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October 6, 2023
Since I began practicing 20 years ago, the fitting process, and options, for multifocal soft contact lenses have improved dramatically. In the past, a lot of chair time, visual compromise, and careful patient selection were required. But we’ve come a long way in the last decade, and all those issues have greatly improved. To a large degree, the latest multifocal lens designs have helped to minimize those concerns.
The improvements are especially important these days, because like at most practices, many of the patients we see at Arizona Primary Eye Care in Tucson are spending an extraordinary amount of time doing near work on digital devices. All that time staring at screens tends to make contact lens use a bit more challenging. Our practice also sees a lot of patients with active lifestyles who want to be able to enjoy a variety of visual activities without much compromise, so helping them find the right contact lens for them is essential.
Benefits of ACUVUE MAX Multifocal
Traditionally, in our practice, we’ve thought of multifocals as most likely correcting two areas of vision very well but probably needing a bit of a compromise in the remaining area. However, we are not finding this to be an issue with our patients who wear ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-DAY Multifocal. We’ve had several patients switch to this lens. These patients have noticed better consistency of vision across all distances.** Many have also noted visual clarity in all lighting conditions, from day to night, while wearing this multifocal.1 With this lens, they felt confident in their night driving in general.^
Also, when it comes to comfort, preserving eye moisture is extremely important in our dry Tucson climate. ACUVUE MAX Multifocal reduces tear evaporation and prolongs tear-film stability.#2-4 Although not quite at 100%, we’ve had only a very few patients who were unable to wear this lens. ACUVUE MAX Multifocal provides consistent, comfortable visual performance at all distances.1,5 Many of my patients have told me it’s the closest they’ve experienced to pre-presbyopic vision in a multifocal contact lens to date. Patients love the OptiBlue Light Filter† as well. I’d say, the main attributes that put this lens on top are exceptionally effortless vision, excellent comfort, and reduction of light scatter.*^1-3
Tips for a Good Fit
Now that we fit the ACUVUE MAX Multifocal, I have had to change my usual multifocal presentation for patients. I’ve found I no longer need to set the stage for compromise and multiple visits to get the best possible balance. With MAX, I can present multifocals in an upbeat manner. Now, I typically say, “We now have an innovative daily multifocal lens that has been a game changer for our patients who lead active lifestyles and spend much of their days on digital devices.”
While I do like to see patients back once after a short trial period, we have certainly achieved a high rate of success fitting with this lens at the patient’s first visit.6 I find that remarkable and feel that it’s the easiest multifocal to fit.^ Because of this, I feel very confident in both fitting and prescribing the ACUVUE MAX Multifocal for new contact lens wearers.^
Reaction from Prior Dropouts
I have been especially pleased to see that this lens is valued by patients with no or minimal distance correction but who now find themselves constantly reaching for reading glasses. I would also suggest that you consider offering ACUVUE MAX Multifocal to prior dropouts. Our practice has seen that eight out of ten patients were satisfied with this new lens and made a purchase after an initial trial period.^ Most patients tell us that they thought their experience couldn’t get any better until they tried this lens,^ and as previously mentioned, it is very wearable for most.
Multifocal Lenses as Practice Builders
I have loved multifocal lenses for quite a while as I feel they are practice builders and offer solutions our patients desire. My recommendation rate was fairly high to begin with, but with the availability of the ACUVUE MAX Multifocal, I feel even more enthused about offering multifocal contact lenses to my patients. Specifically, patients who are new presbyopes who have little desire to compromise on acuity and range are good candidates for this lens. Those who have tried these multifocal contact lenses are so happy with their vision, that after a year of wearing them, many have returned to refill their prescriptions.^ Few wearers have expressed a desire to try another lens or wondered if their vision could be better, and several have recommended ACUVUE MAX Multifocal to family and friends.^ Patients are excited to share their new experience with multifocal contacts.
Additionally, we’ve had a lot of success upgrading patients, since, as to be expected, they want exceptional vision and comfort.1 That’s what ACUVUE MAX Multifocal offers – patients are wowed by the comfort and vision,1 and they like the idea of blue light filtering†/UV protection‡,¶ as well. This contact lens is my first choice for upgrading patients from a reusable lens,^ and it is also a good alternative for patients who are satisfied, but not in love with, their current multifocals.
ACUVUE MAX Multifocal is everything we as ECPs have been asking for in a soft multifocal contact lens. It’s a win-win for all involved.
*Versus ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day.
**Versus DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal
^JJV Data from the ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day In-Practice Assessment, with 81 participating Optometrists and 605 spherical and 390 multifocal patients in the US from July to October 2022.
#Versus ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day, Dailies Total1, My Day, Infuse and Precision 1
†Filtering of high-energy visible light by contact lenses has not been demonstrated to confer any health benefit to the user, including but not limited to retinal protection, protection from cataract progression, reduced eye strain, improved contrast, improved acuity, reduced glare, improved low light vision, or improved circadian rhythm/sleep cycle. An eye care professional should be consulted for more information.
‡ Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.
¶ WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.
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References
1 JJV Data on File 2022. Subjective Stand-Alone Claims for ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL Contact Lenses – Exploratory Meta-analysis.
2 JJV Data on File 2022. Effect on Tear Film and Evaluation of Visual Artifacts with ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day Family.
3 JJV Data on File 2022. JJV Data on File 2022 TearStable Technology Definition.
4 JJV Data on File 2022. Material Properties: 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST, 1-DAY ACUVUE TruEye, ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe Technology and ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day with TearStable Technology Brand Contact Lenses and other daily disposable contact lens brands.
5 JJV Data on file 2022. CSM- ACUVUE PUPIL OPTIMIZED DESIGN Technology: JJVC contact lenses, design features, and associated benefits.
6 JJV Data on File 2022: Stand-Alone Fit Success Claims for ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL Contact Lenses.
Important Safety Information: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. by calling 1-800-843-2020, or by visiting www.jnjvisionpro.com.
PP2023AVOM4633
