HANDS ON - CONTACT LENS CLOSE UP
Practitioner and Patient Perspectives
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

In this new series, Eyecare Business talks to both patients and their doctors about contact lens wear. For the first of our three parts, we interview Melonie Clemmons, OD, who practices at the Wal-Mart Super Center in Ellijay, Ga., and her teenage patient Bethany Rhodes, who reported discomfort with her contacts. The solution they reached? Silicone hydrogels.

Teenage patient Bethany Rhodes (left) sought a new contact lens option from Melonie Clemmons, OD

PATIENT'S COMPLAINT

Melonie Clemmons, OD: The patient was experiencing dryness resulting in CL discomfort, especially in the late afternoon and early evening hours. This reduced her wearing time. She also reported experiencing redness of the eyes from time to time.

Bethany Rhodes: I've worn CLs before, and told Dr. Clemmons that I was unhappy because my current pair made my eyes feel dry, uncomfortable, and red.

DR.'S RECOMMENDATIONS

MC: Initially, I advised her to try a different CL in a new material. I explained that this new lens material would be great for reducing dryness and redness, and additionally, that it would allow more oxygen to reach the front surface of the eye, thus making it a healthier choice.

I asked Bethany to try the lenses for one week and to return for a follow-up. I told her that this lens material would be different from many that she'd used before, and it was important that she give herself a few days to adapt to it.

BR: Once Dr. Clemmons told me about the new lenses she was going to have me try and explained more about them, I felt at ease. Then, when I tried them, I felt good because my eyes didn't get dry as often.

MC: I advised her to clean the lens with a name-brand, multipurpose solution, because it leaves the surface hydrated as well as clean, and it is also FDA-approved for use with silicone hydrogel CLs. I also advised her, as I do with all my CL patients, to rub her lenses when removing them at the end of the day for optimal results in achieving a clean, comfortable-feeling lens.

	Happy with the results of a new contact lens prescription, the patient no longer suffers from dry, red eyes

THE RESULT

BR: I feel confident in Dr. Clemmon's decisions. She also helped me feel confident in this CL choice and in the CL care.

MC: I was pleased that Bethany was happy with the comfort of the lens and that her eyes seemed to get red less often. She is now able to wear CLs for longer periods of time which enhances her quality of life.

She also told me that she sees better because the lenses don't get dry and blurry. The silicone hydrogel material is healthier for her eyes compared to the traditional hydrogels she was wearing.

I feel that educating my patients about the latest in CL care lets my patients feel confident that I'm staying current in my field and am able to offer the best care for them.

BR: I feel much better about CL wear now. I can see better out of CLs than glasses. Nobody can tell if you have them on—especially now that my eyes aren't dry and red.

TAKE AWAY

Take the time to talk to patients, especially teens. Their CL problems and dropout rates may not only be based on "it's a hassle" and unsubstantiated statements like, "I don't like them," but more eye health-related issues.

Explain the solution, including care, in detail, and review each step several times to establish a routine. Be sure to review CL care with current CL patients, too.

According to www.coolnurse.com, even young teens are candidates for contact lenses. "A three-year study conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry found children ages 11 to 13 able to handle contacts well and understand the use of their care systems to maintain clean, comfortable lenses. When to begin contact lens wear can only be determined in conjunction with your eyecare practitioner (and your parents will probably have something to say about it too)."