Gaining Pole position: Acuvue Scientific Symposium

I thought reader’s might appreciate a summary of a few key points addressed during an excellent recent overseas conference that are likely to have an impact on everyday practice.

Digital world

Professor Lyndon Jones (Waterloo) told how monthly or more frequent replacement of contact lenses made from modern materials has rendered issues relating to deposition a minor issue. More significant is the rapid increase in the use of digital displays and the associated decrease in blink rate and quality.

Contact lenses compromise the tear film so exacerbate the impact of these displays resulting in reduced vision and comfort. Current thinking is that modern lens materials should positively interact with the tear film, encouraging the deposition of some components likely to aid tear stability while minimising others. Protein deposition occurs within minutes of insertion of a soft lens. Denaturation of this protein may lead to complications of wear but, if the lens material maintains the protein in its native state, there may be benefits such as minimisation of irritation and discomfort.