A recent article caught my eye that summarized the top trends in electronic gizmos of the last decade. These sorts of lists have always interested me, because I feel that they allow consumers of the content to connect with the list from a very personal standpoint.

Every few years, Contact Lens Spectrum assembles a list of contact lens events, initiatives, or issues intended to be reflective of important trends in the contact lens field. Our last such list was published in September 2016, and while some things have not changed, others certainly have. Here is a list of some of the more exciting developments in the field of contact lenses.

• There is no doubt that there remains much interest and changing practice patterns in myopia control. New research, new treatment approaches, and new models for incorporating myopia control into clinical practice are all driving this exciting initiative.
• One concern that has recently become more acute is both online distribution of prescriptions (literally, internet-based eye examinations) and non-prescription-based distribution of contact lenses. While we have not yet seen major regulatory involvement or law enforcement regarding this issue, it is anticipated that this will be the next step in this evolving story.
• Growth in specialty lenses is certainly driving enthusiasm in the contact lens market and is a force to be considered as it relates to the aforementioned prescribing practices.
• Technology will continue to evolve in tandem with contact lenses along the lines of either so-called smart contact lens technologies or ultra-customized contact lenses (i.e., precision contact lenses analogous to precision medicine initiatives).
• Daily disposables have continued their growth trend in the United States market, having been the category with the largest growth overall for the past several years.
• Contact lens discomfort remains as frequent as it has been in the past. While we have seen new technologies to diagnose and/or treat dry eye come to market, we have yet to see major advances in our understanding, or reductions in the frequency, of contact lens dry eye in our patients.

Which topics or issues are on your list? Let us know at clspectrum@pentavisionmedia.com.