WATERLOO, Ontario, December 19, 2023—Even with recent advances, managing presbyopia still presents significant challenges for achieving perfect vision at all distances. The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) has focused Issue 75 of Contact Lens Update to exploring current and future pharmacological treatments, and how they compare to multifocal contact lenses. The independent, bi-monthly publication is available at no charge by visiting ContactLensUpdate.com.
“Understanding the treatment strategies for presbyopia is essential. Since there is no universally perfect solution, success lies in selecting and customizing the appropriate treatment for each individual patient,” said Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, FIACLE, a clinical scientist at CORE. “Advancements in pharmacological treatments have led to various ophthalmic solutions, with additional options currently under investigation. Integrating therapeutics into the array of management strategies may provide practitioners and patients with broader choices for effective treatment.”
Optimal presbyopia management outcomes, with the goal of ensuring the best visual performance at all distances, hinge on understanding the advantages and limitations of each option in accordance with patient needs and ocular conditions. As pharmacological treatments progress, it remains crucial for eye care practitioners to incorporate these management strategies in their arsenal and remain abreast of the latest developments to offer personalized solutions.
Leading off the Diamond Jubilee issue are Dr. Elisabeth Van Aken, an ophthalmologist, retina specialist and assistant professor at Ghent University, Belgium, alongside Dr. Joris Delanghe, professor in Clinical Chemistry at Ghent University, Belgium and editor-in-chief of Clinica Chimica Acta. Their opening editorial comprehensively reviews pharmacological treatments for presbyopia, providing a detailed summary of the current solutions available.
Dr. Selina McGee, founder of Precision Vision of Edmond and co-founder of Precision Vision of Midwest City, specializes in dry eye, contact lenses, and aesthetics, and holds an adjunct faculty position at Northeastern State University College of Optometry. Her feature article reviews existing therapeutic drops and those in clinical trials, evaluating their potential for significant improvements in near and intermediate vision.
Dr. Jacob Lang, chair of the Anterior Segment Section at the American Academy of Optometry and frequent ophthalmic publications contributor, is joined by Dr. Noa Robson, an ocular disease resident at Associated Eye Care in Stillwater, Minn. to author the issue’s clinical insight. Their case report underscores the importance of listening to each patient’s needs, consider the ocular surface, and explore diverse options to determine the optimal individualized treatment.
The conference highlight is presented by Dr. Shane Kannarr, a specialist in contact lenses, ocular disease treatment, and low vision. His featured poster evaluates reading performance and associated satisfaction in mild presbyopia treated with 1.25% pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. The findings indicate improved visual outcomes with the drug compared to the vehicle.
In addition to a complete archive of back issues, ContactLensUpdate.com offers a resource library that provides no-cost professional tools, patient resources, images and video. It also houses complimentary technical training videos produced by International Association of Contact Lens Educators, plus an industry glossary. Industry professionals can access the latest issue directly from ContactLensUpdate.com or quickly sign up for email receipt of future issues.
The publication receives support from the educational arms of Alcon, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
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About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its approximately 50-person team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Aimee J. Lewis or Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA, FAAO, McDougall Communications for CORE
aimee@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.414.9838 | mike@mcdougallpr.com +1.585.545.1815