By Laurie L. Sorrenson, OD, FAAO
With so many contact lenses options available, at least some of your patients are probably in contact lenses that are not the healthiest for their eyes. If your practice is like mine, most of these patients can easily be convinced to give silicone hydrogel lenses a try, but you may have a few hold-outs. And those who express interest in trying silicone hydrogels may drag their feet in getting around to making the switch.
If you’re looking for a way to move patients to action in following your advice to change lenses, invest in a specular microscope. This piece of machinery allows you to visualize and analyze the corneal endothelium, and to show patients a picture of the damage that their low-Dk lenses are doing to their eyes. They no longer have to take your word for it on the damage from contact lenses that fail to provide enough oxygen permeation. My patients practically beg me to change their contact lens prescription after they are shown an in-depth view of their corneas.
Most of your patients will listen to your advice on which contact lenses are best for them, but investing in equipment like the specular microscope gives your words greater power. It allows you to literally create a picture for patients that reinforces what you are saying.
What techniques do you use to help contact lenses patients understand the benefits of upgrading contact lenses? What is the best way to educate patients about why they should make a switch?
