Review of complications associated with contact lenses from unregulated sources of supply.

OBJECTIVE: To review existing studies and case reports regarding complications associated with contact lenses (CLs) from unregulated sources of supply and to identify any relevant trends. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to locate publications concerning complications associated with CLs obtained from unregulated sources of supply. RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were identified that represent 70 individual cases. All 8 of the pre-2006 case reports originated from the United States and the United Kingdom, whereas from 2006 onwards, only 2 of the 15 reports came from these locations. Over-the-counter supply accounted for 73% (51/70) of cases, whereas 17% (12/70) were borrowed or shared lenses and 6% (4/70) lenses were obtained through the Internet. Nearly, three quarters of patients (30/42, 71%) waited longer than 48 hours after the onset of symptoms before seeking medical attention; 10 patients waited longer than a week, and 5 longer than a month. Microbial keratitis (MK) was reported in 43 (61%) patients, with permanent damage occurring in 72% (31/43) of patients followed to conclusion. Known risk factors associated for MK were present in all cases irrespective of whether the patients developed MK. CONCLUSIONS: There are various reasons to presume that the unregulated supply of CLs might result in the use of inappropriate lenses, increase the risk of poorer lens hygiene, and militate against the prompt treatment of any consequent complications. There is some indication that the introduction of regulations to control the supply of plano CLs has alleviated the level of complications.

Contact lenses purchased over the internet place individuals potentially at risk for harmful eye care practices.

BACKGROUND: Individuals are increasingly purchasing contact lenses over the Internet. No studies exist regarding Internet purchase of contact lenses and eye care health practices. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one college students were surveyed regarding contact lenses purchase category (doctor's office, store, Internet). Pearson chi-square analyses compared purchase category with responses regarding U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations for purchasing contact lenses online. Analysis of variance compared contact lenses purchase category with the Time Pressure Scale (TPS). Also, correlation analyses compared the TPS with Internet eye-health statements. RESULTS: Contact lens purchase categories included doctor's office (43.0%), store (55.0%), and Internet (22.5%), with individuals purchasing at multiple venues. With regard to the FDA recommendations, those who purchased contact lenses at a doctor's office more often adhered to the recommendations, whereas those who purchased contact lenses at a store or the Internet did so less often. Those who purchased contact lenses over the Internet had significantly higher TPS scores. In addition, higher TPS scores were significantly correlated with various statements regarding the Internet. CONCLUSIONS: Those who purchase contact lenses via the Internet or store do not follow a number of FDA contact lenses recommendations. Also, those with higher TPS scores trust possible non-evidence-based contact lenses Internet information. Implications with regard to the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act are discussed.

Learning the "numbers game" of today's contact lens fitting: clinical and business pearls.

A "chair time model" for contact lens pricing is a valuable administrative tool. Relative sagittal depth is an easy comparison to use when evaluating the theoretical fit of one soft lens versus another. Biological oxygen apparent transmissibility (BOAT) and a calculated value of oxygen transmissibility (Dk/L) are two totally different assessments and the significance of BOAT will need to be clinically tested over time.

Ata da trigésima quinta reunião ordinária - 1991/1995 / Minutes of the 35th ordinary meeting of the National Health Council - CNS

Nos dias 04 e 05 de maio de um mil novecentos e noventa e quatro, realizou-se a trigésima quinta reunião do Conselho Nacional de Saúde, do período de um mil novecentos e noventa e um a um mil novecentos e noventa e cinco . A reunião teve início na sala de atos do Gabinete do Ministro da Educação e dela participaram conselheiros dos Conselhos Federal de Educação e Nacional de Saúde, com seus respectivos dirigentes, Dr. Manoel Gonçalves Ferreira Filho e Dr. Nelson de Carvalho Seixas, esta reunião conjunta foi coordenada pelo conselheiro Rodolfo Joaquim Pinto da Luz, membro dos dois conselhos e Secretário de Educação Superior. Após longo debate entre os conselheiros dos Conselhos Federal de Educação e Nacional de Saúde ficou decidido que seria constituída uma comissão composta por representantes dos dois conselhos para fazerem um estudo sobre vários pontos levantados pelos conselheiros, como: 1 - onde os processos de abertura de novos cursos se iniciariam; 2 - Análise da necessidade social pelo CNS e CFE; 3 - Competência legal dos Conselhos para análise dos processos; 4 - Análise da autonomia das Universidades; 5 - Definição dos tipos de cursos que compreendem a área da saúde; 6 - Ampliação do prazo para análise atualmente (90 dias); 7 - Avaliação dos cursos; 8 - Análise de formação dos profissionais (estágios ); 9 - Definição de exercício profissional e 10 - Estabelecimento de parâmetros mínimos para formação de Recursos Humanos. Terminada a reunião entre os dois Conselhos.

Sociodemographic differences in access to vision care among adults in the United States, 1974-1975.

Access to refractive care is examined by comparing uncorrected and corrected (with eyeglasses or contact lenses) distance visual acuity across eight race-sex-economic status groups. Of those with less than 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity, the age-adjusted proportion using corrective lenses is examined across these sociodemographic groups to assess unmet need in vision care. Measurements of distance visual acuity were obtained for 2,828 adults aged 25-74 years from the national probability sample selected for the 1974-1975 National Health and Nutrition Examination Augmentation Survey. Questionnaire responses were collected on usual correction. Individuals were classified by race, sex, and economic status. Weighted least squares categoric data analysis showed that blacks, males, and nonpoor persons have a higher proportion with 20/20 uncorrected distance vision than whites, females, and poor persons. Individuals who are white, male, and nonpoor are more likely to have 20/20 corrected distance vision than their counterparts.

Contact lenses for laser applications.

Contact lenses for anterior and posterior segment laser applications are described. Commercially available lenses are classified according to design, application, manufacturer and cost.