3 Eye Care Treatment Trends

Eye

 

As optometry continues to evolve, it’s critical for proactive practitioners to remain informed of new developments that will help them provide improved clinical outcomes. This text highlights 10 new treatments in eye care that each optometrist Orlando should know.

1. Surface treatments

Tangible HydraPEG (THP; Tangible Science) could be a relatively new surface treatment for gas permeable (GP) contact lenses. It’s been available on SynergEyes Duette lenses, and it’s present on the surface of Simplifeyes soft contact lenses. Plus, THP is out there on most Optimum (Contamac) and Boston (Bausch + Lomb) materials.

THP may be a polymer that encapsulates the lens, improving the wettability of the surface through water retention. This increases the lubricity of the surface, providing an easier wearing experience for the patient. Additionally, it repels lipid deposits on the surface of the lens because the surface is hydrophilic.

With the advantages of this new coating, it’s important to grasp how these lenses have to be cared for because a number of the foundations for caring for GP lenses without THP don’t apply. As an example, lenses coated with THP shouldn’t be cleaned with abrasive cleaners because such cleaners will strip the coating off of the lens. To be utilized for GP lenses with THP, five solutions are approved:

  • Boston Simplus (Bausch + Lomb)
  • Tangible Clean (Tanglible Science)
  • Unique pH (Alcon),
  • Clear Care (Alcon)
  • Clear Care Plus (Alcon)

A habit of rinsing their lenses with water is what some GP wearers have. Although this can be not recommended with any GP lens, it’s contraindicated for lenses with THP on their surface.

Soon, Tangible Science will launch Tangible Boost, a monthly soaking solution formulated to re-build the coating that will have naturally worn away over time with normal cleaning and conditioning of the lens.

2. Glaucoma medications

Prostaglandin analogs are the first-line therapy for glaucoma patients for 2 decades. Increasing the outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber through the uveoscleral pathway are Prostaglandin analogs. They supply a big reduction in pressure (IOP) while featuring a convenient once-daily dosing regimen. Recently, there are several additions to the armamentarium to worry for glaucoma patients.

Xelpros (latanoprost 0.005%, Sun Pharma) may be a recent addition to the family of prostaglandin analogs. What makes this formula different is the presence of benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-an alternative preservative. This medication is preserved with potassium sorbate and is meant to be dosed once within the evening.

Vyzulta (latanoprostene bunod, Bausch + Lomb) could be a new class of medication. The active pharmaceutical could be a nitric oxide-donating prostaglandin analog. Additional to the increasing uveoscleral outflow, the gas that’s donated from the latanoprost molecule increases trabecular meshwork outflow, facilitating additional IOP-lowering by acting on two outflow pathways. It’s dosed within the evening.

Rhopressa (netarsudil 0.02%, Aerie) could be a rho kinase inhibitor. Rho-kinase is an enzyme that promotes actin-myosin contraction within the trabecular meshwork. It can act to decrease the aqueous outflow through the trabecular meshwork when rho kinase enzymatic levels are high. By inhibiting this enzyme, it facilitates additional outflow through the trabecular meshwork and thus reducing pressure level. It is dosed once daily.

Another new medication, Rocklatan (netarsudil 0.02%, 0.005% latanoprost, Aerie), could be a combination drop containing a rho kinase inhibitor together with a prostaglandin analog. This drop is meant to be dosed once daily.

3. Multifocal toric contact lenses

ODs are fortunate to possess several specialty soft lens designs that allow presbyopic astigmatic patients to successfully wear contact lenses. Benefits to those lenses are that they’re custom made and may be modified for patients’ unique needs. A part of the challenge that exists with these designs is that they require the practitioner to order the lenses. If the primary lens that comes in isn’t ideal for the patient, another order is then required.

Recently a soft multifocal toric lens has been introduced that’s available as a typical design in offices. Fitting a regular design gives the practitioner the power to suit patients immediately with a proven design.

Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism (Bausch + Lomb) features the company’s 3-Zone Progressive and OpticAlign designs. The lens is formed of silicone hydrogel samfilcon fabric and is 46 percent water. Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism is out there in sphere powers from +4.00 D to -6.00 D with cylinder powers of -0.75 D, -1.25 D, and -1.75 D. Axes availability is 10° to 180° in standard 10° increments. The lens is meant with occasional and high-add powers. The low add is meant for presbyopes who have to add powers up to +1.50 D. The high add is meant for presbyopes who have greater than +1.50 D add.

Stay aware

With the advancements in optometry, it’s critical for practitioners to stay au courant changes in eye care. In doing so, optometrists will have a bigger armamentarium of diagnostic and treatment options to assist take care of patients.