close up on contact lenses

Hot CL Sectors

by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

Expertise in these three hot contact lens demographic sectors—where comfort directly correlates to dispensing success—can reap multiple benefits for your practice.

SPORTSWEAR

Having firsthand knowledge helps when discussing contact lenses for sports. “I can speak to this issue from personal experience,” says Thomas G. Quinn, OD, MS, partner, Drs. Quinn, Quinn and Associates in Athens, Ohio.

“I wore glasses in high school while playing football and basketball. The exertion required in these sports inevitably leads to filmy, smudged spectacle lenses that compromise visual clarity. Invariably the glasses get bumped, leading to a sudden displacement of the optical system, further impeding visual performance,” he notes.

Contact lenses for sports can open up a whole new world of improved sports performance. “Contact lenses are a great option for participation in active sports,” Dr. Quinn says. “Contact lenses stay in place and remain sweat-free, providing clear and consistent vision as well as improved peripheral awareness.”

In addition, plano sunwear over contact lenses helps alleviate certain discomforts and focus on eye health while making a backup sale.

“Many runners and cyclists complain of contact lens-associated dry eyes,” he adds. “Sunglasses are a wonderful solution to this problem. Not only do they block the desiccating wind, they provide protection from the sun's glare and UV rays.”

COMPUTE THIS

With computers being a known factor in causing ergonomic and visual conditions like dry eyes, contact lens wear can be successful for desk warriors.

“My patient base consists largely of professionals who spend much of their day on the computer and hand-held devices. These can be challenging,” says Kerry Giedd, OD, MS, FAAO, of Eola Eyes in Orlando, Fla. “Additionally, living in a hot climate, people are typically sitting in air-conditioned environments all day.”

Contact lens material and care solutions can help alleviate visual discomfort during the day, and communicating effectively with patients about their options is the key.

“Talking to patients about their experience with contact lenses is very important,” Giedd says. “Often, I realize people are struggling with comfort because they assume things can't be improved. However, newer contact lens types and solutions can often make dramatic improvements.”

Education on compliance with the recommended care system and lens replacement schedule in order to maximize comfort as well as encouraging patients to make some minor lifestyle changes can make the difference between successful workday wear and a contact lens dropout.

Dr. Giedd recommends that patients take breaks from their computer work and occasionally use rewetting drops. “Finally, I discuss other medical or medication-related issues that may play a role in contact lens comfort and factor those into the decision of what's the best lens choice for a patient.”

TEEN SEEN

Specific eye health considerations should be investigated and discussed with teen patients prior to initiating contact lens use to ensure a successful wearing experience and help build a long-term relationship with the patient. According to Donald S. Teig, OD, the founder and co-director of Ridgefield Family Eyecare Institute and the Institute for Sports Vision in Ridgefield, Conn., lifestyle is a key consideration.

“If a teen is active or involved in contact sports, contact lenses can provide optimal vision while allowing individuals to use all their skills without any obstructions. This can have a positive effect on both confidence levels and overall self-esteem,” Teig says. It's very important to communicate the benefits and responsibilities of contact lens wear to both parents and teens, he adds.

Citing a study conducted by CooperVision in conjunction with Braun Research, Teig notes that children who have contacts are generally responsible and take proper care of their lenses and those that only have glasses are more likely to perform ‘blind,' without proper correction, than those who wear contacts.

He adds: “Teens with good hygiene habits and the ability to do regular chores and activities without constant reminders are likely ready for contact lens wear.” EB