Published in Contact Lens

An Infusion of the Ocular Surface Minds

Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO

Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO

Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO

This post is sponsored by Bausch + Lomb
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In this session from Eyes On Eyecare: Re-Envisioning Ocular Surface Health in Contact Lens Wear, join Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS; Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO; and Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO as they discuss the INFUSE® silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens from Bausch & Lomb.

What was the impetus behind INFUSE® contact lenses?

When doctors Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS, and Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, are choosing a contact lens for their patients, they prioritize the following:
  • The science that goes into design
  • Whether the manufacturer actually consulted with ECPs to fill an unmet need
Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO, provided further details about the science behind the Bausch & Lomb INFUSE contact lenses, which were developed with a next-generation material to help minimize impact on the ocular surface.2
According to the Tear Film & Ocular Surface (TFOS) Society’s DEWS II Report, homeostasis is key to optimal comfort and vision for patients. Leveraging findings from the 2017 TFOS DEWS II Report,1 INFUSE lenses are designed to promote ocular surface health.2

Contact lens discomfort can lead to contact lens dropouts

It’s estimated that about 1 in 3 multifocal wearers tend to drop out due to poor vision or discomfort.3 Prior to developing the INFUSE lens, Bausch & Lomb conducted a survey on individuals wearing premium silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses. 53% of patients responded that they experience contact lens dryness at the end of the day, and 69% said they settle for less comfort in order to wear contacts for an entire day.4* Bausch & Lomb also collected data that 8 out of 10 patients wearing premium daily disposable contact lenses want something different or better, if available.
*Results of a consumer symptoms study of 318 silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens wearers.

Case Study: 52 year-old female

  • Her distance spherical power is +2.50 with a high add.
  • She is using preservative-free artificial tears BID.
  • Her TBUT was about 10 seconds in the right eye and 8 seconds in the left eye with the lenses off.
  • While wearing contact lenses, vision gets more uncomfortable as the day goes on.
  • She displayed mild nuclear sclerosis.
  • The first question asked was whether more add power could be given to help her with near work, even if she was already maxed out in her current lens design.
  • Upon introducing a trial lens, one eye at a time, her over-refraction in her current lenses was plano.
  • Then the question is whether she’s experiencing disruption in her homeostasis even though her ocular surface is relatively healthy. Is it her environment that may be causing ocular homeostasis disruption?
Dr. Brujic concluded that this is an ideal patient for the INFUSE lens because her lack of homeostasis was likely causing issues in vision and comfort.

What you need to know about INFUSE contact lenses

Drs Schaeffer, Messer, and Brujic engaged in a dynamic conversation about the features that make INFUSE lenses unique:
  • ProBalance Technology®—Helps maintain ocular surface homeostasis and 96% of its moisture for a full 16-hours2 with:
    • Osmoprotectants like erythritol and glycerin2
    • Electrolytes
    • Moisturizers like poloxamine 1107
  • 3-Zone Progressive Design™—Exclusively for presbyopes, this proprietary multifocal lens technology delivers clear vision with seamless transitions between near, far, and in-between.2,5
  • Next-generation kalifilcon A material—Helps minimize impact on the ocular surface. While the lens is technically a silicone hydrogel, it acts very differently than traditional silicone hydrogels because it’s woven through with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), a next-generation material that delivers exceptionally high moisture and breathability, in addition to a low modulus for comfort.2
  • The INFUSE® One-Day Multifocal Contact Lenses are optimized for 7 biometrics2,5 across 9 critical distances.

Not just for presbyopes—whom is this lens for?

Dr. Schaeffer emphasized that INFUSE contact lenses can be successfully used by a wide range of patients, but he has seen particularly good results with presbyopic patients who may be experiencing discomfort with their current contact lenses. INFUSE's unique material is designed to help minimize impact on the ocular surface.
Dr. Schaeffer also emphasized the importance of promoting ocular surface homeostasis for all patients. Therefore, in his practice, he recommends INFUSE to all first-time wearers, patients switching from monthly to daily disposables, and patients using daily disposable swaps.
Dr. Brujic added that the prevalence of digital device use and gaming makes INFUSE a suitable option for a wide range of patients, including younger individuals. Drs Schaeffer and Brujic agreed that patients often have a positive experience when trying INFUSE lenses, even if they have been wearing contact lenses for many years.
Dr. Messer concluded the discussion by stating that INFUSE is a fan favorite and encouraged all ECPs to reach out to their local Bausch & Lomb representatives for more information or visit the website.
1. Jones L, Downie LE, Korb D, et al. TFOS DEWS II management and therapy report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):575-628.
2. Data on file. Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. Rochester, NY.
3. Rueff EM, Varghese RJ, Brack TM et al.  A survey of presbyopic contact lens wearers in a university setting. Optom Vis Sci. 2016;93(8):848-854.
4. Kadence International, April 2019.
5. Kingston AC, Cox IG. Predicting through-focus visual acuity with the eye's natural aberrations. Optom Vis Sci. 2013;90(10):1111-1118.
Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS
About Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Dr. Messer focuses on the management of cataract, glaucoma, cornea, and refractive surgery.

Additionally, she also routinely manages patients with keratoconus and those in need of post-surgical cornea care. When her cornea patients need it, Dr. Messer uses corneal and scleral gas permeable lenses, as well as custom soft lens designs. She is certified to fit EyePrintPRO scleral lenses for complex vision and ocular surface needs. She also has a special interest in myopia control and orthokeratology contact lenses.

Dr. Messer is a member of several optometric organizations.

More by Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS
Brooke Messer, OD, FAAO, FSLS
Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO
About Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO

Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO is a 2002 graduate of the New England College of Optometry. He is a partner of Premier Vision Group, a successful four location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment and specialty contact lenses. He is active at all levels of organized optometry. Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications. He has published over 400 articles and has given over 1800 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care.

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Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO
Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO
About Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO

Dr. Mark Schaeffer serves as Clinical Field Manager at MyEyeDr in Birmingham, Alabama where he practices full-scope optometry. In addition to his clinical work, he is affiliated with several pharmaceutical companies in consulting for ocular disease and contact lenses. Dr. Schaeffer is the author of multiple articles that have appeared in various journals. He has served as a moderator for EyeTubeOD and has given several COPE-approved presentations. He is a founding member of the Intrepid Eye Society and is a member of the Alabama and American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, and the Contact Lens and Cornea Section.

Dr. Schaeffer earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from University of Georgia, his Doctor of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry, and completed a residency in Ocular Disease at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

More by Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO
Mark Schaeffer, OD, FAAO
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