Silicone hydrogel contact lenses were first developed to overcome issues associated with early hydrogel designs and the latter’s relatively low oxygen transmissibility.2,3 In fact, silicone hydrogel’s high oxygen permeability led to the near elimination of hypoxic complications, providing a healthier wearing experience for patients.*1-3
Considering wearing modalities, daily disposable fits continue to rise4 and provide wearers convenience, coupled with fewer ocular complications than frequent replacement options.2,3
Combined, a contact lens comprised of silicone hydrogel material offered in a daily disposable modality offers numerous benefits for the patient and the practice.†2
In this Q&A, Dr. Dave Anderson of Miamisburg Vision Care shares why he upgrades almost every patient into a SiHy design, how he approaches these conversations in the exam room, and when an empowered staff can create opportunities for the patient and the practice.
What are the benefits of silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses?
Dr. Anderson: I’ve always loved the benefit of daily disposable contact lenses and originally used them for troubleshooting and helping patients who were having trouble wearing lenses or had dry eye or allergy issues.5 However, many years ago, I came to understand daily disposables are great for nearly all patients. Today, I recommend daily disposable contact lenses for most every single patient.
Years ago, I mistakenly thought the idea of needing high oxygen made no sense for patients who replaced their contact lenses daily. In the case of daily replacement, the patient has a super thin lens and little to no buildup from wear, therefore, I initially thought that there was no need for additional protection. Boy, was I wrong! I have since learned the tremendous value of silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses. Many patients are wearing their lenses for more hours during the day, staring at computers or other digital devices and need the best lenses that may help protect their eyes and keep them comfortable. Beyond that, with so many great multifocal lens options, patients are likely to be in lenses for potentially 50 years. Providing high oxygen, great comfort and optimum vision is the key to success for a lifetime of contact lens wear. This can be achieved with silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses.†2,6,7
What percentage of your patients are in SiHy daily disposables, and when are they the best option for a patient?
Dr. Anderson: At this point in time, nearly 90% of my patients are in SiHy daily disposable contact lenses. SiHy daily disposables are the healthiest†2 and their parameter availability make them the obvious choice for most every patient. There are still some lenses that can be of value that are non-silicone, but with the mindset of giving my patients the best, I do all that I can to ensure patients have an opportunity to try SiHy lenses first. I also actively switch these patients from a hydrogel to a SiHy daily disposable when they are in for their eye exam. I look at each patient encounter as a chance to ensure they are not only happy today with their contact lenses but happy for their lifetime. Every decision I make is focused on the long-term while providing the best option I have.
Is it a straightforward process to migrate hydrogel wearers into silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses?
Dr. Anderson: Every time I make a switch, I work on my listening skills. Almost every patient has some area that can be improved upon with their contact lenses. I ask very simple questions like “Is there anything about your lenses that could be improved?” or “What would make your lenses even better than they are now?” This begins an open-ended discussion on the better options that are available.
With that said, not everyone wants to change. Often times, patients are “happy” with their current lenses. In these instances, I turn to a few easy methods to help patients understand the value and benefits of SiHy material. I remind patients that contact lens technology has evolved much like cell phones. We can’t buy the same cell phone as affordably as a brand-new version. Simply explaining that the upgrade will benefit the patient’s eye health†2and comfort6,7 helps patients make an easy decision.
I also carry SiHy daily disposable trials in the office. Long ago, trials were viewed as a free sample, but this is not the case. In my experience, trials should only be offered as a chance to try a product to ensure fit, handling or comfort. If a patient waited too long to schedule their exam and desperately needs a trial lens, I will provide them with a SiHy daily disposable contact lens that is comparable to their current lens.
How do you empower staff to support in the education or refits into a SiHy lens?
Dr. Anderson: Empowering staff is one of the biggest things that helps me in the exam room. Staff are also instrumental in moving patients into SiHy daily disposables. For example, my staff actively review the schedule each morning to find opportunities to move a patient into a new product, and they are excited to share when they identify a patient who could benefit from being moved into SiHy daily disposable design. With staff’s help, I just need to focus on the health and comfort benefits that the new lens will give the patients.
In general, what are the benefits of silicone hydrogel lenses to the patient and the practice?
Dr. Anderson: In general, SiHy daily disposable lenses are far healthier†2 than traditional hydrogel lenses and help patients become successful CL wearers. These lenses provide the least amount of disruption to the eye1,2 and can help patients wear contact lenses for many years without issue. With the large parameters available and extreme comfort, compared to traditional hydrogel lenses6,7 these lenses simply are the best available to help my patients be successful CL wearers for the long-term.
Give your patients a healthier,†2 more comfortable wearing experience8,9 and discover more about CooperVision’s portfolio of silicone hydrogel 1-day lenses with MyDay® and clariti® 1 day.
Dr. Dave Anderson practices at Miamisburg Vision Care in Ohio. He is a 2004 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He is a past president of the Ohio Optometric Association (OOA) and continues to serve on many committees at the state and national levels. He is currently a preceptor for an Advanced Practice Extern site for OSU College of Optometry and has been an investigator in clinical trials for contact lenses and ocular pharmaceuticals.
