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.

Seo J, Meyler J. Truth or Myth. Fitting soft toric lenses takes too much chair time? Optician: https://www.opticianonline.net/content/features/truth-or-myth-fitting-soft-toric-lenses-takes-too-much-chair-time 2023, November 3:

Seo J, Moody K. Truth or myth: The preferred sighting method is the best way of measuring ocular dominance? Optician; https://www.opticianonline.net/content/features/truth-or-myth-the-preferred-sighting-method-is-the-best-way-of-measuring-ocular-dominance 2023, September 1:

Shukla M. Contact Lenses as a platform for ocular drug delivery Controlled Release Society – Ocular Delivery Focus Group, Webinar, Feb 10, 2023

Spafford,M. M., Chow,A. H. Y., Labreche,T., Jones,D. A., Christian,L. W. T., Furtado,N. M., MacIver,S., Irving,E. L. Trust and Access: Eye Information-seeking Practices and Preferences among Canadians Optometry and Vision Science 2023;100(7):467-474 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE
This study highlights the value that the public places on obtaining trusted and accessible health-related information and their preference for obtaining it from their health care practitioners. Previous research has not been specific to Canadians or vision. Findings can be used to increase eye health literacy and eye care utilization.

PURPOSE
Canadians underuse eye care and underestimate the occurrence of asymptomatic eye disease. This study explored eye information-seeking practices and preferences among a group of Canadians.

METHODS
Using snowball sampling, a 28-item online survey collected respondent perceptions about their eye and health information-seeking practices and preferences. Questions examined electronic device access, information source use, and demographics. Two open-ended questions examined information-seeking practices and preferences. Respondents were at least 18 years old and living in Canada. Individuals working in eye care were excluded. Response frequencies and z scores were computed. Written comments were assessed using content analysis.

RESULTS
Respondents searched for less eye than health information (z scores ≥ 2.25, P < .05). For eye and health information, primary care providers were the used and preferred source, and reliance on Internet searches was greater than desired. Trust and access drove information-seeking practices. Respondent comments suggested that a hierarchy of trust operates across My Health Team, My Network, and My External Sources, with a persistent threat posed by Discredited Sources. Access to information sources seemed mediated by enablers (Convenience and Accessible Features) and barriers (Unreachable Health Team and Absent Systems). Eye information was seen as more specialized and harder to find. There was a high regard for health care practitioners who provide their patients with curated trusted information.

CONCLUSIONS
These Canadians value trusted and accessible health-related information. They prefer eye and health information from their health care practitioners and value when their health team provides online curated information, particularly regarding eyes.

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 2023;106(1):75-84 [ 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., Abad,J. C., Barabino,S., Burnett,A., Iyer,G., Lekhanont,K., Li,T., Liu,Y., Navas,A., Obinwanne,C. J., Qureshi,R., Roshandel,D., Sahin,A., Shih,K., Tichenor,A., Jones,L. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of societal challenges on the ocular surface Ocular Surface 2023;28(April):165-199 [ Show Abstract ]

Societal factors associated with ocular surface diseases were mapped using a framework to characterize the relationship between the individual, their health and environment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating factors on ocular surface diseases were considered in a systematic review. Age and sex effects were generally well-characterized for inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune and trauma-related conditions. Sex and gender, through biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors impact the prevalence and severity of disease, access to, and use of, care. Genetic factors, race, smoking and co-morbidities are generally well characterized, with interdependencies with geographical, employment and socioeconomic factors. Living and working conditions include employment, education, water and sanitation, poverty and socioeconomic class. Employment type and hobbies are associated with eye trauma and burns. Regional, global socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions, include remoteness, geography, seasonality, availability of and access to services. Violence associated with war, acid attacks and domestic violence are associated with traumatic injuries. The impacts of conflict, pandemic and climate are exacerbated by decreased food security, access to health services and workers. Digital technology can impact diseases through physical and mental health effects and access to health information and services. The COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigating strategies are mostly associated with an increased risk of developing new or worsening existing ocular surface diseases. Societal factors impact the type and severity of ocular surface diseases, although there is considerable interdependence between factors. The overlay of the digital environment, natural disasters, conflict and the pandemic have modified access to services in some regions.

Sullivan,D., da Costa,A. X., Del Duca,E., Doll,T., Grupcheva,C. N., Lazreg,S., Liu,S-H., McGee,S. R., Murthy,R., Narang,P., Ng,A. Y., Nistico,S., O'Dell,L., Roos,J., Shen,J., Markoulli,M. TFOS lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface Ocular Surface 2023;29(July):77-130 [ Show Abstract ]

In this report the use of eye cosmetic products and procedures and how this represents a lifestyle challenge that may exacerbate or promote the development of ocular surface and adnexal disease is discussed. Multiple aspects of eye cosmetics are addressed, including their history and market value, psychological and social impacts, possible problems associated with cosmetic ingredients, products, and procedures, and regulations for eye cosmetic use. In addition, a systematic review that critically appraises randomized controlled trial evidence concerning the ocular effects of eyelash growth products is included. The findings of this systematic review highlight the evidence gaps and indicate future directions for research to focus on ocular surface outcomes associated with eyelash growth products.

Walker M, Bergmanson J, Schornack M, Fadel D. IFSLR 2023 RECAP Contact Lens Spectrum 2023;38, September: 37-41

Watson,S. L., Jones,L. W., Stapleton,F., Hinds,M., Ng,A.Y., Tan,J, Alster,Y., Bosworth,C., Rafaeli,O., DePuy,V, Efficacy and safety of AZR-MD-001 selenium sulfide ophthalmic ointment in adults with meibomian gland dysfunction: A vehicle-controlled, randomized clinical trial The Ocular Surface 2023;29(July):537-546 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic progressive disease with downstream effects on ocular signs and symptoms. AZR-MD-001 is a selenium sulfide ophthalmic ointment that was investigated as a potential treatment option for patients with MGD.

Methods
A Phase 2, multi-center, double-masked, parallel group study was conducted across 29 sites, with 245 patients randomized 1:1:1 to AZR-MD-001 0.5%, AZR-MD-001 1.0% or vehicle applied to the lower eyelid, twice weekly. Patients were eligible for the trial if they presented with signs and symptoms of MGD. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were the changes from baseline in number of open glands (Meibomian Glands Yielding Liquid Secretion [MGYLS] score) and patient-reported ocular surface symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] total score) at Month 3. Efficacy outcomes were captured at Day 14, Month 1.5 and Month 3. Safety and tolerability were assessed for treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results
AZR-MD-001 0.5% (n = 82 patients) treatment resulted in significant improvements in MGYLS score, with patients experiencing an average increase from baseline of 4.2 and 2.4 open glands secreting meibum for the drug and vehicle, respectively (p < 0.001) and from baseline a mean OSDI total score improvement of 7.3 and 3.8 for the drug and vehicle, respectively (p < 0.05). Most TEAEs were mild and transient, with 3 serious adverse events (SAEs) reported with AZR-MD-001 (none related to study drug).

Conclusions
Co-primary endpoints were met for AZR-MD-001 0.5% at Month 3, with a statistically significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of MGD. AZR-MD-001 was safe and well tolerated.

Wolffsohn J, Craig J, Jones L. Dry Eye Wheel British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference & Exhibition, Manchester, Jun 10, 2023

Wong S, Meyler J,. Truth or myth: Monovision is best for presbyopic CL correction? Optician; https://www.opticianonline.net/content/features/truth-or-myth-monovision-is-best-for-presbyopic-cl-correction 2023, August 1:

Woods J. Maximizing Success with Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control THE Myopia Meeting, Toronto, Canada, Dec 2, 2023

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.

Woods,C., Naroo,S., Zeri,F., Bakkar,M., Barodawala,F., Evans,V., Fadel,D., Kalikivayi,L., Lira,M., Maseedupally,V., Trave Huarte,S., Eperjesi,F. Evidence for commonly used teaching, learning and assessment methods in contact lens clinical skills education Contact Lens Anterior Eye 2023;46(2):101821 [ Show Abstract ]

Introduction
Evidence based practice is now an important part of healthcare education. The aim of this narrative literature review was to determine what evidence exists on the efficacy of commonly used teaching and learning and assessment methods in the realm of contact lens skills education (CLE) in order to provide insights into best practice. A summary of the global regulation and provision of postgraduate learning and continuing professional development in CLE is included.

Method
An expert panel of educators was recruited and completed a literature review of current evidence of teaching and learning and assessment methods in healthcare training, with an emphasis on health care, general optometry and CLE.

Results
No direct evidence of benefit of teaching and learning and assessment methods in CLE were found. There was evidence for the benefit of some teaching and learning and assessment methods in other disciplines that could be transferable to CLE and could help students meet the intended learning outcomes. There was evidence that the following teaching and learning methods helped health-care and general optometry students meet the intended learning outcomes; clinical teaching and learning, flipped classrooms, clinical skills videos and clerkships. For assessment these methods were; essays, case presentations, objective structured clinical examinations, self-assessment and formative assessment. There was no evidence that the following teaching and learning methods helped health-care and general optometry students meet the intended learning outcomes; journal clubs and case discussions. Nor was any evidence found for the following assessment methods; multiple-choice questions, oral examinations, objective structured practical examinations, holistic assessment, and summative assessment.

Conclusion
Investigation into the efficacy of common teaching and learning and assessment methods in CLE are required and would be beneficial for the entire community of contact lens educators, and other disciplines that wish to adapt this approach of evidence-based teaching.

Wulff D, Phan C-M, Jones L. Development of a 3D-printed hydrogel eye model for evaluating ocular drug delivery The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, New Orleans, LA, USA, April, 2023 [ Show Abstract ][ PDF ]

Purpose: To 3D-print a soft hydrogel eye model using a novel bioink for evaluating ocular drug delivery.

Methods: The eye model was designed using CAD software. It includes several key components made from a hydrogel, including an upper and lower eyelid, a frontal surface to mimic the cornea and sclera, and an internal chamber to mimic the interior of the eye. The components were designed to fit with an existing blink model that was developed previously in our laboratory that allows for automated blinking and tear collection. The eyeball and the lower eyelid were 3D bioprinted using a modified commercial mSLA printer (Photon Mono X, AnyCubic, Shenzhen, China). Various bioinks were tested, consisting of 5-15% gelatin methacryloyl, 1-5% polyvinyl alcohol, 5-30% polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 0.4-0.6% lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate, and 2-3% of a yellow food-grade dye in phosphate buffer solution. Different formulations were evaluated to create prints that were desirable in terms of print quality, stiffness, and flexibility. Printing was undertaken at 40˚C to ensure the ink remained a liquid and at 90% humidity to protect the parts and ink from desiccation.

Results: Both the eye and the lower eyelid were successfully printed in high resolution using 100 µm layer heights without any support structures within 3 hours. The prints are hydrophilic with a 60-80% water content, are soft and flexible, and are fabricated with biocompatible biomaterials. Both components were able to be incorporated into an in vitro blink model which will allow for improved testing that more closely mimics a human ocular system, in particular, drug absorption through the cornea. A port on the eye allows for the sampling of fluid from the interior eye model for testing the diffusion of drugs to the posterior chamber when released by topical ophthalmic formulations or anterior segment devices such as contact lenses.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a modified mSLA 3D printer can be used to fabricate soft, hydrophilic ocular model components using a novel biocompatible bioink.

Zaidi,A., Seo,J., McCanna,D.J., Mahil,A., Jones,L. Molecular biology of two common ophthalmic viruses: Relevance to clinical practice Optometry in Practice 2023;24(1): [ Show Abstract ]

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, viruses have suddenly become a prominent topic of discussion. As such, it
is important to understand the life cycle and, ultimately, the process of inactivating viruses. To inactivate them
it is important to block the mechanisms that they use to induce infection. Due to their ability to survive on
various surfaces, appropriate cleaning practices to prevent viral spread and contamination of medical devices,
practice equipment and surfaces are paramount. Depending on the type of virus and genome configurations,
various mechanisms are used to induce a viral infection. Understanding the susceptibility of the viral outer
coating is crucial to preventing viral spread, whether through droplet transmission or while on surfaces (fomite
transmission). Knowledge of how viral receptors and proteins interact to facilitate the recognition, attachment
and entry of a virus into the host cell is vital for an understanding of how disinfectants and antivirals can be
effective. Viral replication, transcription and translation are also major targets of antivirals. This paper will
review the physiology of two major ophthalmic viruses: adenovirus and herpes simplex.