Dear Valued Patients
Welcome to Spring! We have been busy at Ezekiel Eyes, and thought we’d share some news. Kai recently attended an Orthokeratology conference and I have just returned from the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists conference in the United Kingdom. We welcome back Tom, who has been on a terrific holiday overseas.
From Kai …
In July, I had the privilege to attend the biennial Orthokeratology conference at the beautiful Gold Coast. A myriad of topics were covered over the three day conference – including the fitting of Orthokeratology (OK) and specialty lenses, such as the Synergeyes hybrid lenses.
One major update presented by the orthokeratology research group based in Sydney showed promising results in controlling the progression of childhood myopia with the fitting of OK lenses. This is achieved by reducing the defocus on the retina which stimulates myopia progression. Normal spectacle lenses are unable to attain this. Besides controlling myopia, interim results have also shown that OK lenses help with more accurate focusing ability.
Clinical pearls when fitting OK lenses were also discussed throughout the conference. Patient selection was repeatedly stressed as one of the important which will determine a successful fit. Parameters include the incidence of short-sightedness and astigmatism of the patient but should also include the amount and size of the corneal astigmatism, determined after performing a corneal topography examination.
Overall, the insights gained during the conference can be usefully applied in clinical practice for better patient care.
From Damon …
Tania and I recently returned from the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists Congress. We meet every 18 months and this time we gathered in Ashford, Kent.
As usual, the majority of attendees were from North America and Europe, so their travel times are quite minimal compared to ours. However after a long trip we were greeted with a late Indian summer, with blue skies, very little cloud and a gentle breeze.
The lecture content ranged from managing dry eyes and improving the wettability of dry eye patients, to the newest and latest research into the genetics of keratoconus; and also the correction of keratoconus. The correction of presbyopia with contact lenses was discussed along with the various compromises that are available today. We are still some time short of the ultimate soft contact lens correction to treat presbyopia. Many contact lens specialist researchers updated us about the latest impact contact lenses and contact lens solutions have on our eyes and in particular our corneas. The quest for new contact lens materials, solutions and designs continues and the future is very exciting. The lecture series included hands-on workshops, and highlights were the fitting of new contact lenses to compromised corneas/eyes, and the evaluation of new optical diagnostic instruments.
Tania and I are looking forward to the next ISCLS conference in 18 months time in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Between now and then we have many new techniques to introduce to our patients.
We wish you a terrific Spring. Please let Kai and I know if your allergies are a problem as there are measures we can introduce to improve your healthy quality of life.
From us all at Ezekiel Eyes, enjoy the fantastic colours, smells and sights of Spring 2012.
Cheers
Damon