By Dr. Evan Kaplan, OD, MS, FAAO
As eye care professionals, we’ve seen firsthand how contact lenses can dramatically improve not only a patient’s vision, but also their quality of life.1-4 Studies that have delved into the benefits of contact lenses in youth have likewise reported that contact lenses can boost wearers’ perceptions about their appearance and participation in activities.5,6
At my practice, I was recently referred two athletes, J.R. and C.A., for contact lens consultations to address their challenges of wearing glasses during sports activities.
This case report highlights the successful fitting of Biofinity® XR toric lenses to provide enhanced visual performance and comfort for these patients.7
The Challenge of Spectacle Lens Wear for Patients with High Prescriptions
J.R., a freshman basketball player, presented with a prescription of OD -17.00-3.75X 170 and OS -16.50-4.25X5. The other patient, C.A., a sophomore soccer player, had a prescription of OD +15.00-2.50 X45 and OS +15.00-2.75 x 140. Both patients struggled with glasses during their active sports due to their advanced prescriptions.
I chose Biofinity XR toric lenses for both patients due to the lenses’ extended power range (+20.00 to -20.00 sphere and up to -5.75 cylinder in 5-degree steps) and superior design,*8 the former of which encompasses over 90% of patients with similar prescription ranges.9
Changing Lives at the Dispensing Visit
Both J.R. and C.A. were able to trial the lenses without commitment to purchase, ensuring proper fit, comfort, and improved vision with Biofinity XR toric lenses.
At the dispensing visit, both patients had 20/20 vision in each eye with stable lenses and no rotation,10 which in my experience, is usually the case due to the Biofinity XR toric’s great edge and stabilization design. The patients expressed overwhelming satisfaction with the visual freedom provided by the contact lenses.†11,12 The ability to see clearly without glasses for the first time since early childhood brought tears of joy to both patients, which always makes me feel better as the provider!
Advantages of Biofinity XR toric vs. Daily Contact Lenses for High Prescriptions
While daily disposable lenses might be preferred, and particularly for young adults, the power limitations of such lenses necessitated the use of monthly replacement lenses like Biofinity XR toric. Additionally, the silicone hydrogel material of Biofinity lenses offers superior comfort and oxygen permeability.7
The successful fitting of contact lenses has significantly improved the quality of life for J.R. and C.A., enabling them to pursue their athletic endeavors with enhanced visual acuity and comfort. As expected, they wear their lenses for more than just the original intent to wear them only while playing sports.
Final Takeaways
As eye care professionals, we all have patients with high prescriptions, underscoring the importance of individualized contact lens fitting for these individuals. At my practice, that is why Biofinity XR is my first choice.
Find out more about Biofinity XR lenses here. For additional resources and learnings, visit CooperVision’s Online Success Center.
Dr. Evan Kaplan, OD, MS, FAAO, has been teaching contact lenses to optometry students at SUNY College of Optometry and ophthalmology residents at NY Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai for 30 years. He is a Fellow of the New York Academy of Optometry where he serves as the President and is a Fellow of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators. Dr. Kaplan is also an international lecturer on areas related to the anterior eye, scleral contact lenses and myopia control and the author of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he is the owner of a specialty contact lens practice in Manhattan and co-owner of a group optometry office in the Bronx, where in addition to fitting contact lenses, he also offers complete eye examinations.
