Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | RSS
Today, we cover a wide spectrum—from innovative lens storage solutions with OptoOrg’s founder, Elizabeth, to breakthroughs in same-day cataract care in the UK. We also discuss the dire consequences of neglecting eye exams and explore the latest in progressive lens designs. Tune in for insights that touch on daily eye care and medical advancements.
Innovative Eye Care Products with Elizabeth from Opto Org
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Here we go. Let’s bring her on.
Elizabeth:
How’s it going? It’s great to be here. As you mentioned, I’m Elizabeth, the founder of Opto Org. We began a couple of years ago, but our products only hit the market last year. Our primary offering is a daily contact lens organizer designed to declutter your space by replacing those cumbersome manufacturer’s boxes. The organizer has a middle compartment that serves the same function as those boxes but in a more stylish manner. It also features side compartments for your left and right lenses.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That sounds incredibly convenient.
Elizabeth:
I appreciate that! I’ve been wearing daily contact lenses myself for nearly 15 years. I’ve always had a reliable local optometry team, but I knew there had to be a better way to store my lenses, and I was sure I wasn’t alone. So that’s how this product came to be.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
And you have different versions of this organizer?
Elizabeth:
Yes, exactly! Currently, we offer the organizer in white and black. By year-end, we’re also introducing a bamboo version for those interested in a more eco-friendly option. The bamboo version will come in both full-size and a compressed size for those who need something more portable.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That’s thoughtful, especially the compressed size for travelers or for monthly lens users.
Elizabeth:
Absolutely! And that’s not all. We’re also launching eco-friendly contact lens cases made from 100% recycled material and compliant with FDA standards. These start shipping on August 14th. They’re perfect for eye doctors who want to buy in bulk for their practice or for individual users who need new cases. Plus, they come with seasonal decorations to remind people to replace them every three months, as per FDA recommendations.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
You’ve clearly thought of everything. That’s amazing.
Elizabeth:
We’re trying! We want to make eye care as simple and sustainable as possible.
The Future of Cataract Surgery Care: A U.K. Pilot Study
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Fantastic. So, switching gears a bit. Let’s dive into our first topic—same-day service for cataract surgery. What can you tell us about that?
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
So, over in the UK, they’re conducting a pilot study concerning same-day cataract diagnosis and surgery. This is quite revolutionary compared to the U.S., where diagnosis and treatment can take weeks or even a month. However, it’s not that immediate eye surgery is unprecedented here. For conditions like retinal detachment, surgeries do happen the same or next day.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Right, same-day cataract surgery is not out of the realm of possibility. The UK pilot is finding it super convenient, and there don’t appear to be any moral or ethical issues arising from this. I wonder if this could become a trend in the U.S., especially given our aging population and the backlog created by the pandemic.
The Perils of Skipped Eye Exams: A Cautionary Tale
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Switching gears a bit—let’s talk about this alarming story that’s making the rounds. A woman lost her sight.
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Well, incidents like these highlight the importance of regular eye exams. Many people question the need for annual contact lens exams, assuming that if they know how to wear contacts, they’re good to go. But that’s a misunderstanding. The key is to ensure eye health. Contact lenses, while generally safe, are not without risks.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Exactly, and this particular case is a cautionary tale.
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Absolutely. The woman purchased lenses from Hubble.com, apparently without consulting a medical provider or an optometrist. She developed an ulcer in one eye, followed by a second ulcer in the other eye. Eventually, she lost one of her eyes and is now taking legal action. It’s a tragic outcome that underlines the necessity of primary eye care. Patients need to hear about cases like this so they can be vigilant about their own eye health.
The conversation flows logically from discussing innovations in cataract treatment to highlighting the critical importance of regular eye exams, particularly when wearing contact lenses. The transition between topics is smooth, and each participant effectively contributes to the discussion. There are only minor grammatical and stylistic adjustments needed for clarity. Overall, the transcript is coherent and informative.
Nike MaxSight Contact Lens
Dr. Darryl Glover:
Ah, MaxSight. This brings back memories from when I was a technician. What are your thoughts on this, Jeffrey?
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Man, those Nike MaxSight lenses were something else. Developed in collaboration with Bausch and Lomb about 15 years ago, they came in amber or gray. They were designed to enhance contrast sensitivity. Some NFL players even wore the amber ones! But I read somewhere that the NFL had regulations against these lenses? Not sure if that’s accurate.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
I remember those, especially the photos of NFL players looking intense with those lenses. Do you think they didn’t catch on because of the regulations?
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
It’s hard to say, but they certainly didn’t stick around long. The good news is you can still get similar lenses from independent labs like Adventures in Color.
Alopecia Areata Treated with Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Switching gears, I had a patient who came in because her primary care doctor recommended an eye exam due to her medication for hair growth. Apparently, Plaquenil, commonly used for rheumatic conditions, can cause hair growth. I’d never heard of this, so it’s something to keep an eye out for. Some doctors are prescribing Plaquenil off-label for alopecia.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That’s interesting, particularly given that Plaquenil can also cause eye issues. Adds another layer to the eye exams.
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Exactly. I often see patients on Plaquenil for annual visual field exams to check for bull’s-eye maculopathy, a known side effect. However, prescribing it for alopecia was new to me. Effectiveness is still debated; I found a small study where it worked for some but not all.
Latest Trends in Progressive Lens Design
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Lastly, there’s a lot happening in the world of progressive lens designs. Recent issues of Review of Optometry have highlighted new offerings that can greatly benefit our patients. People often misunderstand line bifocals and no-line bifocals, not realizing how varied progressive designs can be.
Dr. Darryl Glover:
That’s a great point. There’s much more than just hiding the line; these designs solve different visual problems.
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
Exactly. Brands like Hoya Vision Care and Zeiss have developed lenses that reduce peripheral distortion, which is fantastic for driving. Essilor’s Varilux X series also has unique corridor designs that prove beneficial.
How Often Should You Get a Full Eye Exam?
Dr. Jeffrey Fardink:
And speaking of exams, the American Academy of Optometry recently updated guidelines to recommend annual comprehensive eye exams for everyone 18-64. Surprisingly, I’d been telling my patients this was already the guideline! A study from 2015 found that 58% of patients coming in for their annual exams without specific complaints ended up needing some kind of change or intervention. So, annual exams are crucial for early detection and maintaining eye health.
