EW SHOW DAILY
16
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
moves myopia back but moves the
periphery forward.
Dr. Jacobs detailed how outdoor
time, pharmacological intervention,
and contact lenses may be used to
help control myopia progression.
Overnight orthokeratology using
RGP contact lenses may help to
accomplish this, as this has been
shown to reduce myopia and axial
elongation.
Michelle Rhee, MD, New York,
discussed cosmetic contact lenses.
She detailed what these are, risks
and rewards, and what can be done
to promote safety.
Cosmetic contact lenses (CCL)
are widely used for style, Dr. Rhee
said, though she noted that they
may also be useful for restorative
options and for occlusion and pho-
tophobia.
The number one risk factor for
corneal infection is contact lens
wear, Dr. Rhee said. She noted that
there are around 41 million contact
lens wearers in the U.S. (ages 18+).
Dr. Rhee noted some of the
risks of CCLs. They are often used
in younger patients, with unsuper-
vised use and unregulated access
online and in over-the-counter
beauty stores. Patients are not well
informed, she added.
Additionally, Dr. Rhee said that
many CCLs do not pass the "rub off"
test; when tested, the pigment not
only rubs off but creates a rougher
surface that enhances microbial
adhesion. Microbial keratitis in CCL
wearers has a worse prognosis. She
added that colorants in CCL can
pose complications.
Dr. Rhee wrapped up by discuss-
ing how to address CCL problems.
She suggested asking every patient
about CCL use, even post-LASIK pa-
tients. Collaborate with our partners
in policy (FDA, FTC, CDC), she sug-
gested, and educate patients through
public health campaigns.
The symposium ended with the
Richard L. Lindstrom Lecture given
by Dimitri Azar, MD, Chicago. He
spoke on the topic of "Advances
in Optics and Contact Lenses" and
highlighted contact lens and corneal
physiology, material, optics, compli-
cations, and advances. EW
Editors' note: Dr. Azar has financial
interests with Novartis (Basel, Switzer-
land) and Verily Life Sciences (South
San Francisco). Drs. Rhee and Jacobs
have no financial interests related to
their presentations.
Latest continued from page 14
The number one risk factor for
corneal infection is contact lens
wear, and there are around 41
million contact lens wearers
in the U.S.
