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The
Five Myths of Masking Astigmatism: Myth #3
Myth #1 – Visual acuity with low cylinder
toric lenses is not significantly
better than with single vision spherical lens correction
Myth #2 – The risk of variable vision with toric lenses is too much
of a trade-off
relative to the assurance of stable spherical vision
Myth #3 – Toric lenses aren’t as comfortable as spherical lenses
Myth #4 – Significantly more chair time is required to fit toric lenses
Myth #5 – The higher cost to patients of toric lenses is a barrier
relative to
spherical lenses |
In our last
edition, we dispelled the myth of variable vision with toric lenses. In this
issue, we will discuss the myth that
toric lenses are less comfortable than spherical lenses.
This
longstanding myth originated when toric lenses were first introduced, driven by
characteristics that required these early designs to be thicker than spherical
lenses. However, today’s significantly improved toric designs have essentially
neutralized this issue. Consider for example the Bausch &
Lomb PureVision® Toric lens. This lens has a center thickness equivalent to
the spherical PureVision® lens design. In fact, both lens designs have a similar
average thickness over the entire optic zone. The PureVision Toric lens is even
50% thinner than the popular Bausch & Lomb SofLens® Toric hydrogel design.
To further
enhance comfort, PureVision Toric lenses also feature a 360° comfort chamfer and
a rounded posterior edge, reducing pressure on the eye’s conjunctival tissue and
facilitating smooth, easy movement throughout the day.
It is also
important to note that patient perceptions of comfort are often based on such
factors as eye fatigue and dryness. As discussed in the previous two editions of
this series, low astigmats can experience compromised vision when prescribed
spherical lenses, potentially leading to eye fatigue. Furthermore, when current
lens wearers were asked which problems they experience, lens dryness at 70% was
the leading comfort-related issue followed by protein buildup (32%), cloudiness
(40%), and overall end-of-day discomfort (52%).1
To address
these issues, the Bausch & Lomb PureVision Toric lens offers a highly breathable
silicone-hydrogel lens material with a consistently wettable surface that
resists dehydration and deposits. When combined with the optimized geometric
design, these material and surface properties enable the Bausch & Lomb
PureVision Toric lens to deliver exceptional all-day comfort – comfort that was
preferred as suggested in the study below.
In a
clinical evaluation where 900 patients in eight countries (spectacle wearers,
spherical wearers and toric lens wearers) were switched into the PureVision
Toric lenses2:
·
96% experienced
excellent wettability,
·
84% preferred the
new lens for cleanliness throughout the day, and
·
79% preferred them
for overall end-of-day comfort.
Among the
152 spherical wearers specifically, the PureVision Toric lenses were preferred
for remaining clean and comfortable all day long.
As this data indicates, PureVision Toric lenses provide the comfort your
patients demand thereby providing one example dispelling the myth about toric
lenses being less comfortable. Look for our next edition of EyeMatters where
we’ll address the myth that toric lenses require significantly more chair time
to fit. And if you miss any editions of the EyeMatters series, you can go to our
news archives at
http://www.eyematters.com/archive.asp.
Sincerely,
Mike Pier, OD
Director, Professional Relations – Practitioner Education
1.
Results from 2005
Gallup study of contact lens market.
2.
2006 Data on file
Bausch & Lomb
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denote trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. © Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
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