Times are exciting for our profession, as for the first time in history our focus may shift from reducing visual symptoms of myopia to potentially reducing the condition itself. Myopia control through specialty lenses garnered a lot of attention at the latest BCLA meeting in the United Kingdom (lectures can be viewed in the BCLA 2011 - post conference section for members of the organisation). One of the most developed markets for myopia controlling lenses is Hong Kong. Nearly 73% of practitioners there prescribe some type of myopia reduction lenses (which include spectacle lenses) according to a survey, as presented by Dr Chi Shing Fan from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The criteria for prescribing the lenses varied. Some said 'starting as soon as the child became myopic', but most recommended the treatment if more than 1D of myopia had developed. Graeme Young of Vision Care Research in the UK said that at least twelve myopia control lens patents are available as of today. Nicola Anstice and John Phillips reported in the June 2011 Ophthalmology issue, on the reduced rates of axial length elongation in a group of patients wearing dual focus soft lenses. Currently it seems that between 30-50% myopia reduction may be feasible with different options. Possibly, with customized specialty lenses in the future, this percentage may go up.    

The aim of this study was to investigate the symptomatic effect of bandage contact lenses together with regular lubrication for treating recurrent corneal erosions. Thirty-four patients were reviewed. Twenty-seven of the patients (79%) felt that there had been some improvement in their symptoms, and 13 of these defined the improvement as being "cured" from the recurrent corneal erosion syndrome.     

Contact Lens & Anterior Eye - June 2011 34: 139-143  

Stromal oedema as well as corneal staining and injection of the limbal and conjunctiva vessels are well known as consequences of over-wearing soft contact lenses. That is the starting point of this case report, which evolved from a corneal physiology complication at first to a mechanical/technical lens fit case resulting in a customized, steep front toric soft lens design manufactured in a silicone hydrogel material. It also proves that obtaining a careful patient history, taking all environmental factors into consideration, can be of pivotal importance for successful of lens wear. This case report demonstrates the challenges we can face in contact lens practice, but with a very rewarding outcome in the end for this patient. Stephan Degle, Stefan Facher and Daniela Oehring from Germany present this case report that demonstrates the successful fit of a Customized Silicone Hydrogel Lens Fit After Contact Lens Induced Corneal Oedema.  

In selecting and prescribing traditional "off-the-rack" soft contact lenses, the lens manufacturer determines the design and material. In contrast, with custom soft contact lenses the contact lens design can be practitioner-specific. That means the base curve, power, thickness and both the optical zone diameter and the overall lens diameter can be specified independent of the material choice. We have now, more than ever, the best options available that allow us to target our lens material selection based on characteristics to better suit our patients' needs. Click here for the full report.