When the optometrist asks a patient who has astigmatism what they want in a contact lens, they likely hear “consistent clear vision,” and “comfort.” When manufacturers ask ODs what they’d like, the OD typically replies, “a lens that settles on the eye fast.” Bausch + Lomb’s Infuse for Astigmatism daily disposable contact lens achieves all 3, according to those interviewed. (See “Pro Tips for Marketing,” below.)
Consistent Clear Vision
Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO, of MyEyeDr, in Birmingham, Alabama, says the lens’ Opticalign Design and high-definition optics are the features that provide his astigmatic patients with consistent clear vision.
“The Opticalign Design stabilizes the lens upon blinking,” he says. “Specifically, it has an optimized lower hemisphere to limit rotation."
Dr. Schaeffer adds that Infuse’ high-definition optics have an aspheric anterior and a biconic posterior surface that work as a team to focus rays of light on the same focal point of the retina to control spherical aberration.
“The high-definition optics relieve the halos, glare, and starbursts around lights that astigmatic patients contend with,” he says.
The lens is available in a 14.5 mm diameter, in powers +4.00 D to -6.00 D in 0.25D steps and -6.50 D to -8.00 D in 0.50 D steps, and in cylinders of -0.75 D,
-1.25 D, -1.75 D, -2.25 D, and -2.75 D, according to Bausch + Lomb.
Comfortable Wear
In addition to the kalifilcon A lens material, 55% moisture and 107 Dk/t and low modulus, the Infuse lens is also made with electrolytes, moisturizers, and osmoprotectants, points out John Womack, OD, CMO, of Family First Vision Care, in Mason Ohio.
“All these items make lens wear comfortable for my astigmatic patients,” he says. “Additionally, the lens has a thin edge, which reduces lid interaction and, thus, makes wear comfortable too.”
Minimal Chair Time
Osama Said, OD, of MyEyeDr, in Raleigh, North Carolina, says he appreciates the fact that Infuse settles on the eye within 30 seconds.
“Toric fits have traditionally demanded more chair time, often taking up to five minutes to stabilize,” he explains. “With Infuse, the quick settling time allows me to streamline the fitting process and dedicate more time to delivering quality care to additional patients.”
Meeting Patient Expectations
Astigmatic patients can sometimes struggle to find a contact lens that meets both their visual and comfort expectations. Those interviewed say the Infuse lens has been successful in both areas, while decreasing their chair time. OM
Pro Tips for Marketing
• Provide trial lenses. Dr. Womack says he has sent trial lenses to existing contact lens patients whom he believes will benefit, as well as fit his staff. Both steps have led to Infuse purchases, he says. “When a staff member raves about their personal experience with a specific product, this often leads to a patient wanting to try it,” he says.
• Ask probing questions. Dr.Saidsuggests starting the conversation by asking current contact lens wearers questions like, “Do your contacts provide consistently clear vision throughout the day?” and “Are you comfortable wearing your lenses from morning to night?” These questions can help identify opportunities to introduce the benefits of Infuse lenses.