PERRET OPTICIANS SOFT CONTACT LENSES Bifocal contact lenses FOCUS Progressives

	Perret Opticians
We have been opticians for three generations in our family, and our activity is targeted on three areas, optometry, contact lenses and optical instruments.

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SOFT CONTACT LENSES

Bifocal contact lenses

FOCUS Progressives

Today's post-war baby-boomers are a remarkable lot. More fashion-conscious than all preceding generations of over-4Os, it's no surprise that the brown cardigans and slippers bequeathed to them by their parents have been left on the shelf in favour of designer shirts, Sony Play stations and trainers; and they are quick to buy top-end fashion frames when faced with the onset of presbyopia.

But there are others who may still prefer to lead a frame-free life - or at the very least, to have an alternative. Admittedly, the concept of contact lenses for older, presbyopic consumers may be harder to sell than contact lenses for younger, myopic consumers. This is where it is crucial for opticians to outline the benefits of the product as well as suggesting that it can be used as an occasional alternative to frames. Once consumers have warmed to the idea, it's a matter of explaining the technical dynamics in simple terms using the range of marketing materials available from manufacturers.

"Patients who were initially sceptical about using contact lenses were very impressed with the comfort and quality of vision with the Acuvue Bifocal contact lenses," says David Bennett, an optometrist from Brooks and Wardman in Nottingham. "The extensive range of prescription combinations means that nearly all patients can wear these bifocal lenses and continue to carry out normal activities."

CIBA Vision, which produces the Focus Progressive contact lens, estimates that the product could generate 10 million additional wearers in the UK alone. "Recent market indicators suggest that there is room for significant growth in the sector and this lens is a key element in achieving this," comments Marcella McParland, CIBA Vision Professional advices Director.

Lens Material
The lens material vifilcon A, a hydrophilic co-polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and povidone, USP. The chemical name is poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate co-methacrylic acid-g-povidone).

Lens Parameters
Chord Diameter:	14.0 mm
Center Thickness:	0.10 mm at all minus powers
	0.16 mm at +3.00D (varies with power)
Base Curves:	8.6 mm and 8.9 mm
Powers:	-9.00D to +8.00D sphere (0.25D steps)

Lens Properties
Refractive index (hydrated):	1.415
Light Transmittance:	Visitint 93%
Oxygen Permeability (Dk):	16.0 x 10-11 (cm2/sec)(ml O2/ml x mm Hg), measured at 23 degrees C (Fatt method)
Water Content:	55% by weight in normal saline

Focus Dailies Progressives:

Focus Dailies Progressives from Ciba are the first daily contact lenses which ensure sharp, natural vision for near, intermediate and far sight. The launch of this product took place in Italy last November, where batches of 30 lenses are available in a range from +5D to -6D (0.25D step), with a base radius of 8.6mm and diameter of 13.8mm.

The lenses are the ideal solution for all those over 45s who have an active lifestyle, divided between computers, reading and sports activities, and they ensure a vision without the brusque transitions or distortions typical of bifocal or reading lenses.

A perfect blend of comfort and practicality, file lenses are the outcome of exclusive Ciba Vision production technology, which makes it possible to produce each lens with complex progressive design, maintaining the slim, regular edges, thus guaranteeing a constant quality level of softness and comfort.

Lens Material
The lens material is nelfilcon A polymer (polyvinyl alcohol partially acetalized with N-formylmethyl acrylamide).

Lens Parameters
Base curve:	8.6mm
Diameter:	13.8mm
Powers available:	-6.00D to +5.00D (0.25D steps)
	Single Progressive Add - Effective Range up to +3.00D
Center thickness:	0.10 at -3.00D; 0.15 at +3.00D (varies with power)

Lens Properties
Specific gravity:	1.06
Refractive index:	1.38 (hydrated)
Light transmittance:	96% (approx.)
Oxygen permeability (Dk):	26 x 10-11(cm2/sec)(ml 02 /ml x mm Hg) at 35 degrees C (Fatt corrected)
Water content:	69% by weight in normal saline

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