Prescribing for Astigmatism

Current Daily Disposable Torics

By Vishakha Thakrar, OD, FAAO

Is there a need for daily disposable (DD) toric lenses in our market? Yes. The DD market should be one of the fastest growing soft lens segments in the United States. We can probably look toward new growth relative to release of new lenses and improved technology, competitive pricing, and overall better implementation within our practices.

Every large manufacturer has released a DD toric lens. Table 1 outlines parameters and properties of all current DD torics now available and those not yet available in the United States.

The arguments for and against DD toric lenses are similar to those of all DD lenses.

Arguments for DD Lenses

A Clean Lens Every Day Fresh lenses should reduce the chance of microbial keratitis because of decreased handling and reduced exposure to lens solutions and cases (Szczokta-Flynn, 2010; Hall and Jones, 2010). A clean lens daily particularly benefits patients who suffer from allergies and who deposit heavily.

Convenience Throwing a lens away after each use is more convenient compared to using lens care regimens.

Compliance Patients tend to be more compliant with DD lenses than any other modality. (Dumbleton et al, 2010).

Arguments Against DD Lenses

Price These lenses are more expensive compared to silicone hydrogel two-week or monthly lenses. However, to better understand the differences, calculate prices to include care regimens and frequency of wear. The differences in prices are less than you would assume.

Material While we expect expansion in the future, all DD toric lenses are now available only in HEMA materials.

Limited Brands and Parameters Available brands and parameters will inevitably increase as the lenses are better adopted in the industry.

Packaging Full-time wearers dispose of higher amounts of packaging, but in fact, lens solution use may result in a similar and relatively low environmental impact (Morgan et al, 2003). CLS

For references, please visit www.clspectrum.com/references.asp and click on document #181.

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Dr. Thakrar has a specialty contact lens practice and is a clinical optometrist at TLC Laser Eye Center in Mississauga, Ontario. She is also a professional affairs consultant to Vistakon. You can reach her at thakrarv@gmail.com.