dmk@bunker.UUCP (David M. Knight) (11/17/83)
rick floyd uucp: (seismo | allegra)!rochester!rick arpa: rick@rochester The Nov. 11 Rochester Times-Union article is an example of poor reporting. The person writing the article quoted the "optometrist Reznick" making some extremely rash generalizations. I'm not saying that problems don't occur with EW soft lenses, but they are the exception, rather than the rule. Ryans statement is, in my opinion, true: "It's certainly not our perogative to advertise 30-day wear is for every person," he [Ryan of Hydrocurve] said. "We believe certain people should only wear them for two days, others can wear them for two months." Reznicks next quoted statement is also, in general, true: "The ads also fail to mention potential problems with soft, extended wear lenses, Reznick [a local optometrist] said. as is the following: can be destroyed by heavy makeup and vaseline or other eye makeup remover. Now he gets into the rash generalities: 1) "He said the lenses are difficult to handle. SOME EW lenses are MORE DIFFICUT to handle THAN OTHERS. If a patient is PROPERLY TRAINED, there are USUALLY no long term handling problems. 2) They require special sterilization because they become covered with protein and minerals if left in for long periods. SOME PEOPLE experience buildups of various deposits over varying periods of time. Such buildups can often be removed by the Hydrogen Peroxide based care procedures (such as Soft Con kit from B&L). 3) They provide less-sharp vision than hard contacts or eyeglasses, This is Reznick's most uniformed statement! I question whether he has ANY experience or real knowledge of EW or even NONEW soft lenses. The visual acuity obtained from soft lenses (inlcuding EW) is as good or better than that obtained wiyth other "devices" except in cases where there is more than 1 diopter, or so, of astigmatism. In those cases where there is astigmatism in excess if 1 diopter, astigmatic (EW) soft lenses can be used (but they are more expensive and harder to fit). These last items are so dependent upon a large set of variables: a) how well the lenses were fit b) proper training in handling and lens care c) patients manual dexterity and attitude d) disinfection mechanism e) time between cleanings etc. that the following Reznick generalizations are meaningless! 1) can last as little as four months with an average life of 13 months, 2) are uncomfortable for hay fever suffers and 3) "Buying extended wear contact lenses "is an expensive eye habit," said Reznick. He said it can cost between $40 and $100 a year for maintenance and eye checkups, not including frequent replacement of lenses." ... FYI: I have been manufacturing, consulting and fitting contact lenses since 1973 and am currently a partner in a practice specializing in soft lenses. Dave Knight...