AUGUST , 2023 | THE HEALTH

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

However , he acknowledged that there was room for improvement .“ Many customers are still purchasing contact lenses online and are missing out on preliminary or regular contact lenses reviews that ensure their eyes are healthy and suitable for contact lenses wear .

“ Some customers are looking for lower cost contact lenses with scant regard to the importance of contact lenses suitability ( material or modality ) besides the safety and health aspect of their eyes .

“ However , we notice that public awareness of contact lenses care is increasing due to more awareness campaigns and information sharing through eye care professionals ,” said Yap .

SEEK ADVICE FROM AN EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL

Optique Eyeworks Optometrist Carol Ngoi Ru Shan explained : “ There are several factors to consider when selecting a suitable modality for the wearer . First and foremost is a thorough eye examination by an eye care professional .

After the examination , the eye care professional will also weigh the patients ’ prescribing habits , the pros and cons of each option , comfort , convenience , health , hygiene and compliance .

“ Regarding comfort , daily disposable contact lenses are generally thinner and provide better comfort than monthly / bi-weekly contact lenses .

“ As for convenience , we cater to those who are always on the go / rush , who prefer the simplicity of daily disposable contact lenses as there is no aftercare regime .”

Ngoi said that in the case of health and hygiene , there was a need to consider those sensitive to contact lenses solutions and at risk of complications from contact lenses wear .

“ Compliance is another important criterion when selecting contact lenses . This is because some people tend to over-wear their contact lenses and are not disciplined in aftercare regimen or timely disposal , which can lead to permanent vision loss from infections .”

INTERCHANGING MODALITIES While Yap explained contact lenses

wearers could interchange between both types of contact lenses modalities , he stressed on patients having proper consultation and recommendation from an eye care professional to ensure optimal eye health , comfort , and vision correction .

“ Monthly contact lenses are more cost effective . However , monthly contact lenses wearers could opt for daily contact lenses as they are more convenient and require less care or when travelling .

“ Furthermore , some activities and sports such as extreme activity as highly recommended for daily disposable contact lenses to reduce contact lenses

Yap Choon Eng

Carol Ngoi Ru Shan

complications .

“ Patients may use clear speciality contact lenses ( e . g ., astigmatism or multifocal contact lenses ) for their daily vision needs , and opt for daily cosmetic contact lenses for their event or special occasions uses .”

MODALITY COMPLIANCE RATE

The compliance rate of daily disposable contact lenses is the highest among all , said Yap .

“ As daily contact lenses are thrown away immediately after removal , less aftercare is needed .”

“ Meanwhile , for monthly disposable contact lenses , we tend to see more users overwearing their contact lenses beyond schedule , not properly cleaning and storing them , and not regularly changing their contact lens cases .

He stressed monthly disposable contact lenses users require continuous aftercare review to ensure their eyes are healthy and compliance to contact lenses care .

“ As eye care professionals , continuous education and reminder to users are important to ensure a proper compliance of contact lenses usage .”

“ Last but not least , Optique Eyeworks and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care are committed to our mission to educate and manage all our contact lenses users through continuous education and thorough assessment to prescribe the most suitable type of contact lenses for them .

“ This will ensure they have a long and healthy contact lenses-wearing journey .” Yap noted that Johnson & Johnson Vision Care had always been supportive of Optique Eyeworks and also other eye care professionals needs by ;

• Organising related programmes or training to create better eye health awareness , such as the NEHA ( National Eye Health Awareness ) campaign , and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Global Vision Summit .

• Supporting eye care professionals by providing trial contact lenses for fitting .

• Fast delivery time and good online inventory system .

• Providing a wide product range with extensive parameters to give the widest coverage to potential or existing users . He added : “ Consumer response to Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Acuvue contact lenses has always been very positive due to the high level of satisfaction on vision stability and comfort , as well as high consumer awareness and recognition of the Johnson & Johnson brand name , especially among new users .” – The Health

From left : Ong Cheng Wah , Yap Choon Eng , Chak Vun Kai , Carol Ngoi Ru Shan , Nurliah Sulaiman , Jayne Lim Qian Xiu and Reine Liu Qi Jun .