Contact Lens Reminder - No Water

A recent study is a reminder about avoiding water in contact lens care. The study, at the University of New South Wales School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, showed using a simply sticker “No Water” infographic on contact lens cases was a useful tool to remind people of the dangers of exposing contact lenses to water.

It is well known that water exposure is associated with contact lens eye disease (including microbial keratitis and sterile corneal infiltrates). Despite this, water contact is common! Wearers handle contact lenses with wet hands, shower and swim in contact lenses, or use water to rinse their lenses and/or storage cases.

The study, by Memoona Arshad, Dr Nicole Carnt, Dr Jacqueline Tan and Professor Fiona Stapleton, examined whether a visual reminder on storage cases as a prompt to avoid water could change behaviour.

Two hundred daily lens wearers were randomised to either receive a storage case with or without a ‘no-water’ sticker. Both groups also received written information on how to look after contact lenses. At the start and after six weeks, participants completed a self-administered lens hygiene questionnaire.

There was also microbial analysis of used storage cases, collected at both study visits. Analysis showed the change in water-contact behaviour resulted in less storage case contamination over time.

Of the 200 participants, the researchers found that after six weeks, endotoxin levels reduced significantly in the test group (compared with the control group). Additionally, they found that ‘nowater’ lens case stickers improved overall water contact behaviours.

So a simple reminder of what to do, or not do can bring results.

The study result has been picked up at the International Standards Organisation (ISO). They commented , “this is an exciting development, as this simple and cost effective intervention can improve behaviour and lower water bourne case contaminants.”

 The concept was devised by a patient with a severe eye infection, and has potential to save vision through a safety message.

The hope is that it becomes a standard printed warning on contact lens paraphernalia.

What we are wearing - Diane in Koali

Asking Diane about her first pair of glasses draws a blank. She was 19 at the time! There is no evidence of her second pair of glasses - photochromics in a large round frame worn as a back up to contact lenses when she was traveling around Europe. She says she took them off in every photo.

It is a different story when it comes to her recent glasses.

Frame: Koali model 2005K colour ON04 50-20

Lens: Hoya Mystyle Profile Modern progressive, 1.53 Phoenix, Sensity Brown with a Diamond Finish anti-reflection coating.

You have worn Koali frames (by Morel) before.

Diane: I have a whole range of Morel frames. They are light and this is a good shape with photochromic lenses.

How do you find the Sensity Brown lenses?

Diane: They are excellent all rounders which I can wear all the time, walking the dog, gardening, reading in the sun, away camping. The tinting adjusts to a comfortable level depending on the level of brightness. These photos were on a dull day, so the lens is not super dark, but still gives glare protection. I like the brown because it gives improved clarity of vision.

I think everyone should have at least one pair of photochromic lenses. I still love my prescription sunglasses, which are polarized, and a fashion sunglass shape, but these are brilliant for all occasions.

Diane’s frame are made by French eyewear maker Morel. This family owned company began in the upper Jura region, known as the cradle of French eyewear. Today, 280 people work for Morel, with expertise from design to production, commercial, logistics, and administration. Morel has a complete and complimentary team, producing a turnkey offer: from the first draft to the final wearer.

And some background on Koali: Morel’s Koali collection is a feminine assortment that provides women with the most definitive option of great eyewear designs. The heart of the collection is inspired by creativity that is incredibly modern and sophisticated.

World-first Clinical Trial Shows Vitamin B3 Promising for Glaucoma

According to a world-first clinical trial, vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) could play an important role in protecting against nerve cell damage that leads to blindness in glaucoma.

Results of the trial at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), have been published. They show ‘significant improvement’ in visual function of glaucoma patients who received a daily high dose (3 grams of nicotinamide for 12 weeks) in addition to their regular treatment to reduce eye pressure.

We now need a longer term study to know conclusively whether nicotinamide delays glaucoma progression more than simply using eye pressure lowering medications alone

Dr Flora Hui, from CERA, said a larger international trial was now needed to determine if the improvement shown could be sustained over the longer term to reduce the progression of glaucoma.

“For the first time, we have shown that daily high doses of vitamin B3 can lead to early and significant improvements in patients who are also receiving traditional treatments to lower eye pressure,” Dr Hui said. “As a safe therapy, that is well tolerated by patients, vitamin B3 has potential as a clinical supplement. “

Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting more than 60 million people worldwide. The disease, which leads to vision loss when cells in the optic nerve and retina are lost, is usually treated with eye drops or surgery to reduce eye pressure. There are currently no treatments to protect cells from further damage or to improve cell function.

CERA’s trial followed 57 patients, who received both placebo or vitamin B3. Visual function was tested using electroretinography, a diagnostic test which measures electrical activity in the cells of the retina, along with visual field testing. The study found that for some people, high-dose nicotinamide significantly improved how nerve cells were functioning in the eye.

“A larger study will help us determine whether vitamin B3 should be taken on an ongoing basis by glaucoma patients.”

Earlier pre-clinical research in the US showed that vitamin B3 could prevent optic nerve degeneration – but this is the first time similar results have been witnessed in a human trial.

“Like adding oil to a car engine to allow it to run smoothly, vitamin B3 could be used to protect cells from damage and help those that have been affected by glaucoma work better.”

For those of us with a strong family history of glaucoma, and increasing risk with every year of increasing age, this is very encouraging.

What we are wearing - Sally in Vanni

Sally has been wearing glasses since she was 4 years old. Here she is wearing an early pair of glasses. She recalls they were ‘not very nice, and not the ones I wanted to choose.’ These days she has a wider choice, here is her latest pick.

Frame: Vanni 6805T colour

Lens: Hoya Mystyle Profile Modern progressive, 1.67 index material with BlueCoat

This is your first Vanni frame.

Sally: It is an eye catching range. I love the comfort and the soft light look.

Do you prefer acetate frames (with no nosepads)?

Sally: I do have several pairs in my current eyewear ‘wardrobe’ with nose pads, but acetate frames are just more comfortable.

Your prescription is quite different between your two eyes, making the progressive design very important. How does the Mystyle Profile go?

Sally: My vision felt so clear and natural in these lenses from the moment I put them on. In fact I called the team at Hoya to report back how much I like the Profile lens design.

How do you find the BlueCoat?

Sally: Really restful for screen work and everyday wear.

Here is a little background on Vanni eyewear: “Made in Italy for sure, from Italian materials 100%!!  Vanni is true Italian optical craftsmanship. Its all about colour and style and finishing. From Turin, Vanni eyeglasses that have been setting a style, an elegance since 1990. It is Italian fashion and style but its a look that is equally at home in Warkworth as it is in Milan. Sophisticated and intelligent, yet thoughtful and political, introverted and precious, quite serious, never boring.” A very apt description!

Sara Brookes - Extern Optometry Student 2020

Sara, a final year optometry student is completing her month long Auckland University externship in the practice during August. We invite you to make an appointment with Sara. Claire and Sally will be supervising Sara and reviewing her findings. 

Please allow an hour and note the examination fee will be reduced to $70. We are delighted to be able to mentor and support final year students.

Marking 21 years in eye wear

This month marks 21 years working at McDonald Adams for Alison Hand, our Practice Manager. That is a significant work history! And a chance to acknowledge the huge impact Alison has had during her time with us.

Starting as part time reception, admin and optical assistant in 1999 her role with us has evolved as her experience grew - She now runs the show. She is an integral part of the eycare we have been able to deliver here at 41 Queen Street. What better way to tell the story of that time - with a display of her eyewear.

When Alison began work with us she was not a glasses wearer - but that changed over time! Starting with glasses for reading and close range she has moved to progressive lenses. During this time she has found stylish and eye catching frames. She has also used contact lenses - great for motor cycle tours - but enjoys glasses. Her description: they are an easy accessory.

PS She still has her entire collection of glasses!