This is a sponsored post by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., a supporter of NewGradOptometry & new graduate optometrists! 😎
Fitting presbyopic patients with multifocal contact lenses can be challenging.
Poor comfort and inadequate vision are oftentimes major barriers to success in fitting the 40+ age demographic in contact lenses.
The issue of comfort has been battled by the emergence of daily disposables, but compromise in vision is always a threat to success.
With the release of 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST Brand MULTIFOCAL, we now have a lens that not only provides comfort, but gives excellent vision at distance and near with it's unique aspheric, center-near multifocal design with pupil optimization.
You can read an in-depth review of the science behind these lenses here.
We reached out to three ODs who have enjoyed a lot of success with 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL and asked them to describe their experience with the lens and what makes this lens ideal for their patients.
*These Optometrists were compensated for their participation. This article is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
Radhika Patel, O.D.
Dr. Patel graduated cum laude from Illinois College of Optometry with a Bachelors Degree in Vision Science along with her Doctorate of Optometry in 2013. Dr. Patel is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tomb and Key Honor Society, InfantSee program and Ocular Nutrition Society.
Growing up in an all natural, Ayurvedic-influenced lifestyle, Dr. Patel often integrates this natural approach when treating her patient’s eye and whole body wellness. Dr. Patel currently practices at North Shore Eye Center in Evanston, IL.
Describe your experience with 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL.
I first began fitting 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL in March of 2015 when Dr. Millicent Knight came to our office to launch the lens. Who better to train with than the Vice President of Professional Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc!
On the launch day, we invited and fit all current multifocal contact lens patients that did not have a significant astigmatism correction.
From day one, not only were patients already reporting improved vision, but incredible comfort of the lens in comparison to many other multifocals they have tried.
The pupil size adjustments specific to this lens design, appear to provide better optics to patients.
Who do you typically recommend 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL to?
I typically use this lens on patients looking for improvements in their current multifocals, and first time multifocal wearers.
The emerging presbyope can be easily frustrated with having to sacrifice vision or comfort for ability to function at all distances with contact lenses, so beginning with this lens decreases the chances of drop-out.
How does 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL differ from fitting other lens options out there?
1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL is different from many of the other multifocals I have fit that usually require additional plus power on over-refraction. Following the fitting guide is easy and can help facilitate initial lens selection. Although, every patient is different, I've found that oftentimes my first lens choice ends up being the final prescription. This makes for less chair time and a happier patient. In situations where initial lens selection is not adequate to meet visual demands, you can consult the fitting guide for enhancements for easy troubleshooting.
A major benefit of the lens are the parameters that it comes in with quarter steps all the way up to -9.00sph. If you’re looking for an easy fit and a happy patient, I would start with 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL.
Rachael Wruble, O.D.
Dr. Wruble received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Michigan College of Optometry and has been a practicing optometrist for 7 years. She was a partner of a practice; Summit Eye Associates in Gastonia now part of MyEyeDr. Dr. Wruble is also a Trustee for the NC Optometric Society. She has received numerous awards and honors for community service and voluntarism and was recognized as being a rising star in the optical industry by Vision Monday.
What particular types of patients do you find benefit from 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL?
1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL is great for patients that have visually demanding lifestyles who need superior vision at all distances. Make sure to ask how many hours they are wearing their current lens, what their daily activities are, and what would define their current contact lens goals.
Multiple environments and underlying systemic health conditions can create a change in the tear film on a daily basis; therefore, listening to the patient is key. Consider this lens for presbyopic patients who work in dry environments, travel, or anyone who works with technology.
Large amounts of screen time may lead to irritation and discomfort of the eye and contribute to contact lens drop out. 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL contains LACREON® Technology that integrates well with natural tears allowing more moisture throughout the day.
What have you found to be the main advantage of fitting 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL?
1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL is so successful, that it fits true to refraction. I have the patient put it on in the exam room, and there is often an immediate satisfaction from the patient for both comfort and vision, especially at the intermediate and near range when compared to other multifocal lenses. Patients will also notice stabilization of vision when changing focal distances.
Lan Nguyen, O.D.
Dr. Lan Nguyen graduated from and completed a residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at Nova Southeastern University. She currently practices in South Florida, and teaches students at Nova Southeastern University as part of the clinical faculty. Dr. Nguyen has lectured extensively on specialty contact lenses and practice management.
Describe your experience with 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL.
I have been fitting 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL since it came out, and it has quickly become my “go to” lens. Many of my patients are becoming presbyopic, so fitting such a great lens is a no brainer!
What is your favorite thing about 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL?
The near center design is perfect for all my patients who spend so many hours on the computer or their smart phone.
I love being able to offer it to patients that dropped out of contacts in the past because of lens discomfort or near blur.
Some patients often come in with the intention of wearing lenses for part-time wear, but end up wearing 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL every day because of the consistency of vision and great end of day comfort.
Take us through your fitting process!
I ask all my patients how much time they spend on digital devices. I’m always surprised at some responses. Many patients spend 12 hours or more a day on their devices. Now I’ve evolved to asking specifics about the size of their screen, how far away they sit from their monitor, and if they use mobile devices as well.
For my presbyopes who sit at a desk all day, I know I can get away with a lower add, but for my presbyopes who are mobile and addicted to their smart phone, I reach for the full add power.
When teaching in the clinic, I encourage my students to consult and follow the fitting guide. It makes initial lens selection easy and reduces chair time, just as I've done successfully in practice.
Because every patient is an individual, with individual needs, I’m glad to have the wide range of parameters that 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST MULTIFOCAL offers.