More Than Fifteen Percent of All Contact Lens Users Are Forced to Give up Lens Wear Every Year Because of Inflammation and Discomfort, Says a Nationally Recognized Eye Doctor; But New Treatments Can Help Them Comfortably Wear Lenses Again
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2016 / Dr. Arthur Epstein, Director of Ocular Surface Disease and Clinical Research at Phoenix Eye Care, one of the nation's leading eye care practices, believes that increasing contact lens intolerance has led to a rise in the number of dramatic new treatments that can restore people's ability to comfortably wear contact lenses. "At least fifteen percent of all contact lens users discontinue wearing contacts every year because of inflammation and pain," said Epstein. "Now eye doctors nationwide are using innovative new treatments that offer hope to contact lens users."
"Years of experience has shown that contact lenses can be amazing devices that can improve people's lives in the most incredible ways," said Dr. Epstein. "Unfortunately, far too many people have been forced to give up wearing lenses because of dryness, inflammation and discomfort. In fact, the most common reason for contact lens dropout is dry eye, caused by an unstable tear film that can't support comfortable contact lens wear. Additionally, tiny organisms--bacteria and even microscopic parasitic mites--that live on the eyelids can worsen the problem. The microbes produce inflammatory toxins that irritate sensitive eye tissue while enzymes break down the protective outer oil layer of the tear film. The mites contribute to inflammation. Both can cause a chronic inflammatory condition of the lids called blepharitis."
Overall, fifteen percent of people suffer from contact lens intolerance; however, that percentage soars up to 30 percent for those over 50 years old. "This is a serious and growing problem," said Dr. Epstein.
According to Dr. Epstein, three new developments in eye care now enable eye doctors to successfully treat most of these people:
- A new device called LipiFlow applies a precise amount of heat and controlled pressure to the inner eyelid, unblocking clogged meibomian glands releasing a crucial oil, that stabilizes the tears, improves dry eye and dramatically increases contact lens comfort.
- A handheld device called BlephEx uses a high-speed disposable sponge to 'deep clean' the lid margins. It successfully knocks back the blepharitis and the crusty buildup of debris that often occurs.
- An innovative lid and lash hygiene product, Avenova® from NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE MKT: NBY), uses a pure 0.01% concentration of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in saline to remove the bacteria and mites associated with chronic eyelid disease, like blepharitis and MGD dry eye. HOCl is completely safe. It is produced naturally by white blood cells as a first defense against microbial invaders, and also inactivates bacterial enzymes, helping to stabilize the tear film and improve comfort.
"Avenova has been a true breakthrough for dry eye and contact lens patients. Applying it to the eyelids twice a day as part of a daily eyelid hygiene regimen can help reduce contact lens intolerance in many patients," said Dr. Epstein. "So if you have this problem, speak to your eye doctor. He or she can now really help you."
Contact:
Dr. Arthur Epstein
Phoenix Eye Care
Office: 602-549-2020
Cell: 516-885-2020
Email: artepstein@artepstein.com; artepstein@gmail.com
SOURCE: CEOCFO Magazine
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