Elliott,M., Simpson,T., Richter,D., Fonn,D. Repeatability and accuracy of automated refraction: A comparison of the Nikon NRK-8000, the Nidek AR-1000, and subjective refraction Optometry and Vision Science 1997;74(6):434-438 [ Show Abstract ]

This study assessed the repeatability of the Nikon NRK-8000, the Nidek AR-1000, and subjective refraction. In addition, the accuracy of the Nikon and the Nidek were evaluated in comparison to subjective refraction. Measurements were taken with all 3 techniques on 2 separate occasions with a test-retest separation of at least 24 h. The right eyes of 30 normal subjects were used. Repeatability and accuracy statistics and plots were generated using matrix representations of dioptric power. Subjective refraction was the most repeatable method, with the coefficient of repeatability (COR) found to be 0.611, 0.224, and 0.490 in the vertical, torsional, and horizontal meridians. The autorefractors' COR was found to range from 0.712 to 0.826 for the vertical and horizontal meridians, whereas the torsional meridian ranged from 0.224 to 0.319.

Elliott,M., Simpson,T., Richter,D., Fonn,D. Repeatability and comparability of automated keratometry: The Nikon NRK-8000, the Nidek KM-800 and the Bausch and Lomb keratometer Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics 1998;18(3):285-293 [ Show Abstract ]

This study assessed the repeatability of the Nikon NRK-8000, the Nidek KM-800 and the Bausch and Lomb keratometer. In addition, the comparability of the Nikon NRK-8000 and the Nidek KM-800 are evaluated relative to the Bausch and Lomb keratometer. Measurements were taken with all three techniques on two separate occasions with a test-retest separation of at least 24 hr. The right eyes of 30 normal subjects were used. Repeatability and comparability statistics and plots were generated using matrix representations of dioptric power. The Nidek KM-800 coefficient of repeatability values were found to be 0.345, 0.187, and 0.321 in the vertical, torsional, and horizontal meridians while the Nikon NRK-8000 values were 0.346, 0.232, and 0.276 respectively.

Fadel,D. Medmont Meridia™: Much More Than a Corneal Topographer Clinical Optometry 2023;15 283-301 [ Show Abstract ]

In recent years, advanced diagnostic instruments have become widely available in optometric practices, offering various functions that optimize clinical information gathering. This article focuses on the Medmont Meridia™, a state-of-the-art multipurpose diagnostic device with corneal topography and cutting-edge features. Corneal topography is pivotal in the early diagnosis of corneal disorders, determining baseline ocular surface assessment, helping in contact lens fitting, and monitoring ocular health over time. The Medmont Meridia boasts Placido-disc-based imaging with extensive corneal coverage. Furthermore, the Meridia accurately measures the horizontal visible iris diameter, pupil diameter, and palpebral fissure width, which assists in making contact lens parameter decisions. Additionally, it offers sagittal height data for scleral lens design and first lens selection, streamlining the fitting process. Beyond its topography capabilities, the Meridia excels as a comprehensive dry eye assessment tool. With features like tear meniscus height, tear film surface quality, and meibography capabilities, it aids in diagnosing dry eye and monitoring its progression. The device also provides customizable dry eye reports with integrated grading scales and questionnaires, making dry eye management, patient education, and compliance more accessible. In conclusion, the Medmont Meridia consolidates a multitude of examination tools in a single instrument, enhancing practice efficiency and elevating patient care and communication. Its versatility and accuracy make it an invaluable asset in optometric practices worldwide.

Fadel,D., Gildea,C. Case Report: Remote Scleral Lens Fitting for High Toric Scleras in a Keratoconus Patient Optometry and Vision Science 2023;100(12):876-881 [ Show Abstract ]

SIGNIFICANCE
Technology plays a crucial role in customizing scleral lenses and improving lens alignment, especially in challenging scleral shapes. In addition, remote fitting technology allows optometrists to extend their expertise globally, empowering patients to access to customized lenses without travel expenses.

PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to document the difficulties encountered in fitting a scleral lens in a patient with keratoconus and pronounced scleral toricity. In addition, the study aimed to present the successful remote fitting achieved by using advanced technology.

CASE REPORT
An Irish male patient diagnosed with keratoconus exhibited high scleral toricity. Generally, keratoconus eyes often exhibit significant scleral asymmetry associated with cone decentration and disease severity. Improperly aligned scleral lenses can lead to regional changes in scleral shape, lens decentration, discomfort, and visual disturbances. Indeed, previous scleral lens fits were unsuccessful because of these issues. Corneoscleral profilometry was acquired in Ireland and then used in Italy to design customized lenses, which were then delivered to the patient's optometrist in Ireland. The first lenses designed and delivered demonstrated excellent overall performance without requiring adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS
This report highlights the importance of corneoscleral profilometry to increase efficiency and reduce lens reorders and chair time, and the remote fitting in overcoming barriers to accessing specialized lens fitting.

Fadel,D., Macedo-de-Araújo,R. J., Barnett,M. The Patient-Physician Relationship and Role of Empathic Communication in Contact Lens Practice Journal of Contact Lens Research and Science 2024;8(1):20-36 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: To assess the relationship between eye care practitioners and contact lens patients and to
determine how empathy is associated with patients’ overall satisfaction.


Methods: Multilingual electronic surveys shared by email and on social media in patients’ and practitioners’ groups. Ratings were converted to a numerical scale. The scores were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum tests.


Results: The survey had 804 responses: 68.4% were over 46 years old, and 58.1% were female. Only 770 reported the type of contact lens worn. Of all patients, 10.6% would not recommend their physician due to feeling excluded from decisions (55.3%), lack of personal interest (63.5%), no written recommendations (84%), and unmet expectations (77%). Scleral lens wearers were highly satisfied. Optometrists excelled in care, ratings, relationships, communication, symptom relief, and prevention.


Discussion: The findings highlight the importance of empathy in eye care and its impact on patient experiences. Factors such as contact lens type, physician recommendation, and physician type can influence the level of empathy perceived by patients. Satisfaction varied based on contact lens type, with soft and scleral lens wearers reporting better experiences. Patients valued physicians who listened, explained treatments, showed empathy, and had patient-centered communication and open-ended questions. Optometrists were scored higher than ophthalmologists in several aspects.


Conclusion: Patients, especially scleral lens patients, were generally satisfied with the services and care. Optometrists scored higher than ophthalmologists. Patients would not recommend their physicians mainly because of a lack of empathy.

Feng,Y., Simpson,T. L. Nociceptive sensation and sensitivity evoked from human cornea and conjunctiva stimulated by CO2 Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2003;44(2):529-532 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE. To compare sensation and sensitivity evoked from human cornea and conjunctiva stimulated by CO2. METHODS. Twenty healthy participants were recruited for the study. Central corneal and temporal conjunctival chemical sensation and sensitivity of only one eye of each subject were evaluated. Air mixed with different concentrations of CO2 was delivered by a modified Belmonte pneumatic esthesiometer. The ascending method of limits was used to determine the sensitivity and subjects were required to characterize the sensation at threshold. RESULTS. The sensations evoked by CO2 in the cornea and conjunctiva were stinging or burning. The sensation evoked by mechanical stimulation was that of irritation. The corneal and conjunctival chemical thresholds were 31% ± 2% and 54% ± 5% CO2 (mean ± SE), respectively. The corneal and conjunctival mechanical thresholds were 80 ± 6 and 140 ± 10 mL/min (mean ± SE), respectively. The corneal sensitivity was significantly higher for both mechanical and chemical stimuli (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. The results suggest that CO2 stimulates similar corneal and conjunctival nociceptors in that the interpretations were the same (i.e., nociceptive). The central cornea had a higher sensitivity to CO2 than the temporal conjunctiva, which may reflect a different peripheral innervation, such as different nerve density or different receptor characteristics. Sensations evoked by mechanical and chemical stimulation were different, which suggests that at the peripheral level, the two modalities stimulate two different kinds of molecular receptors or channels and that this information is somehow retained within the nociceptive system.

Feng,Y., Simpson,T. L. Comparison of human central cornea and limbus in vivo using optical coherence tomography Optometry and Vision Science 2005;82(5):416-419 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare central corneal and limbal total and epithelial thickness using a commercially available optical coherence tomographer. Methods. A Humphrey-Zeiss Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT [Carl Zeiss, Meditec, Dublin, CA]) was used to obtain corneal images from 10 subjects. Central corneal and limbal total and epithelial thickness of both eyes were measured using the OCT. Each OCT image comprised 100 measurements, 10 nasal, 10 central, and 10 temporal measurements from each image were analysed. Results. The central corneal and epithelial thickness of the right and the left eyes were 507.9 ± 35.8 μm, 58.4 ± 2.5 μm, 506.9 ± 37.4 μm, and 58.5 ± 2.5 μm, respectively. There were no differences between eyes (p > 0.05). The nasal and temporal limbal total and epithelial thickness of the right and left eyes were 703.8 ± 32.1 μm, 704.9 ± 31.0 μm, 76.8 ± 3.5 μm, 77.9 ± 2.9 μm, 704.4 ± 31.8 μm, 706.3 ± 32.5 μm, 77.5 ± 2.8 μm, and 77.8 ± 2.5 μm, respectively. There were no differences between the nasal and temporal total and epithelial thickness of both eyes (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistical difference between the central corneal and limbal total and epithelial thickness (both p < 0.05). Conclusions. Central cornea and limbus are measurably different using OCT. Central cornea is thinner than limbus for both total thickness and epithelial thickness. There is no difference between eyes of central corneal and limbal total and epithelial thickness. Optical Coherence Tomography is a useful instrument for in vivo human limbal morphometry. Copyright © 2005 American Academy of Optometry.

Feng,Y., Simpson,T. L. The inhibitory interaction between human corneal and conjunctival sensory channels Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2005;46(4):1251-1255 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE. To explore human corneal and conjunctival sensory channels at suprathreshold level. METHODS. Ten healthy human subjects participated in the study. The Belmonte pneumatic esthesiometer was used to apply mechanical and chemical stimuli to the central cornea and temporal conjunctiva of the left eye. Stimuli were applied in a paired and unpaired way for conjunctival stimulation. A 100-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate the intensity of the stimulus. RESULTS. The magnitudes of the sensation evoked from the conjunctiva were different when using different methods for presenting stimuli to the ocular surface. When stimuli were applied to the conjunctiva alone, the magnitude of the sensation was stronger than when the stimuli were applied in pairs to the cornea and conjunctiva for both mechanical (P = 0.04) and chemical (P = 0.02) stimulation. CONCLUSIONS. The relatively strong discomfort evoked from the cornea appears to suppress partially the relatively weaker conjunctival stimulation. This manifested as the conjunctival sensory transducer function being shallower (less intense sensation) when immediately preceded by corneal stimulation than when the conjunctival sensory transducer functions were measured alone (unpaired). The underlying mechanism could be adaptation or some other inhibitory effect, such as diffuse noxious inhibitory control. At some level therefore, corneal and conjunctival sensory channels are not independent. Copyright © Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Feng,Y., Varikooty,J., Simpson,T. L. Diurnal variation of corneal and corneal epithelial thickness measured using optical coherence tomography Cornea 2001;20(5):480-483 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of overnight corneal swelling and de-swelling and, specifically, to examine overnight changes in the corneal epithelium and recovery during the day. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were recruited. Corneal OCT imaging was performed at 10:00 PM (baseline), 8:30 AM, and every 2 hours thereafter until 4:30 PM. Either the right or left eye was taped shut (using a gauze pad and surgical tape) until the 8:30 AM session of the next day. Measurements were made along a 1-mm strip centered on the visual axis. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no differences in corneal or epithelial thickness between control and experimental eyes (all p > 0.05). Immediately after patch removal, corneal and epithelial thicknesses of patched eyes were higher than the baseline (all p < 0.05). In patched eyes, the cornea and epithelium swelled 5.5% and 8.1% overnight, respectively (p > 0.05). Two hours later, the epithelial thickness of the experimental eyes recovered to baseline level (p > 0.05), but corneal thickness did not reach to baseline level until 4 hours after patch removal. For control eyes, there were no differences compared with baseline (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both cornea and corneal epithelium experience proportionately similar amounts of overnight swelling. Recovery of overnight swelling may be slower for the cornea than for the epithelium. OCT provides valuable information about anterior segment morphometry.

Fieguth,P., Simpson,T. Automated measurement of bulbar redness Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2002;43(2):340-347 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE. To examine the relationship between physical image characteristics and the clinical grading of images of conjunctival redness and to develop an accurate and efficient predictor of clinical redness from the measurements of these images. METHODS. Seventy-two clinicians graded the appearance of 30 images of redness on a 100-point sliding scale with three referent images (at 25, 50, and 75 points) through a World Wide Web-based survey. Using software developed in a commercial computer program, each image was quantified in two ways: by the presence of blood vessel edges, based on the Canny edge-detection algorithm, and by a measure of overall redness, quantified by the relative magnitude of the redness component of each red-green-blue (RGB) pixel. Linear and nonlinear regressors and a Bayesian estimator were used to optimally combine the image characteristics to predict the clinical grades. RESULTS. The clinical judgments of the redness images were highly variable: The average grade range for each image was approximately 55 points, more than half the extent of the entire scale. The median clinical grade was chosen as the most reliable measure of "truth." The median grade was predicted by a weighted linear combination of the edgeness and redness features of each image. The strength of the predicted association was r = 0.976, exceeding the strength of association of all but one of the 72 individual clinicians. CONCLUSIONS. Clinical grading of redness images is highly variable. Despite this human variability, easily implemented image-analysis and statistical procedures were able to reliably predict median clinical grades of conjunctival redness.

Flitcroft,I., Bullimore,M.A., Gifford,K., Jonas,J. B., Jones,D., Jones,L., Kang,P., Resnikocc,S., Walline,J., Wildsoet,C. Myopia Correction, Myopia Control and Myopia Management: Definitions and Recommended Usage Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 2025;66(6):Article 41 [ Show Abstract ]

The terms “myopia management” and “myopia control” are frequently used in both eye care and research settings, sometimes interchangeably, leading to potential confusion. Although both terms are important and useful in different situations, they represent fundamentally distinct concepts. When using such terms, it is important to consider the context and application—for example, whether they are being discussed with parents or included in written materials such as medical publications, marketing content, or regulatory documents. Their use may also vary by country. The aim of this article is to provide clear definitions of these terms, based on their evolution in recent years,1–4 and informed by consultations with industry representatives and members of the myopia research community.

Fonn,D. Editorial: Myopia control and new editorial board members Eye and Contact Lens 2010;36(4):189

Fonn,D. It's a new day Eye and Contact Lens 2010;36(3):139

Fonn,D. Just what do we mean by clinical significance Eye and Contact Lens 2010;36(1):1

Fonn,D. Editorial: Concerned parents and patients Eye and Contact Lens 2010;36(2):67

Fonn,D. What goes around comes around Eye and Contact Lens 2010;36(6):323

Fonn,D., Anderson,R., Sorbara,L., Callender,MGE A survey of optometric contact lens use in Canada Canadian Journal of Optometry 1990;52(3):90-95 [ Show Abstract ]

A questionnaire was mailed to all optometrists in Canada for the purpose of conducting a national survey on the habits of prescribing contact lenses and care products. Optometrists were requested to complete the survey for each practice for the time period of April 1, 1987 - April 1, 1988. The results of the survey revealed a response from slightly more than 10% (221) of the optometric practices. The vast majority of patients fitted with contact lenses (81%) were in the 17-44 year age group and 50% of the patients fitted with contact lenses in that period had never worn lenses previously or had not worn lenses for five years prior to the survey period. A high proportion of soft lenses (85%) were prescribed compared to rigid lenses (14%). Hydrogen peroxide was the preferred method of disinfection and extended wear was moderately popular.

Fonn,D., Bruce,A. S. A review of the Holden-Mertz criteria for critical oxygen transmission Eye and Contact Lens 2005;31(6):247-251 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose. Holden and Mertz established the foundations for the new generation of silicone hydrogel contact lenses for daily and extended wear in 1984. Absence of lens-induced corneal swelling was their premise and although this was possible with daily wear, the goal with extended wear seemed almost impossible because of the limitation of hydrogel materials. Experience with extended and daily wear of disposable contact lenses during the last 2 decades and, more recently, with silicone hydrogels has led to the reconsideration of the validity of the findings of Holden and Mertz. Results. A pivotal influence on the Holden and Mertz critical Dk/t value for closed-eye lens wear was exerted by two numbers: the no-lens wear corneal edema level (4%) and the silicone lens data point (Dk/t of 182 × 10-9, closed-eye edema level of 2.6%). Subsequent publications appear to give a more accurate assessment of the no-lens closed-eye corneal edema level, and there are also more recent measurements of silicone hydrogel lens Dk/t and corneal edema responses. Conclusions. It now appears that the Holden and Mertz criteria for extended-wear critical Dk/t should be revised upwards to at least 125 × 10 -9. © 2005 Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc.

Fonn,D., Du Toit,R., Simpson,T. L., Vega,J. A., Situ,P., Chalmers,R. L. Sympathetic swelling response of the control eye to soft lenses in the other eye Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 1999;40(13):3116-3121 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE. To compare central corneal swelling and light scatter after 8 hours of sleep in eyes wearing high- and low-Dk hydrogel lenses and to the contralateral control eyes. METHODS. Twenty neophyte subjects wore a Lotrafilcon A (Dk, 140; Ciba Vision, Duluth GA) silicone hydrogel lens and an Etafilcon A (Dk, 18; Acuvue; Vistakon, Jacksonville, FL) 58% water content hydrogel lens of similar center thickness in random order in the right eye only, for overnight 8-hour periods. The contralateral nonwearing left eyes served as controls. Central corneal thickness was measured using an optical pachometer and light scatter using a Van den Berg stray-light meter before lens insertion, after lens removal on waking, and every 20 minutes for the next 3 hours. RESULTS. Central corneal swelling induced by the Etafilcon A lens on eye opening was significantly higher than with the Lotrafilcon A lens (8.66% ± 2.84% versus 2.71% ± 1.91%; P < 0.00001). Light scatter induced by the Etafilcon A lens on eye opening was significantly higher than with the Lotrafilcon A lens (46.09 ± 5.62 versus 42.78 ± 6.07 Van den Berg units, P = 0.0078). The swelling of the control eyes paired with the Etafilcon A lens- wearing eyes was also slightly but significantly higher than that of the control eyes paired with the Lotrafilcon A lens-wearing eyes (2.34% ± 1.26% versus 1.44% ± 0.91%; P = 0.0002). Light-scatter measurements were not significantly different between control sets of eyes but showed the same trend. CONCLUSIONS. In neophyte subjects, corneal swelling of the contralateral control eyes appears to be influenced by the swelling of the fellow lens-wearing eyes - that is, the swelling of the contralateral control eye was significantly lower when there was less swelling of the fellow eye wearing the high-Dk lens. Although there was no statistically significant difference in light-scatter measurements between the control sets of eyes, a trend similar to the corneal swelling results was observed, which could be used to support the suggestion that this may he a sympathetic physiological response rather than an unusual sampling coincidence.

Fonn,D., Dumbleton,K. Dryness and discomfort with silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Eye & contact lens 2003;29(1 Suppl):S101-104; discussion S115-118, S192-194 [ Show Abstract ]

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether symptoms of dryness and discomfort are experienced differently with silicone hydrogel lenses compared to conventional hydrogels, in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. METHODS: Thirty-nine symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects wore four types of lenses: Focus NIGHT & DAY (CIBA Vision), Focus DAILIES (CIBA Vision), ACUVUE 2 (Johnson & Johnson Visioncare) and Proclear Compatibles (CooperVision) contralaterally for 7 hours and rated comfort and dryness on a zero-to-100 point visual analog scale at 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 hours. RESULTS: In both groups, no lens differences were found for comfort and dryness, but the comfort and dryness ratings of the symptomatic group decreased significantly (became worse) over the 7-hour period. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that dryness and comfort is the same over time with silicone hydrogel as with the other three lenses.

Fonn,D., Gauthier,C. Prevalence of superficial fibrillary lines of the cornea in contact lens wearers and nonwearers Cornea 1991;10(6):507-510 [ Show Abstract ]

Superficial corneal epithelial striations described as fibrillary lines have been documented as a common finding in normal and keratoconic eyes. We first noticed these fine white structures in both soft and rigid contact lens wearers. This prompted us to investigate whether the prevalence of these lines was greater in contact lens wearers than in non-lens wearers. Our results indicated that although the lines were more frequently observed in lens wearers (35.7% of 42 patients) than in the controls (19.0% of 42 patients), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.0867, χ2 analysis). We speculate that lens wear makes fibrillary lines more visible but is not responsible for their presence.

Fonn,D., Gauthier,C. A., Pritchard,N. Patient preferences and comparative ocular responses to rigid and soft contact lenses Optometry and Vision Science 1995;72(12):857-863 [ Show Abstract ]

Patient preferences and ocular responses were compared between rigid and soft contact lenses by randomly fitting 32 neophyte subjects with a rigid lens in 1 eye and a soft lens in the contralateral eye. Twenty-seven of 32 subjects completed the 3-month study and 16 subjects were willing to continue for an additional 3-month extension. Subjects preferred the comfort and handling of the soft lens but preferred the vision provided by the rigid lens and initially its ease of maintenance. There was also a marked preference for the soft lens when all aspects of lens wear were compared. Objectively, the rigid lenses were responsible for more ocular changes than the soft lenses. Palpebral aperture sizes of the rigid gas permeable (RGP) wearing eyes decreased significantly (0.5 mm; p < 0.05) compared to the soft lens wearing eyes. The incidence of corneal staining was significantly greater in the rigid lens wearing eye (50% RGP vs. 22% soft) but limbal injection was greater in the soft lens wearing eye (18% soft vs. 6% RGP). Refractive sphere, cylinder, and corneal astigmatism decreased in the rigid lens wearing eye after 3 months. This daily wear clinical trial has shown a marked subjective preference for wearing soft lenses with fewer short-term ocular effects.

Fonn,D., Holden,B. A. Rigid gas-permeable vs. hydrogel contact lenses for extended wear American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics 1988;65(7):536-544 [ Show Abstract ]

A clinical trail was conducted to compare the extended wear performance of rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses with that of soft lenses. Subjects were fitted with a RGP lens (Boston IV) in one eye and a soft lens (Bausch & Lomb 'O' series) in the other eye, and wore them on an extended wear basis for up to 3 months. No subjects developed any acute adverse reactions in the RGP lens-wearing eye. After the initial adaptation period, subject acceptance of RGP extended wear in terms of vision and comfort was superior. The RGP lenses also induced less chronic hypoxic stress than hydrogel lenses of comparable Dk/L, as evidenced by the presence of epithelial microcysts. Several complications of RGP extended wear were observed including lens binding, blepharoptosis, transient pupil size increases, and corneal staining. As hypoxia-induced corneal changes, such as microcysts and striae, were observed in the RGP lens-wearing eyes, we consider that these particular RGP lenses do not have adequate oxygen transmissibility for successful long-term extended wear. However, if RGP lens materials of higher oxygen transmissibility and better designs can be attained, the potential of RGP extended wear would appear promising.

Fonn,D., Jones,L. Hand hygiene is linked to microbial keratitis and corneal inflammatory events Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2019;42(2):132-135 [ Show Abstract ]

Lack of or inadequate hand washing is a risk factor in the development of contact lens related microbial keratitis and corneal inflammatory events. In the public health domain there is compelling evidence that proper hand washing with soap can save lives. The purpose of this review is to draw attention to some of the public health literature in support of hand washing and how education can influence patients’ hand hygiene behavior. Contact lens wearers are also guilty of poor hand washing behavior but there is scant evidence that education of hand washing procedures of lens wearers alters patient non-compliance. It is well known that pathogenic microbial contamination of contact lenses, lens cases, care solutions and anterior ocular components have been found with contact lens wear. However while the originating source may be hands or water, it is most likely both of these. Besides proper hand washing this paper will include mitigating strategies for avoiding microbial contamination.

Fonn,D., MacDonald,K. E., Richter,D., Pritchard,N. The ocular response to extended wear of a high Dk silicone hydrogel contact lens Clinical and Experimental Optometry 2002;85(3):176-182 [ Show Abstract ]

Purpose: A four-month extended wear clinical trial was conducted to compare the ocular effects of a high Dk Balafilcon A silicone hydrogel lens and a low Dk HEMA 38.6 per cent H2Osoft lens. Method: Twenty-four subjects who were adapted to daily wear of soft lenses wore a high Dk lens in one eye and a low Dk HEMA lens in the other eye for four months on an extended wear basis after one week of daily wear. Thirteen progress evaluations were conducted using standard clinical procedures. Results: Eighteen subjects (75 per cent) completed the study. The high Dk lens induced significantly less bulbar and limbal injection and corneal vascularisation than the low Dk HEMA lens (p < 0.05). Epithelial microcysts were observed only in the eyes wearing the low Dk lens. A significant increase in myopia was found in the eyes wearing the low Dk HEMA lens (mean = 0.50 D, p < 0.01) compared to the insignificant myopic increase of 0.06 D in the eyes wearing the high Dk lens. Three subjects developed small infiltrates in the high Dk lens wearing eyes and significantly more post-lens debris was observed under the high Dk lens. Six subjects developed papillary conjunctivitis in the eye wearing silicone hydrogel lenses but only two of those were discontinued from the study. Conclusion: No hypoxia-related effects were observed with extended wear of the high Dk Balafilcon A silicone hydrogel lens.