Schulze M. CLEAR report summary: Contact Lens Optics https://contactlensupdate.com/2021/06/15/contact-lens-optics/ 2021;60

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.

Schulze,M., Ng,A. Y., Yang,M., Panjwani,F., Srinivasan,S., Jones,L., Senchyna,M. Bulbar redness and dry eye disease: comparison of a validated subjective grading scale and an objective automated method Optometry & Vision Science 2021;98(2):113-120 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE
In this study, assessments of conjunctival redness were performed to evaluate whether patients with or without dry eye disease (DED) could be discriminated based on this measure. Our findings suggest that subjectively grading redness by quadrant, as opposed to automated en face measurements, may be more suitable for this purpose.

PURPOSE
This study aimed to quantify bulbar redness using the validated bulbar redness (VBR) grading scale and an automated objective method (Oculus Keratograph 5M; K5M) in participants with DED and non-DED controls.

METHODS
Participants with DED (Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≥20 and Oxford scale corneal staining ≥2) and controls (Ocular Surface Disease Index score ≤10 and corneal staining ≤1) attended two study visits. In part 1A of visit 1, baseline bulbar redness was graded with the VBR scale in each conjunctival quadrant of both eyes, followed by automated measurements of temporal and nasal redness with the K5M. This was immediately followed by part 1B, during which a topical vasoconstrictor was instilled into both eyes. Redness assessments were repeated 5 and 30 minutes after instillation with both instruments. Participants returned 14 days later for visit 2, where the same assessments as for visit 1A were repeated.

RESULTS
Seventy-four participants (50 DED and 24 controls) completed the study. There were statistically significant differences in redness between the DED and control groups when assessed with the VBR scale (14/16 comparisons; all, P < .05), whereas no significant differences in K5M-derived redness between the DED and non-DED groups were found at any location or time point. Both subjective and objective instruments detected statistically significant reductions in redness 5 and 30 minutes after instillation of the vasoconstrictor (all, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS
Although both subjective and objective instruments were sensitive to detecting changes in redness induced by vasoconstriction, statistically significant differences in redness between DED and control groups were only found using the VBR scale.

Spafford,M. M., Jones,D. A., Christian,L. W., Labreche,T., Furtado,N. M., MacIver,S., Irving,E. L. What the Canadian public (mis)understands about eyes and eye care Clinical and Experimental Optometry 2021;Online ahead of print [ Show Abstract ]

Clinical relevance
Inadequate public knowledge about eyes and eye care poses avoidable risks to vision-related quality of life.

Background
This study of eye care knowledge among Canadians extends earlier findings from focus groups.

Methods
Perceptions about eyes and eye care were sought using a 21-item online survey and snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria were living in Canada and being at least 18-years old; eye care professionals and staff were excluded. Response frequencies were converted to percentages, with eye condition items analysed according to ‘expected’ or ‘unexpected’ eye impacts. Proportions selecting these impacts or ‘unsure’ were determined.

Results
There were 424 respondents: 83.0% aged 20-65 years and 69.6% female. Mismatches existed between perceived recommendations and behaviours for booking eye exams: within two years (86.7% vs. 68.4%) and symptom-driven (3.3% vs. 13.0%). First eye exams after age one year were deemed appropriate by 43.6%. Few respondents associated glaucoma with no symptoms (6.0%) or amblyopia with blurred vision (13.5%). A notable proportion incorrectly related tunnel vision with age-related macular degeneration (AMD, 36.8%) and cataract (21.9%). Identifying all ‘expected’ responses was unlikely for glaucoma (1.9%), amblyopia (6.7%), and cataract (12.0%). Most respondents identified no ‘expected’ effects for glaucoma (63.8%) and AMD (46.2%) and some ‘expected’ effects for cataract (59.5%) and amblyopia (72.6%). Selecting ‘unsure’ was 9-10 times more common among respondents choosing no ‘expected’ impacts than those choosing some. Awareness of thyroid-associated eye disease was lowest (32.4%) of seven conditions. Respondents were most likely to consult optometrists for routine eye exams, eye disease, diabetes eye checks and blurred vision but family physicians for red eyes and sore eyes. Respondents typically paid for their eye exams and eyewear but wanted government to pay.

Conclusion
Vision-threatening knowledge gaps and misinformation about eyes and eye care among Canadian respondents highlight the need for accessible, targeted public education.

Stapleton,F., Bakkar,M., Carnt,N., Chalmers,R., Kumar Vijay,A., Marasini,S., Ng,A. Y., Tan,J., Wagner,H., Woods,C., Wolffsohn,J. S. CLEAR - Contact lens complications Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(2):330-367 [ Show Abstract ]

Contact lens-related complications are common, affecting around one third of wearers, although most are mild and easily managed. Contact lenses have well-defined anatomical and physiological effects on the ocular surface and can result in other consequences due to the presence of a biologically active material. A contact lens interacts with the tear film, ocular surface, skin, endogenous and environmental microorganisms, components of care solutions and other antigens which may result in disease specific to contact lens wear, such as metabolic or hypersensitivity disorders. Contact lens wear may also modify the epidemiology or pathophysiology of recognised conditions, such as papillary conjunctivitis or microbial keratitis. Wearers may also present with intercurrent disease, meaning concomitant or pre-existing conditions unrelated to contact lens wear, such as allergic eye disease or blepharitis, which may complicate the diagnosis and management of contact lens-related disease.

Complications can be grouped into corneal infection (microbial keratitis), corneal inflammation (sterile keratitis), metabolic conditions (epithelial: microcysts, vacuoles, bullae, tight lens syndrome, epithelial oedema; stromal: superficial and deep neovascularisation, stromal oedema [striae/folds], endothelial: blebs, polymegethism/ pleomorphism), mechanical (corneal abrasion, corneal erosion, lens binding, warpage/refractive error changes; superior epithelial arcuate lesion, mucin balls, conjunctival epithelial flaps, ptosis, discomfort), toxic and allergic disorders (papillary conjunctivitis, solution-induced corneal staining, incomplete neutralisation of peroxide, Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency), tear resurfacing disorders/dry eye (contact lens-induced dry eye, Meibomian gland dysfunction, lid wiper epitheliopathy, lid parallel conjunctival folds, inferior closure stain, 3 and 9 o'clock stain, dellen, dimple veil) or contact lens discomfort. This report summarises the best available evidence for the classification, epidemiology, pathophysiology, management and prevention of contact lens-related complications in addition to presenting strategies for optimising contact lens wear.

Thite,N., Desiato,A., Shinde,L., Wolffsohn,J. S., Naroo,S. A., Santodomingo-Rubido,J., Cho,P., Jones,D., Villar-Collar,C., Carillo,G., Chan,O., Wang,H., Iomdina,E., Tattura,E., Proskurina,O., Shing Fan,C., Zeri,F., Bakkar,M. M., Barodawala,F., Dabral,N., Lafosse,E., Lee,C., Nichols,J. J., Chan,J., Park,K., Nair,V., van der Worp,E., Vankudre,G., Maseedupalli,V., Bhattarai,Y., Nagzarkar,D., Brauer,P., Gil-Cazorla,R. Opportunities and threats to contact lens practice: A global survey perspective Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(6):101496 [ Show Abstract ]

Aim
To understand the views of contact lens (CL) practitioners across the globe regarding what they perceive as opportunities and threats in CL practice.

Methods
A self-administered anonymised questionnaire, constructed in English and translated in six more languages, was distributed through reputed international professional bodies and academic institutions worldwide. The questionnaire included items on demographic characteristics, type of practice, and questions designed to explore practitioners’ perspective on the future of their CL practice over the next five years.

Results
A total of 2408 valid responses were analysed. Multifocal CLs for presbyopia, CLs for myopia control, use of daily disposable (DD) CLs for occasional wear, and biocompatible materials to improve comfort were identified as promising areas of opportunities by practitioners (all 8/10). Respondents from North America, and Europe valued DDCLs for occasional wear moderately more favourable (Median: 9/10 for all) as compared to colleagues in Asia (Median: 8/10, p < 0.001), South America (Median: 8/10, p < 0.01), and Africa (Median: 8/10p < 0.01). Multifocal CLs for presbyopia was perceived as a better opportunity by practitioners in North America and Europe (Median: 9/10 for both), as well as in Australasia (Median: 8/10), in comparison to Asia, Africa, and Middle East (for all Median: 6/10, p < 0.001). Practitioners expressed concerns about the availability of CLs and CL prescriptions online without direct professional involvement (both 9/10).

Conclusions
Overall, the most appealing opportunities for CL practice growth were identified in occasional use of DD CLs, biocompatible materials to reduce CL discomfort, multifocal CLs for presbyopia correction and management of myopia control with CLs. Lack of regulation in CL sales, especially online, seemed to be a constant threat. The insights from this study can be used to design targeted strategies to enhance CL practice across the globe and in specific geographical areas.

Tichenor,A., Cofield,S., Gann,D., Elder,M., Ng,A. Y., Walsh,K., Jones,L., Nichols,J. Frequency of Contact Lens Complications Between Contact Lens Wearers Using Multipurpose Solutions Versus Hydrogen Peroxide in the United States and Canada Eye & Contact Lens 2021;47(5):277-282 [ Show Abstract ]

Objectives: To retrospectively compare frequency of contact lens (CL) complications in soft CL users of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and multipurpose solutions (MPS).

Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective chart review of CL records from each patient's three most recent eye examinations at academic and private practices. Patients must have used the same solution type for at least 3 years. Univariate analyses were conducted using t tests, and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical measures.

Results: There were 1,137 patients included, with 670 (59%) using MPS and 467 (41%) H2O2. In total, 706 (62%) experienced at least one complication; 409 used MPS and 297 used H2O2. There was no difference in the proportion of patients experiencing at least one complication between MPS (61%) and H2O2 (64%) (P=0.38). Multipurpose solutions users were more likely to report discomfort compared with H2O2 users (P=0.04). Presumed microbial keratitis was experienced by 16 MPS and nine H2O2 users (P=0.60).

Conclusions: No significant differences were found in the frequency of CL complications between MPS and H2O2. H2O2 users were less likely to report discomfort and thus switching to a H2O2 system may be an alternative in CL users with discomfort.

Ulkuseven,E., McCanna,D. J., Subbaraman,L. N., Jones,L. W. The Effect of Antimicrobial Peptides on the Viability of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins 2021;13(2):518-526 [ Show Abstract ]

Antimicrobial peptides are polypeptides composed of less than 100 amino acids and are a class of antibiotics with strong activity against some infectious bacteria. This study examined the safety of four chosen antimicrobial peptides using primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) and explored their potential therapeutic use. The efficacy of the peptides was also studied by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. One of the peptides (polymyxin E) was found to have antibacterial efficacy against a common Gram-negative bacterium (MIC 1.56 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and another one (nisin) was found to have antibacterial efficacy against a common Gram-positive bacterium (MIC 125 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus). Metabolic activity and live/dead/apoptotic effects were measured with fluorescent dyes after HCEC were exposed to the peptides for 30 min. Three of the peptides exhibited lower toxicity against HCEC than a currently marketed eye drop product. Regarding both efficacy and safety, two of the peptides (polymyxin E and nisin) were found to have potential use for treating ocular infections.

Vincent,S. J., Cho,P., Yin Chan,K., Fadel,D., Ghorbani-Mojarrad,N., González-Méijome,J. M., Johnson,L., Michaud,L., Simard,P., Jones,L. CLEAR - Orthokeratology Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(2):240-269 [ Show Abstract ]

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the process of deliberately reshaping the anterior cornea by utilising specialty contact lenses to temporarily and reversibly reduce refractive error after lens removal. Modern ortho-k utilises reverse geometry lens designs, made with highly oxygen permeable rigid materials, worn overnight to reshape the anterior cornea and provide temporary correction of refractive error. More recently, ortho-k has been extensively used to slow the progression of myopia in children.

This report reviews the practice of ortho-k, including its history, mechanisms of refractive and ocular changes, current use in the correction of myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia, and standard of care. Suitable candidates for ortho-k are described, along with the fitting process, factors impacting success, and the potential options for using newer lens designs. Ocular changes associated with ortho-k, such as alterations in corneal thickness, development of microcysts, pigmented arcs, and fibrillary lines are reviewed. The safety of ortho-k is extensively reviewed, along with an overview of non-compliant behaviours and appropriate disinfection regimens. Finally, the role of ortho-k in myopia management for children is discussed in terms of efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of myopia control, including the impact of factors such as initial fitting age, baseline refractive error, the role of peripheral defocus, higher order aberrations, pupil size, and treatment zone size.

Walsh K. Managing lid margin disease in dry eye and contact lens wearers Online Optometry Learning Series, April, 2021

Walsh K. Sharing the unique perspective of a practitioner, a patient, and a parent. Reshaping the future of community eye health virtual conference, Singapore, March 2021, 2021

Walsh K. BCLA CLEAR Summary https://contactlensupdate-com.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/06/BCLA-CLEAR-summary.pdf 2021;60 [ Show Abstract ]

The BCLA Contact Lens Evidence-based Academic Report (CLEAR) totals more than 300 pages across 11 papers. Coordinated by 10 committee chairs, written by 102 authors based in 16 countries, it was published in March 2021 and is available here.

BCLA CLEAR sets the standard to which eye care professionals (ECPs) can refer for the latest information in the contact lens field whilst also highlighting opportunities for future research. This summary draws on key points from the reports to help inform evidence-based practice.

Walsh K, Jones L. Covid-19 and contact lenses: Keeping it simple in the ‘new normal’ Optician 2021, March: 25-30 [ Show Abstract ]

Karen Walsh and Professor Lyndon Jones examine how Covid-19 has affected routine contact lens practice and what that means for both eye care practitioners and their patients (C77595, one distance learning CET point suitable for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians).

In the first quarter of 2020, routine clinical eye care underwent a temporary cessation in most regions around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic. Optometric practice is now predominantly back up and running, albeit with the occasional return to a higher alert level as the infection rates in countries ebb and flow over time. The demands
of working in a world with Covid-19 have necessitated changes to how routine practice is conducted. As a result, the attitudes and needs of eye care practitioners (ECPs) and patients related to eye care in general, and contact lenses (CLs) in particular, may have altered. Within this new shape of optometric practice, the question of where CL practice fits naturally arises. While aftercare for the routine assessment and resupply of existing wearers may seem acceptable, how does the profession approach the option of new fits and upgrades? Given the wider challenges faced by practitioners, is this really the time to focus on such areas? Is it even ‘safe’ to fit CL now, given the close contact required? However, looking at it from a different point of view, are there in fact opportunities arising from the changes dictated by Covid-19 that could be beneficial for CL practice? This article reviews the recommendations
for safe CL practice, looks at their relevance for both practitioners and patients, and addresses how CL can be accommodated into the daily clinic routine as easily as possible.

Walsh K, Jones L. Ein Jahr Covid-19 und die Auswirkungen auf die Kontaktlinsenpraxis (German translation of "COVID-19: A Year in Review and the Impact on Contact Lens Practice", as published in CL Spectrum in Feb 2021); Deutsche Optikerzeitung 2021, 06: 96-103 [ Show Abstract ]

Das Jahr 2020, in dem die Corona-Pandemie begann, hat die gesamte Weltgemeinschaft und damit das Leben jedes einzelnen Menschen verändert. Folglich sind die Auswirkungen der Pandemie auch in der augenoptischen Branche zu spüren. Die Autoren Karen Walsh, MCOptom und PGDip, und Lyndon Jones, DSc und FCOptom, ziehen Bilanz.

Walsh K, Jones L. COVID-19: A year in review and the impact on CL practice Contact Lens Spectrum 2021;36, February: E1-E6 [ Show Abstract ]

For everyone involved in eye care, 2020 was going to be a special year. The numerous “20/20” puns and articles circulating in January were full of hope and future-gazing. No one could have predicted the direction that the year would take and its resulting impact on the world at large and, for this audience specifically, on the delivery of routine contact lens care. As the end of this unprecedented year has finally come to pass, it feels right to pause and reflect on the last 12 months, to examine the journey that the profession has taken, and to summarize the situation. This article reviews what the profession has learned and asks whether enough is known to successfully navigate the months and years ahead. With no small amount of irony and a large nod to those aforementioned puns, does being approximately one year into the pandemic result in having a useful amount of “20/20 hindsight”?

Walsh K, Jones L. Improving contact lens comfort without changing the lens or modality American Academy of Optometry, Boston, November, 2021

Walsh K, Sulley A. Soft toric lens fitting practices not meeting patient needs Optometry Times Journal 2021;13, 2: 34-37 [ Show Abstract ]

The inclusion of astigmatic correction in spectacles is common practice. Outside of the need to reduce a high or previously uncorrected astigmatism to ease adaption, eyecare professionals (ECPs) routinely prescribe the full toric correction in spectacles. Historically, the lack of availability of consistently performing, comfortable soft toric contact lens designs resulted in different prescribing practices for astigmats compared to those wearing spectacles, with spherical lenses often recommended over toric lenses for low to moderate levels of astigmatism.

Modern soft toric designs are significantly different from early non-planned replacement versions of 20 or more years ago. Their overall performance—which includes ease of fitting, comfort, rotational stability, vision performance, and consistent manufacturing in a range of designs and materials—enables them to be fit successfully to a wide range of astigmatic patients.

This review provides an overview of current soft toric prescribing, comparing and contrasting different fitting practices around the globe, and explores patient expectations and the opportunities that exist to meet their needs.

Walther,H., Lorentz,H., Heynen,M., Kay,L., Jones,L. W. The Impact of Incubation Conditions on in Vitro Phosphatidylcholine Deposition on Contact Lens Materials Optometry & Vision Science 2021;98(4):341-349 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE: Previous in vitro measurements of contact lenses commonly investigate the impact of nonpolar
tear film lipids (i.e., sterols). Polar lipids, however, are equally important stabilizing components of the tear film.
This research explores and presents further knowledge about various aspects of polar lipid uptake that may impact
contact lens performance.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the impact of incubation time, lipid concentration, and replenishment of an artificial
tear solution (ATS) on the uptake of phosphatidylcholine (PC) onto conventional hydrogel (CH) and silicone
hydrogel (SH) contact lens materials.

METHODS: Four SHs and two CH lens materials (n = 4) were soaked in a complex ATS containing radioactive
14C-PC as a probe molecule. Phosphatidylcholine uptake was monitored at various incubation time points (1, 3,
7, 14, and 28 days), with different ATS lipid concentrations (0.5, 1, 2) and with and without regular replenishment
of the ATS. Phosphatidylcholine was extracted from the lenses, processed, and counted by a β counter,
and accumulated PC (μg/lens) was extrapolated from standard lipid calibration curves.

RESULTS: All materials exhibited increasing PC deposition over time. Conventional hydrogel materials showed significantly lower PC uptake rates (P < .001) than any of the SH materials. Increasing lipid concentration in the ATS
resulted in increased PC binding onto the contact lens materials (P < .001). Replenishing the ATS every other day,
however, impacted the PC deposition differently, showing increased binding (P < .001) on CHs and reduced PC
deposition for SH materials (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: Length of incubation, lipid concentration in the ATS, and renewal of the incubation solution all
influenced the amount of PC that sorbed onto various lens materials and therefore need to be considered when
conducting future in vitro deposition studies.

Willcox,M., Keir,N., Maseedupallu,V., Masoudi,S., McDermott,A., Mobeen,R., Purslow,C., Santodomingo-Rubio,J., Tavazzi,S., Zeri,F., Jones,L. W. CLEAR - Contact lens wettability, cleaning, disinfection and interactions with tears Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(2):157-191 [ Show Abstract ]

Contact lens materials have undergone significant changes over the past 20 years, particularly with respect to the introduction of silicone hydrogel materials. Whilst this development addressed hypoxic issues, other important areas relating to contact lens success, notably comfort, require further research.

Contact lens wettability remains a crucially important part of biocompatibility. Contact lenses can be made more wettable by incorporation of surfactants into blister packs, internal wetting agents, surface treatments or care solutions. However, there remains no clear association between contact lens wettability and comfort, making it challenging to determine the potential for these approaches to be of significant clinical benefit. Most contact lenses are used on a daily wear, reusable basis, which requires them to be disinfected when not worn. The ideal disinfecting solution would also improve comfort during wear. However, balancing these requirements with other factors, including biocompatibility, remains a challenge. Soft lens materials invariably take up and subsequently release certain components of disinfecting solutions onto the ocular surface. This may affect tear film stability and the normal ocular microbiome, and further research is needed in this area to determine whether this has any affect on comfort. Finally, contact lens materials sorb components of the tear film, and these interactions are complex and may change the biochemistry of the tear film, which in turn may affect their comfort.

In conclusion, the interaction between lens materials, tear film and disinfection solution plays an important role in the biocompatibility of lenses. However, the exact role and whether this can be altered to improve biocompatibility and comfort during wear remains debatable. This report summarises the best available evidence to examine this complex relationship and the opportunities for practitioners to enhance in-eye comfort of contemporary lenses, along with providing suggestions for areas of study that may provide further information on this topic.

Williams R, Srinivasan S, Jones L. Career Transitions ARVO Advance Research Career Development Conference, Virtual Conference, February 26, 2021

Wolffsohn,J. S., Dumbleton,K., Huntjens,B., Kandel,H., Koh,S., Kunnen,C. M. E., Nagra,M., Pult,H., Sulley,A. L., Vianya-Estopa,M., Walsh,K., Wong,S., Stapleton,F. CLEAR - Evidence-based contact lens practice Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(2):368-397 [ Show Abstract ]

Evidence-based contact lens -->practice involves finding, appraising and applying research findings as the basis for patient management decisions. These decisions should be informed by the strength of the research study designs that address the question, as well as by the experience of the practitioner and the preferences and environment of the patient. This reports reviews and summarises the published research evidence that is available to inform soft and rigid contact lens history and symptoms taking, anterior eye health examination (including the optimised use of ophthalmic dyes, grading scales, imaging techniques and lid eversion), considerations for contact lens selection (including the ocular surface measurements required to select the most appropriate lens parameter, lens modality and material selection), evaluation of lens fit, prescribing (teaching self-application and removal, adaptation, care regimen and cleaning instructions, as well as -->minimising risks of lens wear through encouraging compliance) and an aftercare routine.

Wolffsohn,J. S., Morgan,P. B., Barnett,M., Downie,L. E., Jacobs,D. S. Jones,L. W., Richdale, K., Stapleton,F., Vincent,S. J., Willcox,M. Contact Lens Evidence-Based Academic Reports (CLEAR) Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2021;44(2):129-131 [ Show Abstract ]

Since contact lenses were invented in 1887, innovations have included advances in optical design, material, care systems, wear modality, lens size, lens shape and applications. Over 19,000 peer reviewed academic papers on the contact lenses have been published. The Contact Lens Evidence-based Academic Reports (CLEAR) follow the exemplary work of organisations such as the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society dry eye, meibomian gland disease, contact lens discomfort and dry eye II workshops and the International Myopia Institute white papers on myopia control, in collating and appraising the academic literature in an ocular field of interest. CLEAR represent the work of nearly 100 multidisciplinary experts in the field, who set out to critically review, synthesise and summarise the research evidence on contact lenses to date; this serves to inform both clinical practice, manufacturing innovation and future research directions.

Wolffsohn,J. S., Travé-Huarte,S., Jones,L., Craig,J. P., Wang,M. T. M., the TFOS ambassadors. Clinical practice patterns in the management of dry eye disease: A TFOS international survey Ocular Surface 2021;21(July):78-86 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose
To examine clinical management and prescribing patterns for dry eye disease (DED), in relation to severity and subtype, by eye care practitioners across the globe.

Methods
An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey (on Qualtrics) translated into 14 languages was distributed to eye care practitioners across the globe. The survey included six questions around the management of DED, in relation to severity and subtype.

Result
The survey was completed by 1139 eyecare professionals (37% ophthalmologists and 58% optometrists) from 51 countries. Management varied significantly by continent and country (p < 0.01). The most commonly recommended management approaches, internationally, included general advice (87%), low (85%) and high (80%) viscosity-enhancing unpreserved lubricants and lid wipes/scrubs (81%). Some treatments were prescribed largely independently of severity (e.g. artificial tears and nutritional supplements) while oral antibiotics, punctal occlusion, topical anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressants, secretagogues, biologics, therapeutic contact lenses and surgical approaches were prescribed by more practitioners as severity increased. Essential fatty acids, lipid sprays/drops, lid hygiene, warm compresses, intense pulsed light therapy and antibiotics (topical or oral) were more commonly recommended for evaporative DED, while punctal occlusion, therapeutic contact lenses, secretagogues and biologics were more commonly recommended for aqueous deficient DED.

Conclusions
DED management differs across continents and countries. A wide range of management strategies are utilised at each severity level and between subtypes. The survey results enable clinicians to benchmark their practice to that of their peers, indicate where further research is required to optimise patient management and inform industry on how best to target product development.

Wong S. CLEAR report summary: Evidence-Based Contact Lens Practice https://contactlensupdate.com/2021/06/15/evidence-based-contact-lens-practice/ 2021;60

Wong S, Srinivasan S, Murphy P, Jones L.. Comparison of meibomian gland dropout using two infrared imaging devices Vision Institute of Canada, October, 2021