Eye Care - Blog

Contact Lens Solution Recall - Thursday, May 31, 2007

Labels: AMO Announces Voluntary Recall, Complete MoisturePlus, Contact Lens, Contact Lens Solution Recall, keratitis

Contact Lens Care Guidelines -

An increase in the incidence of Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis since 2004 has been noted. The etiology of this rise is currently being investigated1-6 but may be associated with inadequate antimicrobial efficacy of multipurpose solutions.

Lens cleaning and disinfection should be carefully explained to patients, since improper care may be associated with complications of lens wear. 7,8 Patients should be instructed to use only sterile products that are commercially prepared specifically for contact lens care and to replace these at the intervals recommended by the manufacturers.9 Patients should also be instructed to clean and replace contact lens cases frequently, since they can be a source of lens contamination.8,10 Damaged or cracked lens cases should be discarded. Directions for use of a no-rub solution require that a steady stream of the product be directed at the lens for a specific length of time. In general, however, rubbing the lenses during cleaning is considered to be a superior method of cleaning.

Patients should be instructed to replace the solution in contact lens cases each time the lenses are disinfected (i.e., old solution should not be topped off). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made the following recommendations for contact lens wearers regarding proper lens care practices: 11

• Wash hands with soap and water, and dry (lint-free method) before handling lenses.
• Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor.
• Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines from the doctor and the solution manufacturer.
• Keep the contact lens case clean and replace every 3 to 6 months.
• Remove the lenses and consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge, or swelling.

REFERENCES

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Acanthamoeba Keratitis--Multiple States, 2005-2007. Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report, vol 56. Atlanta: US DHHS, PHS Publ No. RR-6; May 26, 2007.

2. Bernal MD, Acharya NR, Lietman TM, et al. Outbreak of Fusarium keratitis in soft contact lens wearers in San Francisco. Arch Ophthalmol 2006;124:1051-3.

3. Alfonso EC, Cantu-Dibildox J, Munir WM, et al. Insurgence of Fusarium keratitis associated with contact lens wear. Arch Ophthalmol 2006;124:941-7.

4. Chang DC, Grant GB, O'Donnell K, et al. Multistate outbreak of Fusarium keratitis associated with use of a contact lens solution. JAMA 2006;296:953-63.

5. Khor WB, Aung T, Saw SM, et al. An outbreak of Fusarium keratitis associated with contact lens wear in Singapore. JAMA 2006;295:2867-73.

6. Margolis TP, Whitcher JP. Fusarium--A new culprit in the contact lens case. JAMA 2006;296:985-7.

7. Nilsson SE, Montan PG. The annualized incidence of contact lens induced keratitis in Sweden and its relation to lens type and wear schedule: results of a 3-month prospective study. CLAO J 1994;20:225-30.

8. Bowden FW, 3rd, Cohen EJ, Arentsen JJ, Laibson PR. Patterns of lens care practices and lens product contamination in contact lens associated microbial keratitis. CLAO J 1989;15:49-54.

9. Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with contact lenses--United States. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1986;35:405-8.

10. Wilson LA, Sawant AD, Ahearn DG. Comparative efficacies of soft contact lens disinfectant solutions against microbial films in lens cases. Arch Ophthalmol 1991;109:1155-7.

11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Advice for patients with soft contact lenses: New information on risk of serious fungal infection. Available at: www.fda.gov/cdrh/medicaldevicesafety/atp/041006-keratitis.html. Accessed May 29, 2007.

Prepared by the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Refractive Management/Intervention PanelRefractive Management/Intervention Panel Members

Stephen D. McLeod, MD, ChairRoy S. Chuck, MD, PhDD. , Rex Hamilton, MD, James A. Katz, MD, Srilata S. Naidu, MD, Allan R. Rutzen, MD, FACS, John A. Vukich, MD, Susan Vitale, PhD, MHS

MethodologistPreferred Practice Patterns Committee Members

Sid Mandelbaum, MD, ChairEmily Y. Chew, MD, Linda M. Christmann, MD, Douglas E. Gaasterland, MD, Samuel Masket, MD, Stephen D. McLeod, MD, Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, Donald S. Fong, MD, MPH, Methodologist

Labels: Contact Lens, Contact Lens Care

Know your cataract surgeon - Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Recently the old cliché, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” obtained a whole new meaning.

A person was explaining to me a very successful marketing concept being used to increase cataract surgery volumes for surgeons. It is a simple concept to entice seniors into the physician’s office so the doctor can persuade them to have surgery.

The plan is executed by inviting seniors to get a FREE evaluation for cataracts and glaucoma. Seniors are further lured to come see the physician by offering them a breakfast or lunch at a local restaurant, compliments of the doctor. All of this -- free.

As transparent as this is, it seems many seniors look at this as an opportunity to get a free complete eye exam and a meal, even though the offer is only for a screening. After all, everyone needs cataract surgery sooner or later and most of their friends have had their cataracts removed. Why not get something for free in the process?

Unfortunately, during the screening evaluation the physician utilizes a very well developed, polished and charismatic bedside manner to persuade and convince the patient that they must have cataract surgery. The patient’s needs are minimized and the effects the cataracts are having on their lifestyle are exaggerated.

When making the decision to have cataract surgery, consider the following:

• Make sure the physician is more concerned for your well-being and needs than convincing you to have a surgery or any other procedure.
• Ask your friends and your regular doctor about the reputation of the physician and the clinic.
• Is the eye clinic well established in the community?
• Does the physician look to you to participate in determining when it is appropriate to have surgery or do they spend more time convincing or persuading you to have surgery?
• The physician's attitude should be like you are one of his/her family members.

When making medical decisions, you need to make the decision based on truthful information. Listen closely to what your physician is explaining to you so you can make the best decision. If you are expecting insurance to cover the surgery, make sure you ask what the requirements for Medical Necessity are for your plan and if your visual impairment meets those requirements. If you are still in doubt, ask questions and if still unsure, get a second opinion.

The Physicians and staff at Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado care about what is best for you and your health. Contact us by email or call (303) 772-3300. We are happy to answer your questions.

Jay

Labels: cataract surgeon, Cataract Surgeons Longmont Colorado, cataract surgery

Ophthalmology Staff Continuing Education - Monday, May 21, 2007

Hello, my name is Jerry, and I am the lead technician for the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado, Longmont, Colorado.

That’s me on the convention floor at the ASCRS meeting In San Diego, CA.  ASCRS stands for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. The convention floor was filled with vendors displaying the newest in ophthalmic instruments, technology and patient services.

I was there attending educational classes on LASIK and refractive surgery, cataract surgery, corneal surgery, the new presbyopia correcting and astigmatic correcting intraocular lenses. I also attended classes on Medicare rules for documentation, coding and billing; and classes on human resources. It was a busy but productive 4 days.

I am fortunate to work for Doctors that believe in having a highly trained and educated staff. It is requirement that all of the technicians at the Eye Care Center are certified or become certified within six months of hire. Technicians are certified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), which is a national organization that sets standards for skills and education. Technicians are required to attend a set number hours of continuing educational classes each year in order to maintain their certification.

I am also a strong supporter in the continuing education of the technical staff at the Eye Care Center. I volunteer as an officer and program coordinator for Rocky Mountain Ophthalmic Personnel (RMOP).

RMOP is a non-profit; Colorado based organization that promotes continuing education by arranging classes and local educational programs. It is my job to arrange speakers, set the agenda and secure meeting locations for 6 to 8 educational classes each year. All classes are submitted to JCAHPO for approval to verify that they meet their educational requirements and standards. I encourage not only the technicians at the Eye Care Center, but also technicians from all ophthalmology practices in Northern Colorado to attend these meetings.

You can be assured that the technical staff at the Eye Care Center is well trained and is up to date with the newest treatments and technology in the ophthalmic field.

Have a great day,

Jerry
Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado
1400 Dry Creek Drive
Longmont, CO 80503

Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado
300 Exempla Circle, Suite 120
Lafayette CO 80026

Congratulate Diana Podlecki -

The Doctors and Staff at the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado congratulate Diana Podlecki on her graduation from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angels, CA. Diana is the daughter of Dr. Irene Olijnyk who is an ophthalmologist at Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado in Longmont. Dr. Irene Olijnyk and her husband Dr. David Podlecki are very proud of her accomplishments.

Loyola Marymount University conferred the degree of Bachelor of Science in Natural Science with an emphasis in pre-physical/occupational therapy on May 5, 2007. The graduation commencement exercises were held in the beautiful Sunken Garden at the University.

Congratulations Diana!