larrydoc

If the cornea flattens, there is a DECREASE in myopia or an INCREASE in
hyperopia.

In my experience, about half of patients who previously used "the old
kind of" soft lenses, especially for extended wear, showed an initial
(one week of N&D) power change of +.25 to +.50. A significant minority
of those, and nearly 100% of those who slept in lenses continued to show
less myopia (or more hyperopia) over the next 3 weeks.

Some of this is related to small changes in the cornea topography
resulting from the "stiffer" silicone hydrogel, and some related to
"decompression" and reversal of cornea edema caused by the former low DK
lenses.

Just yesterday, a former -8D extended wearer patient, over a three week
period of time became a -6.50 myope-----and required three lens power
reductions of the time. She showed almost NO change in cornea
topography (so that 1.5 change appears to be from swelling) and a marked
DECREASE in "my eyes are always red in a circle around the cornea".

Of course in real life, functionally, thst 1.5 change makes little
difference. But it does show the HUGE benefit afforded by dispensing
properly designed and fitted contact lenses. Instead of "this is what
we've got in stock today" or "the cheapest lens from scamming an on-line
reseller".

Gotta love it!

--LB

--
Dr. Larry Bickford, O.D.
Family Practice Eye Health & Vision Care

The Eyecare Connection
http//www.eyecarecontacts.com
larrydoc at m a c.c o m