This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to successfully fitting Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses, ensuring optimal comfort and clear vision for patients experiencing presbyopia. From understanding the fundamentals of presbyopia to navigating the fitting process and addressing common issues, this resource equips eye care professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver exceptional patient care.
Introduction
Presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision, affects millions worldwide, making it a significant concern for eye care professionals. While traditional bifocals or reading glasses have long been the standard solution, contact lenses offer a convenient and often more aesthetically pleasing alternative. Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses, developed by CooperVision, are a popular choice for presbyopic patients seeking clear vision at all distances.
Biofinity Multifocal lenses are designed to provide seamless vision correction for both near and far vision, allowing individuals to transition effortlessly between tasks requiring different focal distances. The lens incorporates a unique two-lens system, leveraging the company’s Balanced Progressive Technology and the Biofinity silicone hydrogel material, known for its breathability and comfort.
This fitting guide serves as an essential resource for eye care professionals, providing detailed insights into the Biofinity Multifocal lens, its features, and the fitting process. From initial refraction and lens selection to adaptation and troubleshooting, this guide empowers professionals to achieve optimal outcomes for their presbyopic patients.
Understanding Presbyopia
Presbyopia, commonly known as “age-related farsightedness,” is a natural physiological change that occurs with aging, affecting the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. As we age, the lens inside our eye, responsible for focusing light onto the retina, loses its flexibility, becoming less capable of accommodating for close-up vision. This gradual decline in accommodative power leads to the need for reading glasses or other vision correction methods for near tasks like reading, using electronic devices, or doing detailed work.
The onset of presbyopia typically begins around the age of 40, with the severity increasing over time. Individuals with presbyopia may experience blurred vision when trying to read or focus on close-up objects, while distant vision remains relatively unaffected. The symptoms can be particularly noticeable when performing tasks requiring fine detail or prolonged near work, leading to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
Understanding the nature of presbyopia is crucial for eye care professionals when fitting Biofinity Multifocal lenses. By recognizing the specific visual challenges faced by presbyopic patients, professionals can effectively address their needs and recommend the most appropriate lens options for optimal visual acuity and comfort.
Biofinity Multifocal Lens Features
Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses, manufactured by CooperVision, offer a unique combination of features designed to provide clear vision at all distances for presbyopic patients. These lenses utilize CooperVision’s Balanced Progressive Technology, incorporating two distinct lens designs within a single lens to address both near and far vision needs. The central portion of the lens is optimized for distance vision, while the surrounding areas are designed to provide clear vision for near tasks.
Biofinity Multifocal lenses are crafted from CooperVision’s proprietary Aquaform technology, a silicone hydrogel material known for its exceptional oxygen permeability. This breathable material allows for high levels of oxygen transmission to the cornea, promoting healthy eye tissue and minimizing the risk of discomfort or complications associated with lens wear. The Biofinity material also exhibits excellent wettability, ensuring a comfortable and smooth lens experience throughout the day.
The monthly disposable nature of Biofinity Multifocal lenses offers convenience and hygiene. Patients can replace their lenses every month, ensuring consistent clarity and reducing the risk of bacterial buildup or irritation. The combination of innovative technology, breathable material, and convenient disposability makes Biofinity Multifocal lenses a popular choice for presbyopic individuals seeking comfortable and effective vision correction.
Fitting Process
The fitting process for Biofinity Multifocal lenses involves a series of steps designed to determine the optimal lens parameters for each patient. It is essential to perform a thorough assessment to ensure the lenses fit comfortably and provide clear vision at all distances. The fitting process typically begins with a comprehensive eye examination, including refraction and verification of eye dominance. This step helps determine the patient’s refractive error and identify the dominant eye, which will be fitted with the distance prescription.
The next step involves selecting the appropriate distance prescription based on the spherical equivalent of the patient’s refractive error. This prescription is crucial for ensuring clear distance vision. Once the distance prescription is determined, the eye care professional will select a trial lens based on the patient’s individual needs and preferences. This trial lens will be evaluated for fit, comfort, and visual performance.
The final step involves evaluating the trial lens and making adjustments as needed to optimize fit and visual acuity. The eye care professional will assess the lens’s movement, comfort, and the patient’s ability to see clearly at both near and far distances. Based on the evaluation, adjustments may be made to the lens parameters, including base curve, diameter, and power, until the optimal fit and visual performance are achieved.
Step 1⁚ Refraction and Eye Dominance
The fitting process begins with a comprehensive eye examination, including a refraction and verification of eye dominance. Refraction is a procedure that determines the patient’s refractive error, which is the difference between how the eye focuses light and how it should focus light. This information is essential for prescribing the correct lens power. Eye dominance, on the other hand, identifies the eye that the brain primarily relies on for visual tasks, such as reading.
Determining eye dominance is crucial for fitting multifocal lenses as it helps the eye care professional decide which eye will be fitted with the distance prescription and which eye will be fitted with the near prescription. The dominant eye typically receives the distance prescription, providing clear vision for faraway objects. The non-dominant eye receives the near prescription, allowing for clear vision at close range.
The fogging technique is commonly used to assess eye dominance. This technique involves temporarily blurring the vision of both eyes using a fogging solution, and then observing which eye the patient naturally uses to focus on a target. This helps identify the dominant eye, which is the eye that is less affected by the fogging.
Step 2⁚ Distance Prescription
Once the eye dominance has been established, the next step is to determine the distance prescription. This is the prescription that corrects for faraway vision. For patients with presbyopia, the distance prescription is often the same as the prescription for their distance eyeglasses. However, it’s important to note that the distance prescription for contact lenses may differ slightly from the prescription for eyeglasses due to the different positioning of the lens on the eye.
The distance prescription is typically determined by performing a refraction with the patient looking at a distant target. The eye care professional will use a phoropter, which is a device that holds different lens powers, to find the lens that provides the clearest vision for the patient. The distance prescription will be recorded in the form of a spherical equivalent, which is a combination of the sphere and cylinder powers of the prescription.
Selecting the appropriate distance prescription is crucial for ensuring clear vision at a distance. It’s important to carefully consider the patient’s visual needs and preferences when making this determination. The goal is to find a prescription that provides optimal visual clarity for the patient’s daily activities.
Step 3⁚ Lens Selection and Trial Fit
With the distance prescription established, the next step is to select the appropriate Biofinity Multifocal lenses for the patient. This involves considering several factors, including the patient’s age, visual needs, and lifestyle. The eye care professional will discuss the different lens designs available and help the patient choose the best option for their individual circumstances.
Biofinity Multifocal lenses are available in a variety of parameters, including base curve, diameter, and lens power. The eye care professional will use a lensometer to measure the patient’s cornea and determine the appropriate base curve and diameter for the lenses. The lens power will be based on the patient’s distance prescription, as well as their near vision needs.
Once the lenses have been selected, the eye care professional will perform a trial fit. This involves placing the lenses on the patient’s eyes and assessing how they fit. The eye care professional will check for any signs of discomfort, irritation, or movement of the lenses. They will also evaluate the patient’s visual acuity with the lenses in place.
Step 4⁚ Evaluation and Refinement
After the initial trial fit, it’s crucial to evaluate the patient’s experience with the lenses. This involves assessing both the comfort and visual acuity achieved. Ask the patient about any discomfort, irritation, or foreign body sensation they may experience. Inquire about their ability to see clearly at both near and far distances, as well as their overall satisfaction with the lenses.
Based on the initial evaluation, adjustments might be necessary. This could involve fine-tuning the lens parameters, such as base curve, diameter, or lens power; The eye care professional may also suggest alternative lens designs or fitting techniques if the initial selection isn’t optimal.
The evaluation and refinement process is iterative. It may involve multiple follow-up appointments to ensure the lenses are providing the best possible vision and comfort for the patient. The goal is to achieve a comfortable fit, optimal visual acuity, and patient satisfaction with their Biofinity Multifocal lenses.
Lens Parameters
Understanding the key lens parameters is essential for a successful Biofinity Multifocal fitting. These parameters dictate how the lenses interact with the eye and influence the wearer’s visual experience. The primary parameters to consider include⁚
- Base Curve (BC)⁚ The base curve represents the curvature of the back surface of the lens. It determines how well the lens sits on the cornea. A correctly fitted base curve ensures a comfortable and stable fit without excessive movement or pressure.
- Diameter (DIA)⁚ The diameter refers to the overall size of the contact lens. It influences how much of the cornea the lens covers. A proper diameter ensures the lens covers the cornea adequately without overlapping onto the sclera (the white part of the eye).
- Lens Power⁚ Lens power refers to the amount of correction needed to address refractive errors. For Biofinity Multifocal lenses, power is typically prescribed for both distance and near vision, accommodating presbyopia.
The precise selection of each parameter depends on the individual patient’s eye characteristics and visual needs. The eye care professional uses specialized instruments and techniques to measure these parameters and determine the optimal lens specifications for each patient.
Base Curve (BC)
The base curve (BC) of a Biofinity Multifocal contact lens is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and stable fit on the eye. It represents the curvature of the lens’s back surface, which interacts directly with the cornea. A well-matched BC allows the lens to sit comfortably on the cornea without excessive movement or pressure, minimizing discomfort and improving vision.
The BC is measured in millimeters (mm) and is typically determined through a keratometry reading, which measures the curvature of the cornea. The eye care professional will select a BC that aligns with the patient’s corneal shape, ensuring a proper fit.
If the BC is too steep, the lens may sit too tightly on the cornea, causing discomfort and potential corneal irritation. Conversely, if the BC is too flat, the lens may be loose and move around on the eye, affecting vision and stability.
A properly fitted BC is critical for optimal wear and tear of the Biofinity Multifocal lenses. It ensures comfort, stability, and optimal vision correction for the wearer.
Diameter (DIA)
The diameter (DIA) of a Biofinity Multifocal contact lens is another crucial parameter for ensuring a proper fit and comfortable wear. It represents the overall size of the lens, determining how much of the cornea it covers. A well-matched DIA ensures that the lens sits centrally on the eye, providing optimal coverage without encroaching on the limbus (the edge of the cornea).
DIA is measured in millimeters (mm) and is typically determined based on the patient’s corneal size and shape. The eye care professional will select a DIA that provides adequate coverage without causing any discomfort or obstructing peripheral vision.
If the DIA is too large, the lens may overlap the limbus, potentially causing discomfort and blurring of peripheral vision. Conversely, if the DIA is too small, the lens may not cover the entire cornea, leading to instability and vision problems.
A properly fitted DIA contributes significantly to the overall comfort and effectiveness of Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses. It ensures the lens sits securely on the eye, providing clear vision and minimizing any potential discomfort or complications.
Lens Power
Lens power is a critical aspect of Biofinity Multifocal contact lens fitting, representing the corrective strength required to address the patient’s near and far vision needs. It is measured in diopters (D) and is essential for achieving clear vision at various distances. The lens power is determined by the patient’s refractive error, which is assessed during a comprehensive eye exam;
Biofinity Multifocal lenses incorporate a multifocal design, featuring different lens powers for near and far vision. The dominant eye typically receives a distance prescription, while the non-dominant eye receives a near prescription, allowing the patient to see clearly at both near and far distances.
Accurate lens power selection is crucial for optimal vision correction. If the lens power is too strong, the patient may experience blurred vision or eye strain. Conversely, if the lens power is too weak, the patient may continue to experience blurry vision.
The eye care professional will carefully determine the appropriate lens power for each eye, considering the patient’s specific refractive error, presbyopia level, and visual needs. This ensures that the lenses provide the correct amount of correction for clear and comfortable vision throughout the day.
Adaptation and Adjustment
Transitioning to Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses involves a period of adaptation, as the brain learns to utilize the different lens powers for near and far vision. This adjustment process is typically seamless for most patients, but it may take a few days or weeks for the eyes and brain to fully adjust to the new visual experience.
During the initial adaptation period, patients may experience some temporary discomfort, blurry vision, or difficulty focusing at certain distances. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to subside as the eyes adjust.
To facilitate adaptation, eye care professionals may advise patients to wear the lenses for shorter periods initially, gradually increasing the wear time as comfort levels improve. They may also recommend specific exercises or activities to help the eyes focus and adjust to the lenses.
It’s important for patients to communicate any concerns or difficulties they experience during the adaptation process. The eye care professional can then provide appropriate guidance and support to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Biofinity Multifocal contact lenses.