Safe Contact Lens Wear - COVID Considerations

Health advice about the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the respiratory disease, COVID-19, is changing rapidly as scientists learn more. We have been overwhelmed by advice on how to keep safe, including the need of eye protection.

The virus was found in the tear and conjunctival secretions of one patient with COVID-19 pneumonia and conjunctivitis. So the conclusion i SARS-CoV-2 can cause conjunctivitis, although cases are very rare.

It is timely to run through some reminders for all our contact lens wearers. If you are ill with cold/flu/COVID-19, don’t wear your contacts until at least 24 hours after symptoms resolve. It is well established that ‘strep throat’ (and colonisation of contacts by other bacteria as well as Streptococcus) is associated with increased risk of contact lens associated inflammation. As well as the risk or microbes getting onto your contact lenses, your dampened immune response while fighting an infection, increases risk of inflammation.

If you are well you can keep wearing your contacts, remembering to practice basic hygiene. This involves washing hands with soap and running water before you touch your contact lens or your eye. If soap and water are not available, the next best alternative is to use a 60% alcohol hand sanitiser. In both cases, use the WHO method covering all hand surfaces and lasting 20-30 seconds is essential.

You should pay extra attention to the tips of your fingers and thumbs which touch the lenses.

It is important to know SARS-CoV-2 is a virus enveloped in fat. This means that soap will repel the virus and break down the coating. Alcohol 60% is also effective against coronavirus after 30 second exposure. Remember the vital step, after washing, to rinse the virus off with running water and dry with a clean paper towel. The Center for Disease Control, in the US, has a video which highlights scenarios when it is difficult to follow prescribed hand hygiene.

Timely Reminders

A recent survey of over 950 daily disposable wearers in the US, found 44% did not wash hands before lens insertion. Not only is this COVID-19 situation a good opportunity to revisit hand hygiene, let’s take this opportunity to remind everyone on other aspects of healthy contact lens wear:

• One time only wear of daily disposables

• Disinfect re-usable contact lenses after each wear (following manufacturers’ guidelines)

• Maintain contact lens case hygiene and timely disposal

• Avoid overnight wear unless prescribed.

An invitation to watch the live stream of Glaucoma Patient Symposium

As part of World Glaucoma Week 2020 you and your family are welcome to watch the live streaming of the Glaucoma Australia Patient Symposium on Friday.

Glaucoma Australia is hosting this event in conjunction with Flinders University Centre for Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision Research.

Date: Friday 13 March 2020
Time: 11.00am - 12.30 pm ACDT (11.30am AEDT) (13.30 NZDT)

Bookmark the url for your preferred channel and set a diary reminder:

• www:  https://www.glaucoma.org.au/resources/glaucoma-live

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/QOjWB-8-zBA

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glaucoma.australia/

Glaucoma and Genetics

Glaucoma specialist Professor Jamie Craig will talk about the latest research into glaucoma and genetics.

Collaborative Care Discussion Panel

You will hear from health professionals in the fields of ophthalmology, optometry, pharmacy and orthoptics discussing the benefits of collaborative care for people with glaucoma as well the patients perspective.

New lens for driving - EnRoute

We are often asked for lenses which will help with driving vision - now we have an answer.

Driving is one of the most important activities in our daily lives according to data collected by Hoya. It is also very demanding on our visual system. Our eyes are processing huge amounts of visual data and shifting viewing focus quickly and often. Then add weather conditions, rain and sunlight. Driving in low light or at night is also challenging for many people. It is easy to be distracted by bright lights and glare. The increased luminance of modern LED and Xenon headlights is especially dazzling. Depth perception, the ability to distinguish colour and peripheral vision are all decreased. The blue light emitted by on-board equipment adds more challenge. It is estimated 90% of a driver’s reaction time depends on vision, so how can we improve this?

EnRoute lenses have a glare filter, as well as contrast-enhancing technology. This minimises stress on the visual system for a more relaxed driving experience. Some of the noticeable improvements are:

• Significantly reduced reflections and uncomfortable glare from oncoming traffic

• Improved contrast and brightness perception in low-light conditions, fog and rain

• Clear, unimpaired vision in the far distance, the dashboard, and mirrors

These lenses are perfect for everyday, or can be a dedicated driving lens. The lenses are available in single vision prescription, and also in progressives. Ask us how these lenses could help you.

Optimel

We have another product to help eye surface health, and reduce inflammation. - Optimel Manuka+ Forte Eye Gel. There has been a lot of research on the benefits of Manuka honey based products, and finally we have one here on our shelf. Optimel Manuka+ Forte Eye Gel helps by creating a micro environment to support healing and prevent further damage.

The gel contains a standardized antibacterial Manuka honey developed from Leptospermum sp. This barrier acts on bacteria that may potentially colonise the inflamed tissue - perfect for chronic blepharitis of the eyelids. The gel is applied at night, with a cotton tip. There is a cool tingling sensation, and the gel stays on overnight, and the lids are bathed in the morning.

Read the following comments about Optimel:

“I had an appointment with you in January for on going problems with blepharitis. You recommended I try Opti Mel as well as continue with my current treatment plan.”

”The Opti Mel has made a huge difference to my symptoms. Even the lumps in the middle of my eyelid and on the edge have completely disappeared.  I currently use it twice a day and only occasionally do I need other eye drops in between these times.”

Optimel Manuka+ Forte Eye Gel will be helpful for chronic dry eye as well as sore, irritated eyelids

Sparkle - so easy to order your contacts!

The Sparkle APP lets you order your Bausch + Lomb (B&L) contact lenses from your smartphone - any time. And your lenses are delivered - it’s that easy. Follow the instructions below, we will register you and you are underway.

Vitamin D Deficiency May be Unhealthy for Eyes

Anti-inflammatory and other properties of Vitamin D may play a significant role in eye health, specifically in the possible prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) among women.

At the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, Associate Professor Amy Millen and her team, found women who are deficient in vitamin D with a high-risk genotype are 6.7 times more likely to develop AMD.

Women are more genetically prone to developing the sight-damaging disease. “This study . . does suggest if you’re at high genetic risk for AMD, having enough vitamin D might help reduce your risk,” said Assoc. Prof. Millen.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study that’s looked at the interaction between genetic risk and vitamin D status in the context of age-related eye disease.”

Researchers analysed data compiled on 1,230 women ages 54 to 74.

Vitamin D shows promise for protecting against AMD because of its anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. Antiangiogenic refers to slowing the growth of new blood vessels, often seen in late stages of AMD.

Assoc. Prof. Millen said patients should not be encouraged to rush out and purchase vitamin D supplements. “Our message is not that achieving really high levels of vitamin D are good for the eye, but that having deficient vitamin D levels may be unhealthy for your eyes.”