers using cosmetics. © 2015 Contact Lens Association of Opthalmologists, Inc.

Srinivasan,S., Otchere,H., Yu,M., Yang,J., Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Impact of cosmetics on the surface properties of silicone hydrogel contact lenses Eye and Contact Lens 2015;41(4):228-235 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of various cosmetics on the surface properties of silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lens materials. Methods: In this in vitro experiment, 7 SiHy contact lens materials were coated with 1 of 9 cosmetics, including common hand creams (3), eye makeup removers (3), and mascaras (3). Dark-field microscopy images were taken to determine pixel brightness (PB) after cosmetic exposure, which describes the visible surface deposition (n=6 for each lens type), with a higher PB indicating increased deposition. The sessile drop technique was used to determine the advancing contact angle (CA). Measurements were repeated for both methods after a single peroxide-based cleaning cycle. Results: Pixel brightness was significantly higher for mascara-coated lenses compared with the other cosmetic products (P,0.01). The peroxide-based lens care solution removed most deposits from the nonwaterproof mascara for 4 lens types, whereas deposits remained relatively unchanged for 1 waterproof mascara (P.0.05). Hand creams and makeup remover had minimal impact on PB. Changes in CA measurements after cosmetic application were highly lens dependent. Hand creams caused primarily a decrease in CA for 5 of the 7 lens types, whereas 1 of the waterproof mascaras caused a significant increase of 30 to 50° for 3 lens types. Conclusion: Some mascara-lens combinations resulted in increased CA and PB, which could have an impact on in vivo lens performance. Nonwaterproof mascara was mostly removed after a cleaning cycle. Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications for SiHy lens wearers using cosmetics. © 2015 Contact Lens Association of Opthalmologists, Inc.

2013

Ng,A., Heynen,M., Luensmann,D., Subbaraman,L. N., Jones,L. Impact of tear film components on the conformational state of lysozyme deposited on contact lenses Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part B Applied Biomaterials 2013;101(7):1172-1181 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose To investigate the impact of lactoferrin and lipids on the kinetic denaturation of lysozyme deposited on silicone and conventional hydrogel lenses, using a complex artificial tear solution (ATS). Methods Two silicone hydrogel lenses (AIR OPTIX AQUA; lotrafilcon B and ACUVUE OASYS; senofilcon A) and two conventional hydrogel lenses (ACUVUE 2; etafilcon A and PROCLEAR; omafilcon A) were incubated in four solutions: an ATS, ATS without lactoferrin, ATS without lipids, and ATS without lactoferrin and lipids. At various time points over a 28-day period, the percentage of active lysozyme per lens was determined using a fluorescence activity assay and an ELISA. Results After 28 days, the percentage of active lysozyme extracted from etafilcon A lenses in all solutions was significantly higher than all other lens materials (p 0.05). The inclusion of lipids in the ATS significantly increased the lysozyme denaturation on both silicone hydrogel materials (p 0.05). The inclusion of lipids in the ATS significantly increased the lysozyme denaturation on both silicone hydrogel materials (p 0.05). Conclusions Lactoferrin and lipids have an impact on the denaturation of lysozyme deposited onto silicone hydrogel contact lenses, while conventional hydrogel lenses were unaffected. Future in vitro studies should consider the impact of tear film components when investigating protein deposition and denaturation on contact lenses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 1172-1181, 2013. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., a Wiley Company.

Ng,A., Heynen,M., Luensmann,D., Subbaraman,L. N., Jones,L. Optimization of a fluorescence-based lysozyme activity assay for contact lens studies Current eye research 2013;38(2):252-259 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To optimize a fluorescence-based lysozyme activity assay to investigate the conformational state of lysozyme in solution and to determine the impact of extraction and evaporation procedures and the possible interference of contact lens materials on lysozyme activity. Methods: The fluorescence-based lysozyme activity assay, Enzchek (Molecular Probes Inc, Eugene, OR) which utilizes fluorescently quenched Micrococcus lysodeikticus, was compared to the gold standard, classical lysozyme turbidity assay, using four differently concentrated lysozyme samples (20, 10, 5.0 and 2.0 ng/µL). Furthermore, six differently concentrated lysozyme samples (2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.01 µg/µL) were quantified using the fluorescence-based assay in the presence of extraction solvents consisting of 0.2% and 0.02% trifluroacetic acid/acetonitrile and following evaporation procedures. Results: A standard curve was generated by the fluorescence-based assay ranging from 2 to 150 ng. The total active lysozyme quantified in the four lysozyme samples was not significantly different between the two assays (p > 0.05) and the concordance correlation coefficient was determined to be 0.995. However an average discrepancy between the two assays was found to be 0.474 ng, with the turbidity assay typically reporting higher active lysozyme measurements. The sensitivity of the fluorescence-based assay was higher than the classical turbidity assay when quantifying 20 ng or less active lysozyme. Following the extraction and evaporation procedures and the addition of lens extracts, the total active lysozyme recovered was 95% or greater. Conclusions: In comparison to the classical turbidity assay, the fluorescence-based assay is a very sensitive method, making it a favorable technique, particularly when studying contact lens materials that deposit relatively low levels of lysozyme. © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Weeks,A., Boone,A., Luensmann,D., Jones,L., Sheardown,H. The effects of hyaluronic acid incorporated as a wetting agent on lysozyme denaturation in model contact lens materials Journal of Biomaterials Applications 2013;28(3):323-333 [ Show Abstract ]

Conventional and silicone hydrogels as models for contact lenses were prepared to determine the effect of the presence of hyaluronic acid on lysozyme sorption and denaturation. Hyaluronic acid was loaded into poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/TRIS - methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy silane) hydrogels, which served as models for conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lens materials. The hyaluronic acid was cross-linked using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- carbodiimide in the presence of dendrimers. Active lysozyme was quantified using a Micrococcus lysodeikticus assay while total lysozyme was determined using 125-I radiolabeled protein. To examine the location of hyaluronic acid in the gels, 6-aminofluorescein labeled hyaluronic acid was incorporated into the gels using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide chemistry and the gels were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Hyaluronic acid incorporation significantly reduced lysozyme sorption in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p < 0.00001) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/TRIS - methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy silane) (p < 0.001) hydrogels, with the modified materials sorbing only 20% and 16% that of the control, respectively. More importantly, hyaluronic acid also decreased lysozyme denaturation in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p < 0.005) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/TRIS - methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy silane) (p < 0.02) hydrogels. The confocal laser scanning microscopy results showed that the hyaluronic acid distribution was dependent on both the material type and the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid. This study demonstrates that hyaluronic acid incorporated as a wetting agent has the potential to reduce lysozyme sorption and denaturation in contact lens applications. The distribution of hyaluronic acid within hydrogels appears to affect denaturation, with more surface mobile, lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid being more effective in preventing denaturation. © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

2012

Jadi,S., Heynen,M., Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Composition of incubation solution impacts in vitro protein uptake to silicone hydrogel contact lenses Molecular Vision 2012;18337-347 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To determine the impact of incubation solution composition on protein deposition to silicone hydrogel (SH) contact lenses using a simplistic and a complex model of the tear film. Methods: Three SH materials - senofilcon A (SA), lotrafilcon B (LB), and balafilcon A (BA) - were incubated in two different solutions; Solution A was a simplistic augmented buffered saline solution containing a single protein, whereas Solution B was a complex artificial tear solution (ATS), containing the augmented buffered saline solution in addition to proteins, lipids, and mucins (pH=7.4). The proteins of interest (lysozyme, lactoferrin, albumin) were radiolabeled with Iodine-125 (2% protein of interest) and the accumulation of the conjugated protein to the lens materials was determined after 1, 7, 14, and 28 days of incubation. Protein deposition was measured using a gamma counter and the raw data were translated into absolute amounts (μg/lens) via extrapolation from standards. Results: After 28 days, lysozyme uptake was significantly lower on BA lenses when incubated in Solution A (33.7 μg) compared to Solution B (56.2 μg), p0.05. LB lenses also deposited similar amounts of lysozyme for both solutions (Solution A: 5.0 μg, Solution B: 4.7 μg, p>0.05). After 28 days, BA lenses accumulated approximately twice the amount of lactoferrin than the other lens materials, with 30.3 μg depositing when exposed to Solution A and 22.0 μg with Solution B. The difference between the two solutions was statistically significant (p0.05. LB lenses also deposited similar amounts of lysozyme for both solutions (Solution A: 5.0 μg, Solution B: 4.7 μg, p>0.05). After 28 days, BA lenses accumulated approximately twice the amount of lactoferrin than the other lens materials, with 30.3 μg depositing when exposed to Solution A and 22.0 μg with Solution B. The difference between the two solutions was statistically significant (p0.05). After 28 days, albumin deposition onto BA lenses was significantly greater when lenses were incubated in Solution B (1.7 μg) compared to Solution A (0.9 μg), p0.05). LB lenses incubated in Solution A deposited more albumin compared to Solution B (0.9 μg versus 0.6 μg), p=0.003. Discussion: Protein deposition onto SH materials varied when contact lenses were incubated in either a complex ATS compared to a single protein solution. More lysozyme accumulated onto BA lenses incubated in a complex analog of the human tear film, whereas lactoferrin deposited onto SA lenses independent of incubation solution composition. To better mimic the ex vivo environment, future studies should use more appropriate analogs of the tear film. © 2012 Molecular Vision.

Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Protein deposition on contact lenses: The past, the present, and the future Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 2012;35(2):53-64 [ Show Abstract ]

Proteins are a key component in body fluids and adhere to most biomaterials within seconds of their exposure. The tear film consists of more than >400 different proteins, ranging in size from 10 to 2360 kDa, with a net charge of pH 1-11. Protein deposition rates on poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) and silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses have been determined using a number of ex vivo and in vitro experiments. Ionic, high water pHEMA-based lenses attract the highest amount of tear film protein (1300 μg/lens), due to an electrostatic attraction between the material and positively charged lysozyme. All other types of pHEMA-based lenses deposit typically less than 100 μg/lens. Silicone hydrogel lenses attract less protein than pHEMA-based materials, with <10 μg/lens for non-ionic and up to 34 μg/lens for ionic materials. Despite the low protein rates on silicone hydrogel lenses, the percentage of denatured protein is typically higher than that seen on pHEMA-based lenses. Newer approaches incorporating phosphorylcholine, polyethers or hyaluronic acid into potential contact lens materials result in reduced protein deposition rates compared to current lens materials. © 2012 British Contact Lens Association.

Luensmann,D., Moezzi,A., Peterson,R. C., Woods,C., Fonn,D. Corneal staining and cell shedding during the development of solution-induced corneal staining Optometry and Vision Science 2012;89(6):868-874 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. This non-dispensing cross-over study was conducted to determine if lenses presoaked in Opti-Free RepleniSH (OFR) or ReNu MultiPlus (RMP) cause solution-induced corneal staining (SICS) and subsequent cell sloughing before the typical 2 h in vivo examination point. Methods. Study lenses (PureVision) were worn bilaterally by 13 participants for periods of 15, 30, 60, and 120 min using two different contralateral care regimen pairings. The lens worn on the test eye was soaked overnight in either OFR or RMP and the control eye in Clear Care (CC). After lens removal, corneal staining was rated on a scale of 0 (negligible) to 100 (severe) for four peripheral quadrants and the central region, and the differential global staining score was calculated by subtracting baseline staining scores. Following the staining assessment, corneal cells were collected from the ocular surface using a non-contact irrigation system to determine ocular cell shedding rates. Results. Differential global staining score with OFR was greater than CC with the differences being statistically significant at 30 and 60 min (p 0.05). Conclusions. SICS occurred earlier but to a significantly lower degree when PureVision lenses were presoaked in OFR compared with RMP, while lenses presoaked in CC did not cause SICS. Ocular surface cell shedding after lens removal was not impacted by lens wear durations of ≤2 h. © 2012 American Academy of Optometry.

Ng,A., Heynen,M., Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Impact of tear film components on lysozyme deposition to contact lenses Optometry and Vision Science 2012 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of lactoferrin and lipids on the kinetic deposition of lysozyme on silicone and conventional hydrogel lenses, using a complex artificial tear solution (ATS). METHODS: Two silicone hydrogel lenses (AIR OPTIX AQUA; lotrafilcon B and ACUVUE OASYS; senofilcon A) and two conventional hydrogel lenses (ACUVUE 2; etafilcon A and PROCLEAR; omafilcon A) were investigated. Lenses were incubated in four different solutions: a complex ATS consisting of various salts, lipids, proteins, and mucins, an ATS without lactoferrin (ATS w/o Lac), an ATS without lipids (ATS w/o Lip), and an ATS without lactoferrin and lipids (ATS w/o Lac & Lip), each containing 2% radiolabeled (125I) lysozyme (1.9 mg/ml). After each time point (4, 12 h and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 days), the amount of lysozyme per lens was quantified. RESULTS: After 28 days, lotrafilcon B lenses incubated in ATS deposited significantly less lysozyme (9.7 ± 1.4 μg) than when incubated in solutions not containing lactoferrin and lipids (more than 11.8 μg) (p < 0.001). Lysozyme uptake to senofilcon A lenses was higher in ATS w/o Lip (5.3 ± 0.1 μg) compared with other solutions (less than 3.9 μg) (p < 0.001). Etafilcon A lenses deposited the most lysozyme in all four solutions compared with the rest of the lens types (p < 0.001). For etafilcon A lenses, less lysozyme was deposited when incubated in ATS w/o Lip (588.6 ± 0.4 μg) compared with the other solutions (more than 642.6 μg) (p < 0.001). Omafilcon A lenses in ATS w/o Lac accumulated significantly less lysozyme (12.8 ± 1.0 μg) compared with the other solutions (more than 14.2 μg) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An ATS containing lactoferrin and lipids impacts lysozyme deposition on both silicone and conventional hydrogel contact lenses. When performing in vitro experiments to study protein deposition on contact lenses, more complex models should be used to better mimic the human tear film.

2011

Weeks,A., Luensmann,D.,Boone,A, Jones,L., Sheardown,H. Hyaluronic acid as an internal wetting agent in model DMAA/TRIS contact lenses 2011 1-10 [ Show Abstract ]

Model silicone hydrogel contact lenses, comprised of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy) silane, were fabricated and hyaluronic acid (HA) was incorporated as an internal wetting agent using a dendrimer-based method. HA and dendrimers were loaded into the silicone hydrogels and cross-linked using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide chemistry. The presence and location of HA in the hydrogels was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. The effects of the presence of HA on the silicone hydrogels on hydrophilicity, swelling behavior, transparency, and lysozyme sorption and denaturation were evaluated. The results showed that HA increased the hydrophilicity and the equilibrium water content of the hydrogels without affecting transparency. HA also significantly decreased the amount of lysozyme sorption (p < 0.002). HA had no effect on lysozyme denaturation in hydrogels containing 0% and 1.7% methacrylic acid (MAA) (by weight) but when the amount of MAA was increased to 5%, the level of lysozyme denaturation was significantly lower compared to control materials. These results suggest that HA has great potential to be used as a wetting agent in silicone hydrogel contact lenses to improve wettability and to decrease lysozyme sorption and denaturation.

2010

Luensmann,D., Heynen,M., Liu,L., Sheardown,H., Jones,L. The efficiency of contact lens care regimens on protein removal from hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses Molecular Vision 2010;16(10-11):79-92 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To investigate the efficiency of lysozyme and albumin removal from silicone hydrogel and conventional contact lenses, using a polyhexamethylene biguanide multipurpose solution (MPS) in a soaking or rubbing/soaking application and a hydrogen peroxide system (H2O2). Methods: Etafilcon A, lotrafilcon B and balafilcon A materials were incubated in protein solutions for up to 14 days. Lenses were either placed in radiolabeled protein to quantify the amount deposited or in fluorescent-conjugated protein to identify its location, using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Lenses were either rinsed with PBS or soaked overnight in H2O2 or MPS with and without lens rubbing. Results: After 14 days lysozyme was highest on etafilcon A (2,200 μg) >balafilcon A (50 μg) >lotrafilcon B (9.7 μg) and albumin was highest on balafilcon A (1.9 μg) =lotrafilcon B (1.8 μg) >etafilcon A (0.2 μg). Lysozyme removal was greatest for balafilcon A >etafilcon A >lotrafilcon B, with etafilcon A showing the most change in protein distribution. Albumin removal was highest from etafilcon A >balafilcon A >lotrafilcon B. H2O2 exhibited greater lysozyme removal from etafilcon A compared to both MPS procedures (p0.62). Albumin removal was solely material specific, while all care regimens performed to a similar degree (p>0.69). Conclusions: Protein removal efficiency for the regimens evaluated depended on the lens material and protein type. Overall, lens rubbing with MPS before soaking did not reduce the protein content on the lenses compared to nonrubbed lenses (p=0.89). © 2010 Molecular Vision.

Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Impact of fluorescent probes on albumin sorption profiles to ophthalmic biomaterials Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part B Applied Biomaterials 2010;94(2):327-336

2009

Luensmann,D., Heynen,M., Liu,L., Sheardown,H., Jones,L. Determination of albumin sorption to intraocular lenses by radiolabeling and confocal laser scanning microscopy Journal of cataract and refractive surgery 2009;35(11):2000-2007 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To determine albumin adsorption profiles and penetration depth of 3 intraocular lens (IOL) materials over time using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and radiolabeling. Setting: Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry, and Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Methods: Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), silicone, and foldable hydrophilic acrylic IOLs were incubated in 0.5 mg/mL bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 1, 7, and 14 days. The BSA was conjugated with lucifer yellow VS to allow identification of the protein location by fluorescent imaging with CLSM. Next, the protein uptake was quantified using 2% 125I-labeled BSA. Results: Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed increasing BSA uptake for silicone and PMMA IOLs after 14 days of incubation (P<.05), with an apparent penetration depth of 8.7 μm ± 1.9 (SD) and 9.2 ± 1.4 μm, respectively. For hydrophilic acrylic IOLs, BSA was detected at a depth of 38 ± 7.4 μm after 1 day, followed by an increase to 192.7 ± 16.2 μm after 14 days. Despite the penetration depth into the hydrophilic acrylic IOLs, quantitative results confirmed that PMMA and hydrophilic acrylic deposited significantly less BSA (mean 278.3 ± 41.7 ng and 296.5 ± 33.1 ng, respectively) than silicone IOLs (mean 392.6 ± 37.6 ng) (P<.05). Conclusions: Silicone and PMMA IOL materials showed BSA sorption near the lens surface only, while BSA penetrated deep into the hydrophilic acrylic IOL matrix. Combining the qualitative CLSM method and quantitative radiolabeling technique provided detailed information on protein interactions with implantable biomaterials. © 2009 ASCRS and ESCRS.

Luensmann,D., Zhang,F., Subbaraman,L., Sheardown,H., Jones,L. Localization of lysozyme sorption to conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses using confocal microscopy Current eye research 2009;34(8):683-697 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To investigate the distribution profile of hen egg lysozyme (HEL) through poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA)-based lens materials and silicone hydrogel (SH) lens materials using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). METHODS: Five silicone SH materials (balafilcon A, lotrafilcon A, lotrafilcon B, galyfilcon A, senofilcon A) and four pHEMA-based materials (alphafilcon A, etafilcon A, omafilcon A, vifilcon A) were incubated in 1.9 mg/ml protein solution for 24 hours. The protein solution consisted of HEL, which was conjugated with either fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or lucifer yellow VS dilithium salt (LY). CLSM (Zeiss LSM 510 META) identified the location of the fluorescently labeled protein by using 1 micro m depth scans through the lens. In a second experiment, lenses were incubated with 2% (125) I labeled HEL to determine the amount of deposited protein on each lens. Both techniques were combined to describe the individual HEL profiles. RESULTS: After the incubation in fluorescently labeled HEL, all pHEMA-based materials and the SH material balafilcon A accumulated protein throughout the entire lens material, while, for the SH lenses lotrafilcon A and lotrafilcon B, HEL was primarily detected on the lens surface alone. Differences in protein uptake pattern due solely to the two conjugated dyes were most apparent for the SH materials galyfilcon A and senofilcon A; HEL was detected throughout these lenses when conjugated with LY but accumulated primarily on the surface when conjugated with FITC. CONCLUSION: CLSM in combination with a radiolabel technique can describe both the location and degree of protein deposition on different contact lens materials.

2008

Luensmann,D., Jones,L. Albumin adsorption to contact lens materials: A review Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 2008;31(4):179-187 [ Show Abstract ]

During contact lens wear, tear film components such as lipids, mucins and proteins tend to deposit on and within the lens material and may cause discomfort, reduced vision and inflammatory reactions. The tear film protein that has attracted most interest when studying contact lens deposition is the small (14 kDa), positively charged protein lysozyme. Albumin, which is a much larger protein (66 kDa) with an overall net negative charge is also of interest, and shows very different adsorption patterns to lysozyme. The concentration of albumin in the tear film is relatively low compared to the concentration in blood serum, but this value increases markedly under various conditions, including when the eye is closed, during contact lens wear and in various dry eye states. Gaining an understanding of the manner in which albumin deposits on biomaterials is of importance for contact lens wear, as well as for other medical applications where HEMA-based materials are used for implants, artificial blood vessels or drug delivery devices. This review paper summarizes the impact of individual material compositions, water content, hydrophobicity and electrostatic attraction on the adsorption behavior of the protein albumin.

2007

Luensmann,D., Glasier,M. -A, Zhang,F., Bantseev,V., Simpson,T., Jones,L. Confocal microscopy and albumin penetration into contact lenses Optometry and Vision Science 2007;84(9):839-847 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. To develop a novel in vitro method to detect the depth of penetration of the tear film protein albumin into contact lens materials using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
Methods. A poly-HEMA-based hydrogel (etafilcon A) and a silicone hydrogel material (lotrafilcon B) were examined. In vitro, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was labeled with 5-(4,6-dichloro-s-triazin-2-ylamino) fluorescein hydrochloride (DTAF). The lenses were incubated in this protein solution (0.5 mg/ml) at 37°C. After 1 and 7 days incubation, the lenses were examined using CLSM (Zeiss 510, config. META 18) and the location of the fluorescently labeled BSA was identified.
Results. BSA adsorption on the surface and penetration into the lens matrix occurred at a higher concentration for etafilcon compared to lotrafilcon (p < 0.001). For both materials, BSA was detected on the surface after 1 day of incubation. Significant levels of BSA were detected within the matrix of etafilcon after as little as 1 day (p < 0.001), but no BSA was detected in the matrix of lotrafilcon at any time (p > 0.05).
Conclusion. CLSM can be successfully used to examine the depth of penetration of fluorescently labeled proteins into various hydrogel polymers. Our results show that etafilcon lenses both adsorb BSA on the surface and absorb BSA within the matrix, whereas lotrafilcon B adsorbs small amounts of BSA on the surface only.

Scientific Presentations

2024

Fadel D, Wong S, Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Seo J, Woods J, Voltz K, Vega J. The use of Scleral Lenses to Manage Dry Eye Symptoms in Habitual Soft Lens Wearers Global Specialty Lens Symposium, Las Vegas, Jan 20, 2024 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To determine if scleral lenses (SLs) with and without Hydra-PEG coating can improve ocular comfort and reduce dryness in symptomatic soft lens wearers.

METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double masked, 1-month bilateral cross over, daily wear study recruited symptomatic soft lens wearers who presented with healthy eyes and a CLDEQ-8 score ≥12 with their habitual contact lens (hab-CL). Eligible participants were fit with SLs (Onefit MED, CooperVision, Inc.) and wore these with and without HydraPEG coating (coated (C-SL) / uncoated (U-SL)) in a randomized order for 1 month per pair. Participants completed a CLDEQ-8 and rated comfort, vision clarity, dryness and handling after each 1-month wear period using a 0-10 scale (10=best) and these data were compared between study SLs and to their hab-CL.

RESULTS: Twenty participants (16F:4M), mean age 29.3±12.4 years [18-64 years] completed the study. The mean refraction of the right eye was Sph -4.69±3.42DS [-15.25 to -0.50DS] and Cyl -0.84±0.79DC [0.00 to -2.75DC]. At 1 month, the CLDEQ-8 score improved with both study SLs in comparison to hab-CL (p0.05) and both were rated better compared to hab-CL (p0.05). At study exit, 9 of the 20 participants requested the SL details to be shared with their eye care professional because they wanted to continue wearing these SLs in future.

CONCLUSIONS: Switching symptomatic soft lens wearers into scleral lenses improved comfort and reduced dryness symptoms after 1 month of wear, with little reduction in ease of lens handling. Subjective ratings were similar with uncoated and HydraPEG coated scleral lenses, with the latter providing slightly better visual clarity.

Fadel D, Wong S, Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Woods J, Jones L, Voltz K, Vega J. Evaluation of Scleral Lenses in the Management of Dry Eye Symptoms American Academy of Optometry Meeting, Indianapolis, Nov 8, 2024 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if scleral lenses (SLs), either with or without a covalently bonded polyethylene glycol-based lens surface treatment (Hydra-PEG) (Tangible Science), could improve ocular comfort and decrease dryness in symptomatic habitual soft contact lens (CL) wearers and non-CL wearers.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-masked, 1-month bilateral cross-over, daily wear study recruited soft CL wearers with a CLDEQ-8 score ≥12 and non-CL wearers with an OSDI score ≥13. Eligible participants were fit with SLs (Onefit MED, Blanchard Contact Lens, a CooperVision Company) and wore one pair with and one pair without lens coating (coated (C-SL)/uncoated (U-SL)) in a randomized order for 1 month each. Participants completed the CLDEQ-8 and rated their overall satisfaction with ocular comfort, dryness, and vision clarity after each wear period using a 0-10 scale (10=best). These data were compared between study SLs and habitual correction (hab-correction), which is habitual CL (hab-CL) or baseline (BL) for non-CL wearers.

Results: 38 completed all study visits and were included in the analysis (20 hab-CL, 18 non-CL). At 1 month, the CLDEQ-8 score improved with both study SLs in comparison to hab-CL (p0.05) and were better than hab-correction (p0.05) but higher with C-SL than hab-CL (p< 0.05) (Hab-CL: 7.3, C-SL: 8.4, U-SL: 7.7). For non-CL wearers, comfort was improved with both study SLs compared to BL (p0.05) (BL: 4.7, C-SL: 7.3, U-SL: 7.1). Overall satisfaction with vision clarity was similar with hab-correction and study SLs (p >0.05) (hab-correction: 7.9, C-SL: 8.2, U-SL: 7.8). However, it was significantly higher with C-SL compared to U-SL for CL wearers (p< 0.05) (C-SL: 8.6, U-SL: 7.7). At study completion, 45% of participants (9 hab-CL and 8 non-CL) expressed interest in future SL wear.

Conclusion: Symptomatic soft CL wearers and non-CL wearers could successfully be fit with Onefit MED SLs. Both study SLs performed well, and only minor differences were seen between study SLs, which were typically in favor of the coated SL. After 1 month, comfort and dryness satisfaction ratings were better with SLs than hab-correction, indicating that SLs are a good option to manage patients with dry eye symptoms, irrespective of whether they are hab-CL or non-CL wearers.

Jabeen A, Luensmann D, Woods J, Hill J, Jones L. Short-term effect of DOT spectacle lenses on choroidal thickness in emmetropic children The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Seattle, WA, May 9, 2024 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: To investigate regional changes in choroidal thickness (ChT) following short-term wear of Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT) spectacle lenses, designed to control myopia by lowering retinal contrast.

Method: Emmetropic children (SER +1.00 to -0.75 D) aged 8 to 14 years wore plano DOT spectacle lenses without central apertures and +3.00D spectacle lenses in a two-visit, prospective, randomized, subject-masked crossover study. High-resolution OCT (Triton DRI-OCT, Topcon) evaluated central, parafoveal (3 mm from the fovea) and perifoveal (6 mm from the fovea) ChT after 0, 30 and 60 minutes of viewing a high contrast video at each visit.

Results: A total of 30 participants (17F, 13M) with a mean (± SD) age of 10.9 (1.7) years completed the study. After 30 minutes of spectacle lens wear, a significant increase in ChT was observed with DOT spectacle lenses compared to +3.00D spectacle lenses in 4 of the 9 macula regions evaluated (p<0.05 for all). DOT spectacles showed a significant ChT thickening in the central (+7.69 ± 4.19 μm), parafoveal regions at nasal (+9.01 ± 2.77 μm) and temporal (+6.20 ± 5.46 μm) and inferior perifoveal (+9.79 ± 2.31 μm) compared to myopic defocus with +3.00D lenses. After 60 minutes, ChT remained higher only in the inferior parafoveal region (+3.96 ± 8.33 μm, p=0.03), while all other regions returned to baseline levels.

Conclusion: After short-term DOT spectacle lens wear, emmetropic children experienced macula ChT thickening, similar or greater than the response observed with +3.00D spectacle lens wear. These results indicate the choroid is able to respond to contrast reduction. Further research is required to investigate the long-term impact of contrast modulation on ChT.

Vega J, Woods J, Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Orsborn G. Ease of Success Refitting Habitual Multifocal Soft Lens Wearers with a New Progressive Multifocal Lens System American Academy of Optometry Meeting, Indianapolis, Nov 8, 2024 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: It is important for eye care professionals to have confidence when switching multifocal (MF) contact lens (CL) wearers to a new lens, knowing the results will be predictable and not involve excessive chair time, whether updating a prescription, selecting a different lens material or replacement frequency, or moving to a new optical system. A 2-add (High & Low) MFCL is being changed to a 3-add (High, Medium & Low) lens with a different binocular progressive system. This study was to evaluate the ease and predictability of fit and success when switching existing 2-Add wearers to the 3-Add system.

Methods: 5 US sites recruited presbyopic habitual MF wearers for a bilateral, daily wear, crossover (fixed order), subject-masked study. Subjects were fit and dispensed with clariti 1 day multifocal 2-add (somofilcon A, CooperVision, Inc.) with power optimizations after 3-7 days; optimal powers were worn for 2-weeks. Then subjects were fit with clariti 1 day multifocal 3-add and worn with the same visit schedule. LogMAR visual acuity and subjective ratings (0–10 scale;10=best) were collected after each lens wear period; preference ratings were recorded on study exit (5-point Likert).

Results: Fifty-eight participants (mean age 53.5±6.2 years, 46F:12M) completed the study. Mean refraction -1.11±2.44DS [-4.75 to +3.50], -0.27±0.25DC [0.00 to -0.75] and near addition +2.05±0.36D [+1.25 to +2.50]. There were no differences between lenses for comfort (p=0.76), vision quality (p=0.78) or overall satisfaction (p=0.94). The only statistical difference among preferences related to vision clarity for near tasks, where the 3-Add system was preferred (p=0.03). After 2-weeks, LogMAR acuity was significantly better with the 3-Add system for distance (p< 0.01) and near (p=0.02), but not for intermediate (p=0.10). When strictly following the fitting guides, the 3-Add was significantly more successful with the first pair of lenses compared to the 2-Add (80% vs 59% respectively, p=0.03); 98% of both MFCLs were successful after 1 refinement, and 100% with two.

Conclusion: The 3-Add MFCL performance matched or exceeded that of the 2-Add lens for visual acuity, subjective ratings and preference, and had a higher success rate with the first lens pair. The fit success rate for first lens pair aligns with that with MyDay multifocal (stenfilcon A, CooperVision, Inc.) that uses the same 3-Add Binocular Progressive System. This clinical study indicates that switching 2-Add wearers to the 3-Add system was generally successful, and the 3-Add lens was well accepted.

Wong S, Fadel D, Seo J, Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Woods J, Voltz K, Vega J. Dry eye management with scleral lenses in non-lens wearers NCC, Veldhoven, Netherlands, Mar 10, 2024 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To assess the benefits of scleral lenses (SLs) with and without Hydra-PEG in non-lens wearers with dry eye symptoms.

METHODS: This prospective, randomised, double-masked, 1-month bilateral cross-over study recruited symptomatic non-wearers with healthy eyes and an OSDI score ≥13. Participants were fitted with SLs (hexafocon A, Onefit MED, CooperVision, Inc.) with and without Hydra-PEG coating (Tangible Science) (coated (C-SL)/uncoated (U-SL)) for 1-month daily wear per pair. LogMAR visual acuity was measured, and participants rated overall satisfaction with ocular comfort, dryness and vision clarity using a 0-10 scale (10=best) at baseline (BL) and after each 1-month wear period with the two SLs.

RESULTS: In total, 22 participants were eligible and 18 completed the study (18F:0M, mean age 34.9±13.4 years [20-66], OSDI score 39.8±18.0 [14-80], reason for discontinuation: n=3 handling, n=1 comfort). Mean refraction of the right eye was -3.28±1.13DS [-12.00 to +1.00] and -1.11±0.90DC [0.00 to -3.25]. At 1-month, satisfaction with ocular comfort and dryness was similar between study SLs (p>0.05), and both were rated better than BL (p0.05) (BL: 7.6±19, C-SL: 7.8±2.3, U-SL: 7.8±2.9), which was confirmed by LogMAR visual acuity with no clinically relevant differences noted (BL: -0.14±0.07, C-SL: -0.17±0.07, U-SL: -0.18±0.08). At study exit, 44% asked to share their SL details with their eye care professional to continue wear in the future.

CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic non-lens wearers were successfully fit with SLs, which improved ocular comfort and reduced dryness after 1 month of wear. Although no difference was noted between Hydra-PEG-coated and uncoated lenses, participants with a wide range of dryness symptoms benefited from SL wear and almost every second participant indicated an interested to continue SL wear.

Woods J, Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Vega J, Orsborn G. Evaluating the Success of Habitual Multifocal Soft Lens Wearers when Refit with a Progressive Multifocal Lens System NCC, Veldhoven, Netherlands, Mar 11, 2024 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ease and predictability of fit and success when switching habitual, multifocal (MF) wearers from a somofilcon A (som-A) multifocal 2-Add system to a som-A 3-Add system.

METHODS: Presbyopic habitual MF wearers were recruited to a crossover, daily wear, subject-masked study. At first, participants were fit and dispensed bilaterally with som-A 2-Add (CooperVision) lenses and power optimizations were permitted at the fitting visit and the 1-week visit. The optimal lens powers were worn for 2-weeks. Next, som-A 3-Add (CooperVision) was fit and worn following the same visit schedule. Visual acuity and subjective ratings (0–10 scale;10=best) were collected after each lens wear period and preference ratings were completed at study exit (5-point Likert).

RESULTS: Fifty-eight participants (mean age 53.5±6.2 years, 46F:12M) completed the study. Mean refraction OD: Sph -1.11±2.44D [-4.75D to +3.50D], Cyl -0.27±0.25D [-0.75D to 0.00D], near addition +2.05±0.36D [+1.25D to +2.50D]. There was no difference between lenses for satisfaction with comfort (p=0.76), vision quality (p=0.78), or overall satisfaction (p=0.94). The only statistical difference among preferences related to vision clarity for near tasks, where som-A 3-Add was preferred (p=0.03). After 2-weeks, LogMAR acuity was significantly better with som-A 3-Add for distance vision (p<0.01) and near vision (p=0.02), but not different for intermediate vision (p=0.10). When strictly following the fitting guides, som-A 2-Add was successful with the first pair of lenses in 59% of participants, whereas som-A 3-Add was successful with the first pair in 80% of participants (p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: The performance of som-A 3-Add either matched or exceeded that of som-A 2-Add based on visual acuity, participant ratings and participant preferences. The 3-Add lens system had a higher rate of success with the first lens pair than the 2-Add system. Results indicate that switching som-A 2-Add wearers to the updated som-A 3-Add lens system was successful and well accepted.

2023

Guthrie S, Chow T, Luensmann D, Woods J, Lumb E, Orsborn G. Short term visual performance of two myopia control soft contact lenses British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference & Exhibition, Manchester, Jun 9-11, 2023 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To gain insights into the short-term visual performance of two myopia control contact lenses which employ different optical designs.

METHODS: Children aged 8 to 15 years, with no history of contact lens wear or recent myopia control intervention, participated in a non-dispensing, single visit, double masked trial where the study lenses were fit and worn contralaterally in randomised eyes. The myopia control study lenses were senofilcon A (AA1D, Johnson & Johnson Vision) and omafilcon A (M1D, CooperVision). After participants had worn the lenses for 1 hour, they rated their subjective experience with vision using a 0-100 scale (100 is best) and distance visual acuity (LogMAR (VA)) was measured. Lens preference was determined at the end of the wear period using a 5-point Likert scale and reasons for preference were provided.

RESULTS: Twenty-six participants completed the study (9F:17M; mean age 11.6 ± 2.1 years). Mean refraction was OD Sph -1.96 ± 0.93D (-0.25 to -3.50D), Cyl -0.34 ± 0.35D (0.00 to -1.00D) and OS Sph -1.77 ± 0.97D (-0.25 to -3.50D), Cyl -0.38 ± 0.38D (0.00 to -1.00D). Subjective ratings of distance vision at 1 hour were better (Wilcoxon matched pairs, p<0.01) with M1D (88 ± 14) versus AA1D (79 ± 18). Distance VA was also significantly better (Wilcoxon matched pairs, p<0.01) with M1D (0.02 ± 0.04 logMAR) over AA1D (0.09 ± 0.08 logMAR). When asked to provide an overall lens preference after 1 hour of wear, more participants preferred M1D than AA1D, and vision was reported as the main reason for their preference (M1D:14 vs AA1D:6, No preference:6; p=0.17).

CONCLUSIONS: When worn contralaterally for 1 hour, the different optical designs of M1D and AA1D performed significantly differently. M1D resulted in better distance vision ratings and visual acuity, and both of these differences would also be considered clinically relevant.

Guthrie S, Woods J, Luensmann D, Chow T, Lumb C, Orsborn G. Subjective Vision Experience in Soft Myopia Control Contact Lenses by Age American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, October 12, 2023 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term vision experience of preteens (PT) and teens (T) with two myopia control (MC) contact lenses of different optical designs: senofilcon A, with a noncoaxial ring-focus design (AA1D, Johnson & Johnson Vision) and omafilcon A, with a dual-focus design (M1D, CooperVision, Inc.).

METHOD: Children aged 8-15 years who had no prior history of contact lens wear or recent MC intervention were recruited for a single-visit, double-masked trial with study lenses randomly fit and worn contralaterally. Participants were separated into two age groups: PT: 8-12 years and T:13-15 years. After wearing the lenses for 1 hour, participants rated their subjective visual experience on a 0-100 scale (where 100 indicated the best experience), and distance visual acuity was measured using LogMAR (VA). At the end of the wear period, lens preference was determined using a 5-point Likert scale, and participants provided reasons for their preference.

RESULTS: Twenty-six participants completed the study (9F:17M; mean age 11.6 ± 2.1 years), 16 PT and 10 T. Mean refraction was OD Sph -1.96 ± 0.93D (-0.25 to -3.50D), Cyl -0.34 ± 0.35D (0.00 to -1.00D) and OS Sph -1.77 ± 0.97D (-0.25 to -3.50D), Cyl -0.38 ± 0.38D (0.00 to -1.00D). When participants rated their subjective experience with vision at 1 hour, both age groups reported better distance vision with M1D compared to AA1D (PT:M1D: 90 ± 15, AA1D: 82 ± 17, p<0.01; T:M1D: 85 ± 13, AA1D: 73 ± 18, p=0.02). Distance visual acuity (VA) was also better with M1D over AA1D in both groups, with the difference in the PT group being statistically significant (PT:M1D: 0.03 ± 0.04, AA1D: 0.09 ± 0.08, p<0.01; T:M1D: 0.02 ± 0.04, AA1D: 0.08 ± 0.09, p=0.07). For near VA, M1D performed better than AA1D in PT (PT:M1D: 0.07 ± 0.08, AA1D: 0.12 ± 0.08, p<0.05; T:M1D: 0.05 ± 0.05, AA1D: 0.06 ± 0.06, p=0.29). When asked to provide an overall lens preference after 1 hour of wear, more PT preferred M1D than AA1D (M1D:8 vs AA1D:4, No preference:4) and more T preferred M1D than AA1D (M1D:6 vs AA1D:2, No preference:2), with both groups reporting vision as the main reason for their preference.

CONCLUSION: When worn contralaterally for 1 hour, the different optical designs of M1D and AA1D performed significantly differently. The preteen and teen groups responded similarly, with M1D preferred by both groups for better distance vision. In addition, while teens had an equivalent vision experience to the preteens, they were overall more likely to rate that experience lower than preteens, indicating a potential difference in subjective experience between the groups and a more critical assessment of vision in teenagers.

Jones D, Luensmann D, Alton K. The prevalence of refractive error in children in a Canadian rural, First Nation Community 4th World Congress of Optometry O=MEGA23, Melbourne, Sep 8, 2023

Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Woods J, Voltz K, Vega J.. Software Guided Orthokeratology Fitting Success American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, October 12, 2023 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ease of fit and success rate of the recommended orthokeratology lens parameters as determined by the Visavyä software (CooperVision Inc.).

METHOD: This four-site prospective study recruited participants aged 6-35 years and fit them bilaterally with Paragon CRT® or Paragon CRT Dual Axis® orthokeratology lenses (CooperVision Inc.), worn every night for 1 month. Four different topographers were used in the study: Medmont E300, Oculus Keratograph 5, Oculus Pentacam or Topcon CA-800. Topography data were uploaded into the software and together with subjective refraction and white-to-white corneal diameter data, the software calculated the recommended lens parameters for the first trial lens. If fit and/or vision was not acceptable, lens modifications were permitted at the dispense visit, after the first night or after one week of wear. Best-corrected visual acuity was determined at baseline and unaided acuity was measured after one month of overnight lens wear.

RESULTS: 54 participants (33F:21M), mean age 17.5±7.4 years [7 to 35 years] were included in the analysis. An additional 8 participants were successfully screened and dispensed but exited the study early for lens related and other reasons, they are not included in the analysis. The mean subjective refraction (OU) of all completed participants was Sph -2.60±1.30DS [-5.75 to 0.00] and Cyl -0.50±0.47DC [-1.75 to 0.00]. The software recommended either CRT or CRT Dual Axis lenses depending on the corneal toricity: • Medmont: 13 CRT, 17 Dual Axis • Oculus Keratograph 5: 10 CRT, 28 Dual Axis • Oculus Pentacam: 11 CRT, 9 Dual Axis • Topcon CA-800: 13 CRT, 7 Dual Axis Only four eyes (<4%) involving 3 different participants required a lens parameter change from the initial lens recommendation by the fitting software (all CRT Dual Axis) and involved two different topographers. For the cohort, the best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) prior to lens wear was -0.07±0.11 (-0.30 to 0.14) and unaided vision after 1 month of lens wear was -0.03 ± 0.15 (-0.30 to +0.38) (p<0.01). Remaining refraction after 1 month was Sph –0.04 ± 0.34 DS. (-1.25 to +0.75). The 1-month unaided vision by lens type was: • CRT: -0.07 ± 0.12 (-0.30 to 0.14) • CRT Dual Axis: -0.01 ± 0.16 (-0.30 to 0.38) There were no significant or serious ocular adverse events in this study.

CONCLUSION: The Visavy™ software successfully integrated data from four different topographers and provided a >96% first fit success rate for Paragon CRT® and Paragon CRT Dual Axis®. This predictable outcome makes the Visavy™ software a valuable tool for eye care professionals when fitting these lenses to minimize chair time and optimize wearer satisfaction.

Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Woods J, Voltz K, Vega J.. Orthokeratology fitting success using a new software British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference & Exhibition, Manchester, Jun 9-11, 2023 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE:
To determine vision outcome after orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lens wear when using the new Visavy software (CooperVision Specialty EyeCare) to determine the recommended lens parameters.

METHODS:
This multisite (3) prospective study recruited participants aged 6-35 years and fit them with Paragon CRT or Paragon CRT Dual Axis Ortho-K lenses (CooperVision Specialty EyeCare), worn every night for 1 month. Topography images (Oculus Keratograph 5, Medmont E300, or Topcon CA-800) were uploaded in the software and together with entries for subjective refraction and white-to-white corneal diameter, the software provided the recommended lens parameters. If fit and/or vision was not acceptable, lens modifications were permitted at the dispense visit, after the first night or after one week of wear. Best-corrected visual acuity was determined at baseline and unaided after one day, one week and one month of Ortho-K wear. Subjective comfort was collected after the first lens application and after one month (0-10 scale, 10=very comfortable).

RESULTS:
Thirty participants (19F:11M), mean age 13.6±5.9 years [7 to 35 years] were included in the analysis. The mean refraction of all 60 eyes was Sph -2.98±1.27DS and Cyl -0.54±0.43DC. Best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) prior to lens wear was -0.01±0.04 and unaided vision was +0.30±0.33 after the first night, +0.05±0.13 after 1 week and +0.06±0.10 after 1 month of Ortho-K lens wear. Remaining subjective refraction after 1 month was Sph –0.37±0.82DS. Only two eyes (<3%) required a lens parameter change after the initial lens recommendation by the fitting software. Comfort ratings were significantly better after 1 month (7.8±1.6) compared to the dispense visit (5.6±2.2)(p<0.01). There were no ocular adverse events in this study.

CONCLUSIONS:
The software provided a 97% first fit success rate for Paragon CRT and Paragon CRT Dual Axis. This predictable outcome makes the Visavy software a valuable tool for ECPs when fitting Ortho-K lenses.

Luensmann D, Schulze M, Guthrie S, Woods J, Jones L. Evaluating the change in symptoms when symptomatic daily disposable lens wearers are refit with delefilcon A Optometry's Meeting ePosters Virtual Event, Jun 13, 2023

Luensmann D, Schulze M, Guthrie S, Woods J, Jones L. Early lens handling experience of neophyte wearers fitted contralaterally with a hydrogel and a silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens Optometry's Meeting ePosters Virtual Event, Jun 13, 2023

Luensmann D, Tucker AW, Voltz K, Guthrie S, Woods J, Vega J. Orthokeratology Lens Fit Success Using a New Software Global Specialty Lens Symposium, Las Vegas, Jan 20, 2023 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: To determine orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lens parameters in as few steps possible is beneficial for the eye care professionals (ECPs) and patient and this study investigated how the new Visavy software can help to inform the initial lens parameters.

Methods: This prospective study recruited participants aged 6-35 years and fit them with Paragon CRT or Paragon CRT Dual Axis Ortho-K lenses (CooperVision Specialty EyeCare), worn every night for 1 month. Topography images (Oculus Keratograph 5) were uploaded in the software and together with additional entries for subjective refraction and white-to-white corneal diameter, the software populated the initial lens parameters. Lens modifications for fit and/or vision were permitted at any of the following three timepoints: the dispense visit, after the first night or after one week of wear. Visual acuity (LogMAR) was determined with subjective refraction at baseline and unaided after one month of Ortho-K wear. Subjective comfort was collected after the first lens application and after one month (0-10 scale, 10=very comfortable). Subjective vision clarity was collected via home ratings just after lens application on the first night and after one month (0-10 scale, 10=Sharp, clear/ very good vision).

Rresults: Sixteen participants (12F:4M), mean age 11.3±3.2 years [7 to 18 years] were included in the analysis. The mean refraction of all 32 eyes was Sph -2.80±1.38DS [-1.00 to -5.75DS] and Cyl -0.56±0.46DC [0.00 to -1.25DC]. Best-corrected visual acuity prior to lens insertion was 0.00±0.01 logMAR and unaided vision after 1 month was +0.09±0.11 logMAR. Remaining correction after 1 month was Sph -0.12±0.46DS [+0.75 to -1.25DS]. Almost all lens designs predicted by the software were considered acceptable (fit and vision) by the investigator with just one lens requiring a modification after the first night due to corneal staining. Comfort ratings were significantly better after 1 month (7.8 ± 1.4) compared to the dispense visit (5.2 ± 2.2)(p<0.01). Vision clarity ratings were also better after 1 month (8.4 ± 1.5) compared to after the first night (7.0 ± 3.2)(p=0.02).

Conclusions: The Visavy software could help determine acceptable lens parameters for the Paragon CRT or Paragon CRT dual axis Ortho-K lenses in 97% of eyes (31 of 32 eyes). This high initial success rate has the potential to reduce chair time and assist ECPs to confidentially fit these lenses to their patients.

Woods J, Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Vega J, Orsborn G. Task-based Evaluations of Two Daily Disposable Soft Multifocal Lenses American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, October 12, 2023 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: Drop-outs from contact lens (CL) wear remains problematic across the entire sector, however for presbyopes it has been reported to be higher
and largely related to comfort and vision problems. Many practitioners use daily disposable (DD) CLs to improve comfort, therefore it is of high
interest to evaluate two recently launched DD multifocal (MF) CLs with a particular emphasis on evaluating subjective comfort and situational or
task-related vision performance: stenfilcon A (stenA) DDMF (CooperVision, Inc.) and senofilcon A (senoA) DDMF (Johnson & Johnson Vision).

Methods: Habitual MFCL wearers were recruited for this randomized, subject masked, cross-over study. After a successful screening both lenses were fit
following manufacturers’ fitting guides. Lens 1 was dispensed and optimized 3-8 days later, prior to entering a 2-week optimized lens wear period,
after which Likert ratings were completed for comfort, vision and everyday tasks. Then, Lens 2 was dispensed and the same power optimization
and data collection schedule were followed. Likert ratings used 4-point forced choice, with strongly or slightly agree considered positive responses
and strongly or slightly disagree considered negative responses.

Results: 54 subjects, 43F/11M, completed the study with demographic means [range]: age 53yrs [42-75]; OD: sphere -1.72D [+4.00 to -5.50], cyl -0.29D [0.00 to -0.75] near addition +1.94D [+1.00 to +2.50]. At the end of each optimized lens wear period, Likert data showed no differences between lenses (p>0.05). Each lens showed statistically higher counts of positive versus negative responses for each statement (all p<0.05). Percentage of positive responses were:
• These CLs feel good on my eyes: stenA 93%; senoA 89%
• These CLs gave me all day comfort: stenA 87%; senoA 87%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision at all distances: stenA 81%; senoA 69%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision in different lighting conditions: stenA 89%; senoA 74%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision even in dim/dark light conditions: stenA 80%; senoA 69%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision when driving: stenA 90%; senoA 81%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision when using a laptop: stenA 88%; senoA 92%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision when reading text on my phone: stenA 91%; senoA 85%
• These CLs give me crisp clear vision when reading up close: stenA 83%; senoA 80%
• These CLs give me reliable vision: stenA 93%; senoA 87%
• I do not experience halos and starbursts in my vision: stenA 94%; senoA 94%

Conclusion
The high percentage of positive responses to these task specific reports of lens performance suggests that both lenses largely met or exceeded the needs of these subjects for those tasks. It seems plausible to assume that if a MFCL is reported as comfortable and it also performs well in frequent everyday vision tasks and situations, then it is likely to help minimise future drop-out.

Woods J, Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Vega J, Orsborn G. Investigation of Ease of Fit to a Different Daily Disposable Multifocal Soft Lens American Academy of Optometry, New Orleans, October 12, 2023 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: Eye care professionals (ECPs) regularly need to decide whether to switch their multifocal contact lens (MFCL) patients to new products. Common reasons for switching are visual or comfort performance, prescription availability, new optical designs, or lens material benefits. This study evaluated the visual and comfort impacts of switching habitual MFCL wearers from somofilcon-A MF 2 add design (somA) into stenfilcon-A MF 3 add system (stenA) (both 1-day, CooperVision, Inc.) and collected information about the ease of fit.

METHOD: In this crossover, subject-masked study, subjects were first fit and dispensed with somA; power adjustments were permitted at the fit visit and also 1-week later. Optimal lens powers were worn for 2 weeks. After this adaptation period to optimized somA MFCLs, subjects were refit with stenA MFCLs which were worn and optimized following the same schedule. Fitting guides were followed for both. Subjects used diaries on days 6 and 13 to report whether stenA performance exceeded or met their needs (positive response) or whether they failed to meet their needs (negative response). Likert ratings were collected at the end of the stenA wear period.

RESULTS: Sixty participants (mean age 52.6±6.9; 50F:10M) completed. Mean OD refraction: sph -1.97D [-5.00D to +2.75D], cyl -0.50D [0.00 to -0.75], near addition: +1.95D [+1.00D to +2.50D]. All achieved successful fit with both MFCLs. 78% subjects achieved optimal fit with the first pair of trial stenA, the remaining 22% required just one adjustment. Lenses were worn on average >13hrs/day, ≥5 days/week. Diary responses showed stenA resulted in statistically more positive responses vs negative responses for various comfort and vision criteria (all p<0.01): • Comfort on lens application: Day 6 & 13: 98% & 100% positive responses • Comfort at time of removal: Day 6 & 13: 90% & 95% • Dryness at time of removal: Day 6 & 13: 90% & 92% • Vision stability throughout the day: Day 6 & 13: 93% & 95% • Overall speed & ability to change focus between distances: Day 6 & 13: 95% & 92% Through Likert questions, statistically more subjects agreed than disagreed with the following statements: • I could see clearly right away with these [stenA] contact lenses, and it was easy to adapt (p<0.01) • My vision improved when I switched from somA to stenA (p<0.01) • The transition from somA to stenA was easy (p<0.01)

CONCLUSION: Success was high with the first trial lens pair for stenA 3 add system lenses. Subjects reported the transition to be easy, resulting in clear vision straight away and through the wear period most reported that comfort and vision experiences met or exceeded their needs. These results should reassure ECPs when considering refitting their presbyopic patients from somA 2 add to stenA 3 add system; these subjects reported transitioning was easy and performance improvements were recognized within 2-weeks.

2022

Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Acceptability of different lens materials in habitual wearers of frequent replacement lenses American Academy of Optometry, San Diego, 2022 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: New soft lens materials frequently enter the market for different lens wear modalities and the question remains as to how these compare to established products. The purpose of this study was to compare the subjective performance of two silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lenses that employ different technologies to improve wearer comfort: the recently introduced lehfilcon A (leh-A)(Alcon) lens employs ‘Water Gradient Technology’ and the established comfilcon A (com-A)(CooperVision) lens employs ‘Aquaform Technology’.

Methods: This study was a prospective, bilateral, double-masked, randomized, cross-over, daily-wear design involving two different monthly replacement SiHy lens types (leh-A and com-A). Young adults who habitually wore frequent replacement spherical lenses were recruited at four clinical sites in the US. Each of the two lens types was worn for one month and participants used their habitual care products. Throughout each month, participants recorded their lens wear comfort on several days at home and during study visits (0-10 scale, 10=can’t feel the lenses) and answered agreement (5-point strongly/slightly agree, neither agree or disagree, strongly/slightly disagree) and preference (5-point strong/slight prefer first/second lens pair, no preference) questions. Statistical differences were determined by Wilcoxon matched pairs and binomial testing.

Results: Sixty-three participants (44F:19M), mean age 27.5 ± 4.8 years [18 to 35 years] were included in the analysis. The mean spherical refraction was -3.12 ± 1.6D [-6.50D to +1.25D]. Overall comfort ratings on Days 1, 14, 27 were 8.5, 8.0, 7.7 for com-A and 8.8, 8.2, 8.1 for leh-A. For both lens types, comfort ratings were higher at the beginning of the month (p0.05). The mean drop in overall comfort after one month of wear was the same for both lens types (com-A: 0.7, leh-A: 0.7, p>0.05). At 1-month, participants rated overall satisfaction with comfort similarly (com-A: 8.0, leh-A: 7.8, p>0.05) and there was no difference in the number of participants preferring each lens when considering comfort on application (26:24), removal (27:24) and overall (29:27)(com-A:leh-A, all p>0.05). For each lens type, a similar number of participants agreed compared to disagreed with the statement “These lenses feel like nothing even after one month of wear” (each lens type p>0.05) and no statistically significant differences were found between the lens types (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Despite significant differences in material composition and surface technologies between com-A and leh-A, the subjective contact lens comfort experience over 1 month was similar. The preference ratings further highlight the importance of providing patients with different options and deciding together which lens type is best for them to help ensure long-term success with lens wear.

Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Performance evaluation of two toric multifocal contact lenses available in different parameter increments Nederlands Contactlens Congres, Veldhoven, Netherlands, Jun 27, 2022 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose:
Toric multifocal contact lenses (TMFCLs) offer vision correction to the astigmatic presbyopic population. The vision outcome was determined in existing soft lens wearers when fit with two TMFCLs, available in different parameter steps; 5 vs 10 degree axis increments and 6 vs 2 near adds.

Methods:
In a multisite, prospective, randomised, participant-masked, 1-month crossover, bilateral dispensing study, habitual soft lens wearers ≥42years old with minimum 0.75DC astigmatism were fit with two monthly replacement, silicone hydrogel TMFCLs (comfilcon A (com-A); CooperVision, samfilcon A (sam-A); Bausch & Lomb). The manufacturer’s fitting guides were followed, and lens prescriptions were optimised after 3-7 days of wear, before the 1-month wear period. Vision outcomes included visual acuity (LogMAR), 3-point ratings (met/exceeded or did not meet my needs), and 5-point preference ratings (strongly/slightly prefer lens 1 or 2, no preference).

Results:
Fifty-six participants age 53.6±8.6 years were included in the analysis (OD mean(±SD): sph -2.47D(±2.38), cyl -1.27D(±0.47), add 1.88D(±0.48)). For com-A axes ending in 5 degrees were chosen for 47% of eyes and each add power was prescribed. After one month, LogMAR acuity was similar for both lens types for distance, intermediate and near (p>0.05 for all). On days 7, 14 and 28 participants rated that com-A met their needs better for ‘Overall speed and ability to change focus between distances’, ‘Vision stability throughout the day’ and ‘Overall vision clarity’ (p<0.05 for all); other ratings showed no difference between lenses. A preference was found for com-A for vision clarity for ‘intermediate tasks’ (p=0.03), ‘near tasks’ (p=0.01), ‘during digital device use' (p0.05).

Conclusion:
The higher accuracy of prescribing for com-A due to the 5-degree axis steps and the 6 near adds may have contributed to the better vision outcomes reported with com-A.

Schulze M, Luensmann D, Ng A, Guthrie S, Woods J, Jones L. Performance of verofilcon A daily disposable contact lenses in digital device users American Academy of Optometry, San Diego, 2022 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of Precision1 (verofilcon A) daily disposable (DD) contact lenses (CLs) in habitual CL wearers who undertake substantial digital device use.

Methods: CL wearers between 18-40 years of age who reported a daily digital device use of ≥6 hours while wearing their habitual CLs participated in the study. Eligible participants were dispensed with verofilcon A DD CLs for a period of 12-16 days and were asked to wear these for at least 5 days/week and at least 10 hours/day, while continuing their normal routine of ≥6 hours digital device use. At the 2-week follow-up visit, participants rated their experience with the study lenses on a 0 to 100 scale, with 100 being best, and reported their lens wear times and digital device use. Comfort, dryness and clarity of vision ratings with verofilcon A lenses were collected directly after lens insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use, just before removal, and for overall lens performance. Participants also completed a 4-point (strongly agree, slightly agree, slightly disagree, strongly disagree) Likert scale-based questionnaire. Subjective ratings were not normally distributed, therefore non-parametric analysis was conducted and data are reported as median (range). The Likert scale responses were analyzed using binomial testing.

Results: Thirty-two participants completed the study (27F:5M), mean age of 25.8 ± 6.0 years (range 19-40). Participants reported total and comfortable CL wear time of 14 hours (10-17) and 11.6 hours (2.8-16), respectively, and digital device use of 8.5 hours (6-18) on a typical day. Subjective ratings for overall lens performance after 2 weeks of CL wear were high, with median ratings of 90 (68 – 100) for comfort, 90 (52-100) for dryness and 95 (70-100) for clarity of vision. There were no differences in comfort, dryness and clarity of vision ratings over the course of a typical day, with similar ratings at insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use and just before removal (all p≥0.05). The majority of participants agreed that the study lenses provided good comfort (28/32 subjects; p<0.01) and good vision (29/32; p<0.01) all day long. Considering CL performance when using digital devices for 6 hours, the majority of participants were satisfied with CL comfort (27/32; p<0.01) and vision (29/32; p<0.01) and most agreed that the verofilcon A lenses provided good performance (26/32; p<0.01). Most study participants (24/32; p<0.01) agreed that they did not experience any eye strain during digital device use while wearing verofilcon A lenses. No significant lens-related ocular health findings were observed after 2 weeks of wear.

Conclusions: After 2 weeks of wear, most participants rated the performance of verofilcon A DD CLs highly, with median overall performance ratings for comfort, dryness and vision all 90 on a 0 to 100 scale.

2021

Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Relationships between success factors in daily disposable multifocal lenses American Academy of Optometry, Boston, 2021 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE:
To evaluate relationships between subjective responses to two daily disposable multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs), stenfilcon A (stenA-MF) and delefilcon A (delA-MF).

METHODS:
Habitual MFCL wearers participated in a prospective, randomized, subject-masked, bilateral crossover study at five optometry offices. Subjects wore each study contact lens (SCL) for 2 weeks and answered lens handling (0-10), satisfaction (1-fell short of needs; 2-met needs; 3-exceeded needs) and agreement (4-strongly agree; 3-slightly agree; 2-slightly disagree; 1-strongly disagree) questions. Responses were analyzed using Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs testing for differences between lens types. Spearman correlations were done for each lens type separately.

RESULTS:
Fifty-eight subjects (50F:8M; mean 54.4 ± 7.3 years) were included in the analysis; mean spherical-equivalent refraction OD: -1.10 ± 2.7D [-6.50D to +3.75D], add +2.00 ± 0.4D [+1.00D to +2.50D]. Subjects had greater agreement for stenA-MF compared to delA-MF for “SCL met my needs for vision” (stenA-MF: 3.3; delA-MF: 2.9; p=0.02) and for “I would like to wear SCL in the future” (stenA-MF: 2.9; delA-MF: 2.6; p=0.03). For each SCL there was a significant correlation between responses to these two questions (stenA-MF: rs=0.81; delA-MF: rs=0.84; p<0.05). For stenA-MF, “SCL met my needs for vision” was significantly correlated (p0.05). Similarly, for stenA-MF, “I would like to wear SCL in the future” was significantly correlated (p0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between stenA-MF and delA-MF for D13 EOD satisfaction with comfort (stenA-MF: 2.0; delA-MF: 2.0; p=0.72) or dryness (stenA-MF: 1.9; delA-MF: 1.9; p=0.88). For both SCLs, EOD satisfaction with comfort was significantly correlated (all p<0.05) with EOD satisfaction with dryness (stenA-MF: rs=0.71; delA-MF: rs=0.67), ease of handling for removal (stenA-MF: rs=0.35; delA-MF: rs=0.51) and comfortable wear time (CWT) (stenA-MF: rs=0.30; delA-MF: rs=0.37). CWT was similar for both SCLs (stenA-MF: 11.6 hours; delA-MF: 11.0; p=0.08), but stenA-MF was rated significantly better for ease of handling for removal (stenA-MF: 8.4 vs delA-MF: 7.6, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:
While end-of-day comfort and dryness are important factors in contact lens success, these results suggest that satisfaction with vision for these multifocal lens wearers was a better indicator (both rs>0.80) of their desire to continue wearing the multifocal lenses in the future.

Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Comfort and vision correlations in daily disposable multifocal lenses BCLA Virtual Clinical Conference & Exhibition, 2021 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: To evaluate the subjective responses to two daily disposable multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs), stenfilcon A (stenA-MF) and delefilcon A (delA-MF), and to see if there is a correlation between preferences based on vision and comfort.
Method: Habitual MFCL wearers participated in a prospective, randomized, subject-masked, bilateral crossover study at five sites. Subjects wore the study MFCLs for 2-weeks each and then responded to preference questions comparing the study lenses for comfort and vision for near, intermediate, distance, digital device use and overall at all distances. A 5-point Likert scale (Strong/slight preference for each lens or no preference) was used.
Results: For the 58 eligible subjects (50F:8M; mean 54.4±7.3 years), preferences were as follows (#stenA-MF:#delA-MF, p-value): subjects favoured stenA-MF for overall comfort (26:9, p=0.03), intermediate vision (25:8, p=0.03), overall vision (34:10, p=0.04) and vision for digital device use (27:10, p=0.03). Preferences were equivocal for near vision (29:14, p=0.06) and distance vision (13:19, p=0.51). Correlation analysis found that the lens preference based on overall comfort was significantly correlated (all p<0.05) with lens preference based on vision at near (rs=0.61), intermediate (rs=0.48), overall (rs=0.65) and for digital device use (rs=0.66). Lens preference based on overall vision was also correlated with lens preference based on vision at near (rs=0.85), intermediate (rs=0.71), and for digital device use (rs=0.87). Lens preference based on vision with digital device use correlated with lens preference based on vision at near (rs=0.85), and intermediate distance (rs=0.69).
Conclusions: Subjects preferred stenA-MF for a range of comfort and distance measures. Preferences for overall comfort and overall vision were both significantly correlated to the same three preferences of near, intermediate and digital device vision, illustrating how comfort and vision are intricately related when evaluating MFCLs and supporting how poor vision could potentially impact comfort.

Jones DA, Luensmann D, Alton K, Werner L. The prevalence of refractive error in children in a Canadian rural, First Nation Community
American Academy of Optometry, Boston, 2021 [ PDF ]

Luensmann D, Schulze M, Woods J, Lazon de la Jara P, Vega J, Orsborn G. Fitting success with stenfilcon A daily disposable multifocal lenses
BCLA Virtual Clinical Conference & Exhibition, 2021 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Multifocal contact lens (MFCL) fitting sometimes raises concerns about the number of fitting attempts required to determine the optimal lens prescription. This study compared the fit process and success rates of stenfilcon A (stenA) MFCL with delefilcon A (delA) MFCL when fitted to existing MFCL wearers in a randomized order.

Method: Successful MFCL wearers with <1.00DC of astigmatism were recruited at five clinical sites in the US. The first trial lenses were determined from current subjective refraction and the respective fitting guides. Prescription changes were reviewed at this first fit visit and also when participants returned for an optimization visit after wearing the lenses for 3-7 days. Multiple lens powers could be trialed at each visit, all were recorded.

Results: Fifty-eight subjects (50F:8M), mean age 54.4±7.3 years [42 to 70 years] were included in the analysis. The spherical-equivalent refraction was OD -1.10±2.7D [-6.50D to +3.75D] with near add +2.00±0.4D [+1.00D to +2.50D]. StenA-MFCL was successfully fit with the first pair of trial lenses in 83% (48) participants, while 10% (6) needed one additional lens and 7% (4) needed an extra two lenses to reach their final power. Regarding count of eyes, 12% (14) needed power optimizations. DelA-MFCL was successfully fit with the first pair of trial lenses in 66% (38) participants, while 17% (10) needed one additional lens, 10% (6) needed two extra lenses and 7% (4) needed three extra lenses to reach their final lens power. Regarding count of eyes, 25% (30) needed power optimizations.

Conclusions: Habitual MFCL wearers were successfully fitted with both MF lens types when following the respective fitting guides. There was a higher success rate with the first lens pair for stenA-MFCL (>8/10 patients) compared to delA-MFCL (<7/10 patients), and no more than one additional fitting lens (per eye) was needed when fitting stenA-MFCL.

Luensmann D, Schulze M, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Intermediate vision with multifocal contact lenses American Academy of Optometry, Boston, 2021 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose:
Fitting multifocal contact lenses (MFCL) typically focusses on optimizing distance and near vision, however many presbyopes require good intermediate vision to focus on targets such as desktop screens. This study determined the performance of habitual MFCL (hab-MFCL), stenfilcon A MFCL (stenA-MFCL) and delefilcon A MFCL (delA-MFCL) for intermediate distance vision in existing MFCL wearers.

Methods:
Five clinical sites in the US recruited habitual MFCL wearers with <1.00DC of astigmatism. Habitual MFCL were power optimized and both study lens types were fit following the respective fitting guides. After two weeks of hab-MFCL wear, study MFCL were worn in a masked/randomized order for the same period of time. Intermediate visual acuity (VA) at 0.75m was determined and subjective responses (fell short of needs; met needs; exceeded needs) were collected along with preference ratings (strongly prefer, slightly prefer, no preference). Subjective responses and logMAR VA were analyzed using Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs testing for differences and binomial testing was conducted on preference ratings.

Results:
Fifty-eight subjects (50F:8M), mean age 54.4±7.3 years [42 to 70 years] were included in the analysis. The mean spherical-equivalent refraction was OD -1.10±2.7D [-6.50D to +3.75D]. The average near spectacle Rx add was +2.00±0.4D [+1.00D to +2.50D] and included 18 participants (31%) who required an add of up to +1.75D and 40 (69%) with an add of at least +2.00D. After two weeks of wear, intermediate logMAR VA with stenA-MFCL (0.08±0.10 logMAR) was statistically significantly better compared to hab-MFCL (0.12±0.11 logMAR, p=0.002) and compared to delA-MFCL (0.12±0.12 logMAR, p0.05 for both).

Conclusion:
All MFCL were worn successfully for two weeks, however differences in the intermediate vision clarity were noted between lens types, in favour of stenA-MFCL compared to delA-MFCL. Digital devices are frequently used at work and during leisure time today and form part of the need for optimal intermediate vision. While it may often be overshadowed by distance and near vision assessments, good performance at the intermediate distance can be just as critical to ensure success in MFCL wearers.

Schulze M, Luensmann D, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G.. Comfort and vision with two daily disposable multifocal lenses when worn by habitual multifocal contact lens wearers BCLA Virtual Clinical Conference & Exhibition, 2021 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Practitioners can be reluctant to switch successful multifocal soft contact lens (MF) wearers to different materials or replacement frequencies, fearing the new MF will be less accepted. Subjective responses are highly valued in MF fitting and this study investigated subjective responses from habitual MF (hab-MF) wearers after a refit into daily disposable MF; stenfilcon A (stenA-MF) and delefilcon A (delA-MF).

Method: After optimising the lens powers, subjects wore hab-MF and both study-MFs for 2-weeks each. Study-MF brands were masked and randomised. Throughout the study, subjects answered 13 experience questions per lens type, and 6 preference questions (comfort and vision for distance, intermediate, near, digital-device use, overall vision) to compare between hab-MF and each study MF, and also between study MFs.

Results: Fifty-eight subjects (50F:8M), mean age 54.4±7.3 years were included. Mean spherical-equivalent OD refraction: -1.10±2.7D [range -6.50D to +3.75D], mean near add +2.00±0.4D. 44% habitually wore daily disposable MF yet all were naïve to the study-MFs. Hab-MF wear resulted in positive responses for all experience questions (p<0.05); for stenA-MF 12 answers were positive (p<0.05), 1 was equivocal (p=0.90); for delA-MF 6 were positive (p0.05). Preferences between stenA-MF and hab-MF showed no differences (p>0.05). Subjects preferred hab-MF over delA-MF for intermediate vision (p=0.03) but no other preference (p>0.05). Comparing between study MFs, the preference for stenA-MF was stronger than delA-MF for comfort (p=0.03), intermediate vision (p=0.03), digital-device use (p=0.03) and overall vision (p=0.02) with no difference for distance or near vision (p>0.05).

Conclusions: This study showed that even when habitual MF wearers are already successful, refitting with a new design does not necessarily lead to compromised performance; stenA-MF performed comparably to hab-MF, and for some metrics better than delA-MF. These results should give practitioners confidence to recommend newer materials and different replacement frequencies when managing their existing MF wearers.

Woods J, Luensmann D, Schulze M, Vega J, Orsborn G. Subjective lens experience when refit with daily disposable multifocal contact lenses BCLA Virtual Clinical Conference & Exhibition, 2021 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Practitioners can be reluctant to switch successful multifocal soft contact lens (MF) wearers to different materials or replacement frequencies, fearing the new MF will be less accepted. Subjective responses are highly valued in MF fitting and this study investigated subjective responses from habitual MF (hab-MF) wearers after a refit into daily disposable MF; stenfilcon A (stenA-MF) and delefilcon A (delA-MF).

Method: After optimising the lens powers, subjects wore hab-MF and both study-MFs for 2-weeks each. Study-MF brands were masked and randomised. Throughout the study, subjects answered 13 experience questions per lens type, and 6 preference questions (comfort and vision for distance, intermediate, near, digital-device use, overall vision) to compare between hab-MF and each study MF, and also between study MFs.

Results: Fifty-eight subjects (50F:8M), mean age 54.4±7.3 years were included. Mean spherical-equivalent OD refraction: -1.10±2.7D [range -6.50D to +3.75D], mean near add +2.00±0.4D. 44% habitually wore daily disposable MF yet all were naïve to the study-MFs. Hab-MF wear resulted in positive responses for all experience questions (p<0.05); for stenA-MF 12 answers were positive (p<0.05), 1 was equivocal (p=0.90); for delA-MF 6 were positive (p0.05). Preferences between stenA-MF and hab-MF showed no differences (p>0.05). Subjects preferred hab-MF over delA-MF for intermediate vision (p=0.03) but no other preference (p>0.05). Comparing between study MFs, the preference for stenA-MF was stronger than delA-MF for comfort (p=0.03), intermediate vision (p=0.03), digital-device use (p=0.03) and overall vision (p=0.02) with no difference for distance or near vision (p>0.05).

Conclusions: This study showed that even when habitual MF wearers are already successful, refitting with a new design does not necessarily lead to compromised performance; stenA-MF performed comparably to hab-MF, and for some metrics better than delA-MF. These results should give practitioners confidence to recommend newer materials and different replacement frequencies when managing their existing MF wearers.

2020

Craig J, Jones L, Willcox M, James W, Muntz A, Luensmann D, Tan J, Trave-Huarte S, Wang MTM, Xue AL. Evaluating the therapeutic profiles of lipid and non-lipid based dry eye supplements The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2020 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose : A lack of clinical evidence on how long dry eye treatment is to be administered, before a significant improvement in signs and symptoms may be observed, has been identified in the literature. This study sought to assess the three-month therapeutic profiles of lipid-based and non-lipid-based artificial tear supplements in patients with dry eye disease.

Methods : Ninety-nine participants fulfilling the TFOS DEWS II criteria for dry eye disease (66 females, 33 males; mean±SD age, 44±16 years) were enrolled in a prospective, multi-centre, double-masked, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomised to receive minimum four times daily application of lipid-based (Systane® Complete) or non-lipid-based tear supplements (Systane® Ultra) for three months. Dry eye symptomology, tear film parameters, and ocular surface characteristics were assessed at days 0, 30, 60 and 90 and compared using a multiplicity-adjusted mixed model analysis of variance.

Results : Baseline measurements did not differ between treatment groups (all p>0.05). Sustained reductions in OSDI, DEQ-5, and SANDE dry eye symptomology scores were observed by day 30 onwards (all p<0.05), and significant improvements in non-invasive tear film breakup time were detected by day 90 (both p0.05).

Conclusions : Improvements in dry eye symptomology preceded tear film stability during the three-month treatment period with both lipid-based and non-lipid-based artificial tear supplements. However, significant changes in lipid layer grade were limited to the lipid-based tear supplement.

This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.

Craig J, Muntz A, Luensmann D, Tan J, Jones L, Willcox M, Wolffsohn J. Six-month therapeutic profiles of lipid and non-lipid-based artifical tear supplements in managing dry eye disease Academy at Home, 2020

Luensmann D, Schulze M, Ng AY, Woods J, Jones L. Refitting symptomatic daily disposable contact lens wearers with dry eye disease with delefilcon A lenses Academy at Home, 2020 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To refit symptomatic wearers of daily disposable (DD) contact lenses with a confirmed dry eye diagnosis with Dailies Total1 (delefilcon A, Alcon) to evaluate the performance of the new lenses after one month of wear.
Methods: In this prospective, participant-masked study (over-labelled lenses), symptomatic DD lens wearers were recruited who demonstrated symptoms and signs of dry eye disease according to the TFOS DEWS II criteria. The performance of the lenses after one month was evaluated using subjective ratings and comfort scores, and by determining average wear time and comfortable wear time. Lens wear times as well as subjective symptom scores for comfort, dryness and vision (0-100 scale, with 100 being best) with habitual DD were collected at the screening visit and these results were then compared to delefilcon A after 1 month of wear. The data were not normally distributed, therefore non-parametric analysis (Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test) was conducted. Data are reported as median (range), with delefilcon A data reported first.
Results: In total, 27 symptomatic DD lens wearers (19 female, 8 male) completed the study. Comfort ratings across all participants were significantly higher (p=0.014) for delefilcon A (80 (40-100)) compared to habitual DD lenses (80 (25-90)). Participants reported less dryness (p=0.007) with delefilcon A compared to their own lenses (80 (40-100) vs 70 (20-95)), and no difference in vision (p>0.05, 90 (50-100) vs (85 (60-100)). There were no statistically significant differences in total hours of lens wear per day (p>0.05, 12.5 hours (6.5-17) vs 11 hours (2.5-16)) or for comfortable wearing time (p>0.05, 8 hours (1-17) vs 6 hours (1-14.8). There were no lens-related ocular findings after one month of delefilcon A wear.
Conclusion: In general, participants had a positive lens wear experience with delefilcon A and rated this lens more comfortable and less dry compared to their habitual DD lenses. This suggests that symptomatic DD lens wearers with dry eye disease may benefit when refit into delefilcon A lenses.

Luensmann D, Woods J, McParland M.. Toric lens fitting success supported by an online fitting App Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2020 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: To provide eye care professionals quick access to lens parameter availability and to make soft toric lens fitting easier, online tools are now available to calculate and suggest a first choice prescription based on the patient’s subjective refraction. How close the recommended prescription matches the dispensed lens has been investigated in this study.

Method: In clinical studies, two daily disposable toric lenses, stenfilcon A and somofilcon A, and one monthly replacement toric lens, comfilcon A (all CooperVision, Inc.), were fitted and dispensed to 54, 37 and 47 habitual lens wearers respectively, following the manufacturer’s fitting guides. The final lens prescriptions were determined by the clinician based on over-refraction and lens rotation (Final-Rx). In a secondary analysis the subjective refraction data and back vertex distance were entered in the OptiExpert™ app to determine the recommended initial trial lens (App-Rx). The prescription results from both approaches were compared by calculating the mean differences (Bland-Altman) and the percentages of matching prescriptions following predetermined allowances for sphere, cylinder and axis.

Results: The mean differences between OptiExpert™ and the clinician final prescriptions for sphere, cylinder and axis were within ±0.13DS, ±0.01DC and ±1.38 degrees, respectively. For allowance combination sphere ±0.25D, cylinder ±0.00DC, axis ±10 degrees, the lens prescriptions from both methods matched in 75-82% of eyes (82% stenfilcon A, 75% somofilcon A, 79% comfilcon A). For allowance combination of sph ±0.50D, cyl ±0.00DC, axis ±20 degrees the Final-Rx and the App-Rx matched in 86-92% of eyes (91% stenfilcon A, 92% somofilcon A, 86% comfilcon A).

Conclusions: All three toric lens types showed a predictable on-eye performance, resulting in a close agreement between the initial OptiExpert recommended prescription and the lens prescription dispensed by the clinician. The OptiExpert™ app can therefore confidently be used to assist CooperVision toric lens fitting in order to help optimize patient chair time.

Luensmann D, Woods J, McParland M.. The use of a modern web-application to assist reusable toric lens fitting success Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2020 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Increasing numbers of online tools are available to assist ECPs in fitting contact lenses. In this study, the contact lens prescription of a reusable toric silicone hydrogel lens was determined using a traditional fitting guide and the results were compared to the prescription recommended by the lens fitting app OptiExpert™.

Method: Forty-seven habitual lens wearers were fit with monthly replacement toric silicone hydrogel contact lenses (comfilcon A; CooperVision, Inc.).The manufacturer’s fitting guide was followed and the final lens prescription was determined based on the subjective refraction, the over-refraction and lens rotation (Final-Rx). Following this clinical study, the participant’s subjective refraction data and back vertex distance were entered in the OptiExpert online app to determine the recommended initial trial lens prescription (App-Rx). In this secondary analysis, the fitting results from both approaches were compared using Pearson correlation analysis. Different allowances for sph (±0.25, ±0.50D), cyl (±0.00DC) and axis (±10, ±20degrees) were combined to calculate the percentage of matching fitting results between both methods. Additionally, Bland-Altman graphs were plotted.

Results: A high correlation was found in respect to sphere, cylinder and axis between the Final-Rx and the App-Rx (all r ≥0.88). For the allowance combination of sphere ±0.25D / cylinder ±0.00DC / axis ±10, the lens prescriptions from both methods matched in 79% of eyes. For the allowance combination of sphere ±0.50D / cylinder ±0.00DC / axis ±20, the Final-Rx and the App-Rx matched in 86% of eyes. Bland-Altman comparisons between methods determined a mean difference of +0.06D for sph, +0.01D for cyl and 1.38 degrees for axis.

Conclusions: For most participants, the initial trial lens power recommended by the OptiExpert app was in close agreement to the final power dispensed in the clinical setting. The OptiExpert app can confidently be used as a clinical tool to aid comfilcon A toric lens fitting success.

Schulze M, Ng AY, Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Woods J, Jones L. The subjective response to verofilcon A daily disposable contact lenses during extensive digital device use Academy at Home, 2020 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To evaluate the subjective response of habitual lens wearers during extensive digital device use when switched to Precision1 (verofilcon A) daily disposable (DD) contact lenses (CLs).
Methods: Volunteers between 18-40 years of age who used digital devices for at least 6 hours/day while wearing their habitual CLs were recruited for the study. Eligible participants were dispensed with verofilcon A DD CLs for a period of 2 weeks, during which they were required to wear the study CLs for at least 5 days/week and at least 10 hours/day. Participants returned after 142 days for their final visit, where they reported their CL wear time and time spent using digital devices, and rated their typical experience on a 0 to 100 scale, with 100 being best. Comfort, dryness and clarity of vision with verofilcon A were rated directly after insertion, after 6 hours of digital device use, and just before removal, as well as by rating their overall performance. Participants also completed a 4-point (strongly agree, slightly agree, slightly disagree, strongly disagree) Likert scale-based questionnaire. Subjective ratings were not normally distributed, therefore non-parametric analysis was conducted and data are reported as median (range). The Likert scale responses were analyzed using binomial testing.
Results: Twenty participants completed the study (18F:2M), mean age of 25.1 ± 6.0 years (range 19-40). They reported their typical day to include median CL wear time of 13.8 hours (10.5-17), comfortable CL wear time of 12.1 hours (8-16.5) and digital device use of 9 hours (6-12). After 2 weeks of verofilcon A DD CL wear, subjective ratings after 6 hours of digital device use were high, with ratings for a typical day of 93 (68-100) for comfort, 93 (52-100) for dryness and 96 (70-100) for clarity of vision. After 2 weeks of wear, the majority of participants agreed that the study lenses provided good comfort (16/20 subjects; p=0.01) and good vision (18/20; p<0.01) all day long. Similarly, the majority of participants were satisfied with the comfort (16/20; p=0.01), vision (18/20; p<0.01) and overall performance (16/20; p=0.01) they experienced with the study lenses while using digital devices for 6 hours. Additionally, most reported they did not experience any eye strain while using verofilcon A lenses (n=16/20; p=0.01). No significant lens-related ocular findings were observed after 2 weeks of wear.
Conclusions: After 2 weeks of wear, participants rated the performance of verofilcon A DD CLs very highly, with median overall performance ratings for comfort, dryness and vision all 93 on the 0 to 100 scale (with 100 being best). Verofilcon A DD CLs may be a viable alternative for those struggling with their habitual lens performance when spending long hours using digital devices.

2019

Bitton E, Srinivasan S, Elder M, Luensmann D, Jones L. Dry Eye Disease (DED) in Canada: A retrospective chart review American Academy of Optometry, Orlando, 2019 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex and common condition across populations, with an estimated prevalence ranging between 5 and 50%, affecting females more than males. While numerous epidemiological studies exist, few have focused on DED in a Canadian population. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of DED patients in University-based optometric clinics in Canada.

Methods: Charts of patients with DED were randomly reviewed at the University of Waterloo (UW) using ICD-9 diagnostic codes and at the dry eye clinic, University of Montreal (UM), which only accepts DED referrals. Demographics, health history, symptoms, diagnostic and management options were evaluated.

Results: 200 charts (100/clinic) were reviewed. The cohorts examined were broadly similar, consisting of similar ages (UM 57±15; UW 53±20yrs), were mainly female (76% UM, 72% UW) and used systemic medications frequently (76% UM; 62% UW). Symptom scores (0-100) by OSDI (ocular surface disease index) were: 38 UM; 33 UW. Clinical tests included TBUT (4.9sec UM; 3.9sec UW), cotton thread test (21mm UM; 20mm UW), positive corneal staining (46% UM; 68% UW). Recommended therapies included artificial tears (94% UM; 96% UW), warm compresses (63% UM; 83% UW), lid hygiene (29% UM; 22% UW), and Omega 3 supplementation (47% UM; 42% UW).

Conclusion: This review supports the literature that DED is typically seen with higher age, in females, and patients with systemic disease who use medications which can contribute to iatrogenic DED. No clear association was found between symptoms and signs, underlining the complexity of DED.

Luensmann D, Woods J, Patel S. Validation of an online lens fitting app for two daily disposable toric lenses BCLA Conference, Manchester, UK, 2019 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: With recent increases in online tools to aid lens fitting, it was of interest to compare the prescriptions provided to wearers of two daily disposable silicone hydrogel (DDSH) toric lenses using traditional fitting guides to the prescriptions recommended by the OptiExpert online lens fitting app.

Method: Investigators determined the optimal toric lens prescription (Rx) for two DDSH toric lenses; stenfilcon A and somofilcon A using subjective refraction data (sph/cyl/axis), following the manufacturer’s fitting guide. The final lens prescription (Investigator-Rx) was determined based on the over-refraction and lens rotation. Subjects wore the lenses for one week. Retrospectively, the subjects’ refraction data were entered into the fitting app, which calculated the recommended Rx (App-Rx). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted between the Investigator-Rx and the App-Rx for each lens type. A success matrix for each lens type was further created to show how closely the results matched, using different criteria for sph (±0.25, ±0.50D), cyl (±0.00DC) and axis (±10, ±20degrees).

Results: Data of 54 and 37 subjects were analyzed for stenfilcon A and somofilcon A, respectively. Both lens types showed high correlation for sph, cyl and axis between Investigator-Rx and the App-Rx (stenfilcon A r >0.92, somofilcon A r >0.97). Compared to Investigator-Rx the matrix success rate for the app was 82% and 75% for criteria sph ±0.25D, cyl ±0.00DC, axis ±10 for stenfilcon A and somofilcon A respectively, and the success rate reached 91% and 92% for criteria sph ±0.50D, cyl ±0.00DC, axis ±20.

Conclusion: The OptiExpert app showed close agreement to the investigator prescribed lens in 9 out of 10 eyes for both toric DDSH lens types. Today’s toric lenses are generally stable and predictable in performance and this modern app-based approach can help to make toric lens fitting easy.

2018

Luensmann D, van Doorn K, May C, Srinivasan S, Jones L. Physical Dimension and Optical Assessment of Currently Marketed Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses After Exposure to Cosmetics American Academy of Optometry, San Antonio, USA, 2018 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Contact lens wearers may inadvertently expose their lenses during the lens insertion and removal process or while wearing their lenses to cosmetic products being used. This study investigated the impact of various cosmetics on the physical dimension and optical properties of three recently marketed silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Methods: In this in-vitro study, senofilcon C, samfilcon A, and lotrafilcon B+EOBO (polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene) were individually coated with cosmetic products followed by a 1-hour soak in phosphate-buffered saline. Cosmetic products included; 3 hand creams (HC1: Glysomed; HC2: Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning; HC3: Intense Relieve), 3 make-up removers (MR1: Lid-Care Towelettes; MR2: Gentle waterproof eye and Lip Makeup Remover; MR3: Oil-Free Makeup Remover), and 3 mascaras (MA1: Great Lash – waterproof; MA2: Wonder’Lash – waterproof, MA3: Voluminous Original). Lens diameter, sagittal depth, and base curve were measured using the Chiltern (Optimec Limited), while lens power and optical quality were assessed using the Contest Plus II (Rotlex) (n=6 for each lens/ cosmetic combination). The impact of cosmetics was tested between lenses and compared to baseline (uncoated control lenses).

Results: For lens diameter, makeup removers (MR2 & MR3) had the largest impact, with an increase of up to 0.27mm (MR2) and 0.36mm (MR3) for senofilcon C and samfilcon A respectively (p<0.01 compared to baseline), while lotrafilcon B+EOBO showed a decrease of only 0.01mm (p<0.01 between lens types). For sagittal depth, mascara MA1 had the greatest impact, followed by makeup removers MR2 & MR3. All lenses had increases in sagittal depth after MA1 exposure (0.16±0.06mm in lotrafilcon B+EOBO, 0.24±0.22 mm and 0.26±0.09mm in samfilcon A and senofilcon C respectively; p<0.01 for all lenses compared to baseline). For base curve, the makeup removers (MR2 & MR3) caused increases for both senofilcon C (up to 0.36mm) and samfilcon A (up to 0.45mm), but lotrafilcon B+EOBO was unaffected. Lens power changes were generally minor (less than 0.25D). However, senofilcon C had a significant increase 1.19±0.65D more minus after MA1 exposure (p0.05). Hand creams had no effect on any variable investigated for any lens material.

Conclusion: Overall, mascara MA1 and make-up removers MR2 & MR3 had the largest affect on lens dimensions, and mascara MA1 had the largest affect on optical lens properties. Some dimensional changes were outside of the ISO tolerance, which could affect lens fit. Lotrafilcon B+EOBO lenses were generally least affected by these cosmetic products.

Woods J, Ng AY, Luensmann D, Guthrie S, Jones L. Short-term comfort comparison of two daily disposable contact lenses of different material and modulus Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018;E-Abstract 1753 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Daily disposable contact lenses (DDs) are now widely available in both silicone hydrogel (SH) and hydrogel (H) materials. The higher oxygen transmissibility of SH materials provides many benefits, but their higher modulus has been linked with reduced lens comfort compared to H lenses. This randomized, double-masked clinical trial assessed the short-term comfort of two DDs of differing modulus, yet similar water content (WC): a SH-DD (somofilcon A; clariti® 1 day; CooperVision; 0.50MPa modulus, 56% WC) and a H-DD (etafilcon A; 1-Day Acuvue® Moist®; Johnson & Johnson; 0.29MPa modulus, 57% WC).

Methods: 120 subjects wore the lenses contralaterally, over one day. Targeted recruitment meant that 60 subjects were habitual H-DD wearers (all adapted wearers of 1-Day Acuvue Moist), 60 were non-DD habitual wearers (adapted to various SH and H re-usable lenses). Subjects rated lens comfort on a 0-100 integer scale (100= cannot be felt) at insertion and then hourly until 8hrs. Of particular interest was the comfort at the beginning and end of the 8hr wear period and these data points were tested for equivalence. At the final visit subjects were asked for their lens preference, based on comfort.

Results: Mean subjective comfort was not different between SH-DD and H-DD across the wear period (p>0.05), on insertion (87±14 SH-DD vs 89±14 H-DD; p>0.05) or after 8hrs (82±18 SH-DD vs 83±17 H-DD; p>0.05). Based on equivalency margins of ±5-points, the study lenses showed equivalent comfort at insertion (p=0.03) and at 8hrs (p=0.001). Both lenses exhibited a significant reduction in comfort over the 8hr period (both p0.05). Lens preference was not different between lenses at dispensing or at the final visit (both p>0.05).

Conclusions: Initial and 8hr comfort were not compromised with the SH-DD compared to the H-DD, despite its higher modulus, and there was no difference in the lens preference distribution. The results suggest that lower comfort should not be anticipated when fitting SH-DDs of an appropriate design, thus allowing other material properties such as high oxygen permeability to be considered.

Woods J, Ng AY, Luensmann D, Jones L. Short-term comfort comparison of a low modulus hydrogel vs a higher modulus silicone hydrogel daily disposable lens Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 2018;41, Supp 1:S42

2017

Moezzi A, Varikooty J, Luensmann D, Schulze M, Ng AY, Karkkainen T, Xu J, Jones L. Evaluation of Clinical Success with etafilcon A multifocal daily disposable lenses Optom Vis Sci 2017;94: E-Abstract 175341

2016

Moezzi A, Varikooty J, Luensmann D, Ng A, Schulze M, Karkkainen T, Xu J, Jones L. Open-eye clinical performance of etafilcon a multifocal daily disposable hydrogel contact lenses compared to habitual silicone hydrogel lens wear Optom Vis Sci 2016;93: E-abstract 165259 [ PDF ]

Yang M, Luensmann D, Fonn D, Woods J, Gordon K, Jones L, Jones D. Myopia prevalence in canadian school children Optom Vis Sci 2016;93: E-abstract 165328 [ PDF ]

2015

Schulze M, Luensmann D, Ng AY, Panjwani F, Srinivasan S, Jones L. The relationship between the positioning of multifocal contact lens optics and satisfaction with vision Optom Vis Sci 2015;92: E-abstract 155256 [ PDF ]

2014

Luensmann D, Situ P, Fonn D, Jones L. Evaluation of the Performance of a New Silicone Hydrogel Color Contact Lens Optom Vis Sci 2014;91: E-abstract 145179 [ PDF ]

Schulze M, Luensmann D, Hickson-Curran S, Toubouti Y, Cox S, Plowright A, Nichols J, Morgan P, Jones L. Analysis of lid wiper epitheliopathy in habitual soft lens wearers Optom Vis Sci 2014;91: E-abstract 140104

Stahl U, Luensmann D, Lemp J, Moezzi A, Schulze M, Varikooty, Dumbleton K, Jones L. Determination of higher order aberrations with two silicone hydrogel toric lenses Optom Vis Sci 2014;91: E-abstract 145188 [ PDF ]

2013

Flanagan J, Stavropoulos A, Luensmann D, Postnikoff C, Gorbet M. Comparison of the Cellular Response to Overnight Contact Lens Wear on the Sclera and Cornea Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013;54:E-abstract 5654

Gorbet M, Luensmann D, Jones L. The response of tear film neutrophils to occasional overnight lens wear Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013;54: E-Abstract 2069

2012

Gorbet M, Cira D, Peterson R, Woods C, Luensmann D. The acute effect of benzalkonium chloride and sodium fluorescein on epithelial cells collected from the human ocular surface Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 2012;35, S1:e22-e23

Gorbet M, Luensmann D, Luck S, Jones L. Response Of Tear Film Neutrophils To Different Stimuli Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012;53:ARVO E-Abstract 5271

Luensmann D, Srinivasan S, Ochtere H, Yu M, Yang G, Jones L. The impact of cosmetics on the physical dimension and optical performance of silicone hydrogel contact lenses Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 2012;35, S1:e6

Srinivasan S, Luensmann D, Otchere H, Yu M, Yang J, Jones L. The impact of cosmetics on the surface appearance and wettability of silicone hydrogel contact lenses Optom Vis Sci 2012;89:E-abstract 120317

2011

Fisher G, Leung T, Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. 3D TOF-SIMS characterisation of drug-loaded silicone hydrogel contact lenses in the frozen hydrated state 18th SIMS Conference (Trentino, Italy), 2011

Jadi S, Heynen M, Luensmann D, Jones L. Incubation solution composition impacts in vitro protein uptake to silicone hydrogel contact lenses Optom Vis Sci 2011;88:E-abstract 110546

Luensmann D, Keir N, Richter D, Woods C, Fonn D. In vivo wettability changes over 3 days using daily disposable contact lenses Optom Vis Sci 2011;88:E-abstract 115384

Moezzi A, Situ P, Luensmann D, Fonn D, Woods C, McNally J, Jones L. Does comfort with aging silicone hydrogel lenses relate to changes in lens fit and conjunctival staining? Optom Vis Sci 2011;88:E-abstract 115708

2010

Srinivasan S, Martell E, Heynen M, Luensmann D, Cira D, Gorbet M, Jones L. Ocular surface sampling techniques 7th Canadian University Conference in Optometry (Montreal, Canada), 2010

Srinivasan S, Martell E, Heynen M, Luensmann D, Cira D, Gorbet M, Jones L. Ocular surface sampling techniques 20:20 National Science and Engineering Council Network meeting (Horseshoe Valley, Ontario, Canada), 2010

2009

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. Determination of albumin sorption to intraocular lenses by radiolabeling and confocal scanning laser microscopy Ivey Research Institute Day (London, Canada), 2009

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. Penetration profile of lysozyme and albumin in silicone hydrogel and pHEMA-based contact lens materials assessed using confocal microscopy Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 2009;32, 5:224

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Liu L, Sheardown H, Jones L. The impact of rub & no-rub care products on protein removal and localization Optom Vis Sci 2009;86:E-abstract 090517

Weeks A, Luensmann D, Jones L, Sheardown H. Crosslinked HA decrease lysozyme sorption and denaturation in model contact lens materials 20:20 National Science and Engineering Council (NSERC) Network meeting (Toronto, Canada), 2009

2008

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. Albumin penetration into intraocular lenses imaged by confocal microscopy Optom Vis Sci 2008;85; E-abstract 80029

2007

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. The use of confocal microscopy to investigate albumin penetration into pHEMA-based and silicone hydrogel contact lens materials Biomedical Imaging and Computer Vision (BICV) Workshop (University of Waterloo, Canada), 2007

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. The use of confocal microscopy to investigate albumin penetration into pHEMA-based and silicone hydrogel contact lens materials Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2007;48: E-abstract 5377

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. The use of confocal microscopy to investigate albumin penetration into pHEMA-based and silicone hydrogel contact lenses 6th Canadian Optometry Conference on Vision Science, Waterloo, Ontario, 2007

Luensmann D, Heynen M, Jones L. Confocal microscopy and albumin penetration into contact lenses Optom Vis Sci 2007;84, 9:839-847

2006

Luensmann D, Glasier MA, Zhang F, Jones L. A novel in vitro method to determine the penetration profile of albumin into silicone hydrogel and conventional hydrogel contact lens materials Optom Vis Sci 2006;83:E-Abstract 060092

Jabeen A, Luensmann D, Woods J, Hill J, Jones L. Evaluation of the Lag of accommodation with DOT spectacle lenses The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, New Orleans, LA, USA, April, [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: Alteration in contrast have shown to impact the accommodative accuracy in myopes. This study investigated whether the Diffusion Optics Technology™ (DOT) spectacles that are
designed to reduce the contrast on peripheral retina, have an impact on the lag of accommodation (LOA) in emmetropic children after short-term wear.

Methods: This was a single visit, prospective, randomized, subject-masked study. Participants were eligible if they had ±1.00 diopters prescription or less and they had no history of previous myopia control treatment. The logMAR visual acuity was measured and ocular dominance was tested using the sighting method. Participants then wore a pair of plano DOT spectacles (not featuring a central clear zone) and standard plano spectacles (control) in a randomized order and, after 5 minutes adaptation to the lenses, ten open-field autorefraction measurements (Grand Seiko 5500) were taken for each eye, with the target at 6m and 40cm. Analysis was conducted on the mean auto-refraction to determine differences in LOA between lens types for the right eye and also for the dominant eye.

Results: A total of 30 participants (20 female:10 male) with a mean (± SD) age of 10.4 ± 2.8 years (range 7 to 17) completed the study. The mean ± SD LOA was 0.57 ± 0.39D for the right eye and 0.60 ± 0.40D for the dominant eye whilst wearing DOT spectacles and similarly, 0.62 ± 0.34D for the right eye and 0.68 ± 0.33D for the dominant eye while wearing control spectacles. Mann Whitney U test results indicated no statistically significant difference between DOT and control spectacles for the right eye data (p=0.64) or for the dominant eye data (p=0.25). Similarly, no difference was observed in the mean LOA when compared between males and females, and between the younger (6-11) and older (12-17) age groups for both right eye and dominant eye with DOT and control spectacles (all p>0.05).

Conclusion: DOT lenses have no significant effect on the lag of accommodation compared to single vision spectacles after short-term wear. The study counters the supposition that reduced contrast may influence accommodative accuracy.

Continuing Education Presentations

2018

Walsh K, Jones L, Luensmann D, Woods J. Rapid Fire: Celebrating 20 Years of Silicone Hydrogels: The Past, Present and Future American Academy of Optometry, San Antonio, USA, 2018 [ Show Abstract ]

Using the analogy of a child growing up, four presenters cover the twenty-year timeline of silicone hydrogels (SiHys). How does the historical performance of this material inform both currently available lenses and future applications? Each part of the talk covers a specific period in the timeline since 1998: from infancy, through to elementary and high school years, balancing properties for comfortable daily wear and gaining increased understanding of interactions with the ocular surface and tear film. At age 20, SiHys have yet to graduate from college, leaving the last talk to share what the future may hold.

Professional Publications

2024

Luensmann D. Can we mask corneal astigmatism with soft lenses? https://contactlensupdate.com/2024/06/19/can-we-mask-corneal-astigmatism-with-soft-lenses/ 2024, 78:

Luensmann D. Fast Forward to the Future: Regaining Accommodation: Which Way to Go? Contact Lens Spectrum 2024;39, July:

Luensmann D. Practitioner Reference: Optimize Multifocal Soft Lens Fitting
https://contactlensupdate.com/2024/10/03/practitioner-reference-optimize-multifocal-soft-lens-fitting/ 2024, 80:

2023

Luensmann D, Meyler J. Truth or myth: All multifocal fitting steps are the same across different brands? Optician: https://www.opticianonline.net/content/features/are-all-multifocal-fitting-steps-the-same-across-brands/ 2023, October 6:

2019

Jones L., Woods J., Walsh K., Luensmann D. Happy 20th, silicone hydrogels! Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses 2019, Jan/Feb: 12-13

Luensmann D. Summary: IMI Interventions for Controlling Myopia Onset and Progression Report ContactLensUpdate.com 2019

Walsh K, Dantam J, Luensmann D. Contact Lens Wear and Its Disruption of the Tear Film Review of Cornea & Contact Lens 2019;May/June: 38-42.

2017

Luensmann D. Summary: Iatrogenic report – Dry eye disease caused by a medical treatment or procedure ContactLensUpdate.com 2017

2015

Luensmann D, Jones L. Clinical performance of a new silicone hydrogel colored contact lens Optometry Times 2015;June

2014

Luensmann D. A meta-analysis of studies on cosmetically tinted soft contact lenses ContactLensUpdate.com 2014

2013

Dumbleton K, Luensmann D. Corneal Infiltrates with Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Wear and the Role of Compliance Optometry Rounds 2013;1, 5:

2011

Luensmann D. Physiological response to protein and cholesterol deposition on silicone hydrogel contact lenses - An article review ContactLensUpdate.com 2011

2009

Luensmann D, Jones L. Albuminablagerungen auf kontaklinsen-materialien: Ein uberblick Die Kontaklinse 2009;518-23

Books

2019

Jones L, Stahl U, Guthrie S, Luensmann D, Yang M, Thom M. Contact Lens Compendium: Contact Lenses and Solutions Available in Canada. Vol 45 2019.