IS IT RISKIER TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES OR HAVE REFRACTIVE SURGERY? THE ANSWER MAY SURPRISE YOU… By Mark Eltis, O.D.
Most people assume refractive surgery is riskier than wearing contact lenses. The reality is more nuanced and complex. A non-compliant soft contact lens wearer is actually better off having Lasik surgery than continuing to wear contacts. The riskiest activities are swimming in the lenses (or using expired solution) and sleeping in the lenses. A corneal ulcer (contact lens related microbial keratitis) is a complication resulting from overnight contact lens wear.
This can result in permanent vision loss. Acanthamoeba keratitis is perhaps an even more devastating complication caused by swimming in the lenses or using expired solution and can also result in blindness preceded by extreme pain. The patient’s complaints are generally disproportionate to the clinical signs. Limited treatment options lead to poor visual outcomes and can result in the need for corneal transplants. RGP wearers on the other hand tend to be at lower risk than soft contact lens wearers and even Lasik patients for serious complications.
It is not advisable for patients to sleep in their contact lenses regardless of FDA approval. Even 25 years ago there was “approval” for sleeping in certain lenses (up to a week) but that was due to a lack of information. Similarly, silicone hydrogel lenses received approval for 30-day continuous wear because of their ability to allow physiological levels of oxygen to reach the eye. We now know that oxygen is not the only variable in the pathogenesis of corneal ulcers and therefore there is no soft contact lens which is truly safe for extended wear. Moreover, lenses that are worn overnight have the highest risk of all contact lenses and surpass the risk of vision loss associated with refractive surgery. Continue Reading...
HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR OAC MEMBERSHIP FOR 2020? To ensure that your insurance coverage does not lapse and that you don’t miss out on the many benefits of membership, renew BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2019. The Opticians Association of Canada office will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25, 26, 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 . If you have any questions, please contact the OAC office at 1-800-847-3155 (204.982.6060) or via email at canada@opticians.ca
Transitions Optical has named the finalists for its annual Transitions Innovation Awards program, which recognizes both individuals and companies for their innovative efforts to support the Transitions® brand over the past year. The finalists will be honored during Transitions Academy 2020, where the winners will be announced. The 2019 finalists are: CLICK HERE
>>> HEALTH CANADA IMPORTANT NOTICE <<< Sale and Advertising of Blue Light Lenses with Therapeutic Claims
It has come to Health Canada’s attention that a number of optical companies are advertising and selling unauthorized prescription lenses to Canadians that have been specifically altered to block or reduce blue light to the eyes.
These lenses have been advertised with unauthorized claims for the prevention, treatment, or cure of the following diseases and disorders:
macular degeneration/age related macular degeneration (AMD)
increased risk of certain types of cancers
heart disease, obesity and diabetes
glaucoma
permanent damage to eyesight
cataracts
sleep disorders
eye strain
loss/reduction of vision
Prescription lenses are class I medical devices, regulated under the Food and Drugs Act (Act) and the Medical Devices Regulations. Section 20 (1) of the Act, prohibits the sale or advertising of any device in a manner that is false, misleading, deceptive or likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its intended use or performance.
Health Canada is unaware of any scientific evidence that lenses that block or reduce blue light to the eyes are effective in the prevention, treatment or cure of the diseases and disorders, listed above. Therefore, unless the manufacturers of these lenses can provide scientific evidence in support of these claims, they must be removed from all advertising and marketing materials immediately.
Note that claims, such as reduction of eye fatigue and promotion of better sleep, are generally not considered therapeutic claims and are not prohibited by Health Canada.
CUSTOM FRAMES IN A DIGITAL WORLD NACOR# 110.419: 1 EG | COO# 3772: 1EG | OODQ: 1 PC | CCOA: 1 hour
The future of optical design and production is being increasingly influenced by digital tools and techniques. Increased digitization in the optical field unlocks new opportunities for custom design and production. Take this new online CE course Custom Frames in a Digital World to learn about how digital tools are being incorporated into opticianry.
Contact Lens Spectrum Magazine - December 2019 - Page 32 PROSTHETIC EYE OPTIONS From scleral shells to custom soft opaque colored contact lenses… practitioners can make a difference. “It is important for any eyecare professional to be familiar with cosmetic and therapeutic options for patients who are challenged with scarred or disfigured eyes secondary to trauma or to a congenital defect. These patients need help in managing psychological, cosmetic and visual problems that afflict them on a daily basis." Continue Reading...
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