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Advise your patients about cosmetic contact lenses
I’ve always prided myself in being a “patient-centric” practitioner. In every aspect of my practice I try to understand the patient’s perspective.
We offer flexible appointment hours, realizing that not everyone can make it in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We adequately staff the office so that patient needs are met in a timely fashion. We even try to stay on schedule .... though this is often a losing battle! With respect to treatment options, we always keep the patient’s perspective in mind — we never “push” insignificant eyeglass prescription changes, recommend contact lens replacements more frequently than necessary or that patients return for additional testing unless it’s absolutely necessary. In essence, we always try to provide conservative and comprehensive care, without “over doctoring” our patients.
No patient benefits to deregulation
However, even with this very pro-patient approach, I cannot understand the benefits of deregulating plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses. Could deregulation increase the public’s access to plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses? You bet. Could deregulation lower the cost of plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses? Possibly ... but at what cost?
Those advocating deregulation maintain that there’s very little literature documenting the dangers of plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses and, therefore, they are a safe modality. While I don’t disagree with this premise, I do disagree with the deductive reasoning. While they assume the impressive track record of these types of lenses is inherently due to the technology, we know otherwise.
Simply put, any contact lens — when improperly used — can be problematic. With the exception of limited illegal distribution, the vast majority of plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses are obtained through professional prescribing channels. As a result, licensed eye care providers have overseen their consumption, thereby providing guidance with respect to patient selection, prescribing, education and monitoring. Not unlike pre-market FDA clinical trials, the public has benefited from a reliable safety net.
What will happen in the event of deregulation? Plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses will be available everywhere — admittedly, a concept that sounds very attractive at first. But will all dispensers perform biomicroscopy to assure adequate candidacy and an acceptable fit? I doubt it. Will all dispensers discuss insertion/removal techniques, proper lens hygiene, appropriate wearing schedules and early warning symptoms? I doubt it. And will all dispensers provide the necessary follow-up care to assure a safe physiologic response? Yeah, right.
Deregulation will lead to complications
It’s certainly not my intent to diminish the value of plano cosmetic tinted contact lenses. Quite the contrary. However, as my patients’ advocate, I don’t want to see them get hurt. I firmly believe that the currently recognized safety profile of these lenses is a result of their technologic advancements (in materials, designs and disposability) and the professional services supporting them. With deregulation, complications will undoubtedly occur. Some, such as allergies and giant papillary conjunctivitis, will be minor inconveniences. Some, such as corneal abrasions, will be more painful. And others, such as infectious keratitis, will be tragic.
Fortunately, it’s not too late. If you have documented cases of “self-prescribed” plano cosmetic tinted contact lens-related complications, please notify Jeff Mays at the American Optometric Association (703-739-9200). It’s in this fashion that we educate the appropriate decision makers regarding the risks deregulation brings to the public. After all, this really isn’t about limited patient choice, but rather about protecting our patients.