Need help with photochromic options

[smjerome]

Hi all,

I have a patient who is 29 and has retinitis pigmentosa. She needs photochromic lenses, but regular Transitions get too dark for her...she already has trouble with low light conditions, so I'm wondering if anyone knows of a photochromic lens that transmits more light in its "darkened" state than regular Transitions VI. Our lab states that the older versions of Transitions are no longer availabe (at least through them).

Thanks!

[Fezz]

What about the Corning CPF series of lenses? They are photochromic. They are distributed thorough Winchester Optical.

http://winoptical.com/medical/ecpcpf.htm


PS. Welcome to Optiboard!!!

[snowmonster]

Would Transitions or LifeRx be okay if you had an AR coating? Or does she already have this?

[obxeyeguy]

What about the Corning CPF series of lenses? I don't remember if any are photochromic, but it may be worth looking into! They are distributed thorough Winchester Optical.

http://winoptical.com/medical/ecpcpf.htm

I was going to say drivewear. But after re-reading, I see

she already has trouble with low light conditions,

and think they may be too dark inside for only 1 pair of glasses. Same with the CPF. Heck, I don't think you can do 100% on this with one pair. CPF or drivewear for one, clear or lightly tinted for the other. JMHO

[snowmonster]

Perhaps a sun clip?

[Fezz]

Here is a helpful link about the CPF series:

http://www.visionadvantage.net/corningmedicaloptics.htm

[Fezz]

Perhaps a sun clip?

That sounds like a good option. The CPF series is available in clip-ons if they need to go that way as well.

[partyoptician]

Since she is 29 is it safe to assume you only need SV? If so I may have ( I'm at home now and will check) some old semi finished trans lenses you can have for free. Let me know. :)

[crosseyedwildcat]

I've heard of Labs tinting the backside scratch coat on LIfeRX lenses. I'm not sure if a Yellow or Pink would help out your patient. The color will still be dark when activated, but the yellow might allow better viewing in the darkened state.

[snowmonster]

Isn't any amount of tint going to hurt her at night by reducing the overall amount of light getting in?

I still say AR Transitions or AR with sun clip is your best bet.

[crosseyedwildcat]

Why are we looking for a one pair solution. Would 2 pair at minimum not cover her needs better.

[casper]

I'm new to replying, so please bare with me.
My son has R.P. He is 8 yrs old. He has 20 degrees
of field. My Aunt also has it. They really don't recommend photochromic tints. My aunt loves her
fit overs in brown. My son loves his pls lenses in
a redish color. I hope this helps.

[smjerome]

Hi -

Thanks for the reply - do you have older generation Transitions? Her Rx is -1.50 -1.00 x 013 and -1.00 -1.00 x 145. Whatever help you could give me is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[partyoptician]

Sorry I only have 8 Base semi finished trans that is very old and yellowed. You can have them if you want them.

[casper]

I think its best to stay away from any type of transitions
lenses. This type of lens will always carry a low grade of
tint even inside. RP patients need certain amount of light. In lower light condintions some patients cannot see at all or its very difficult. If she has 2 pairs one clear
and one sunglass would probally work out better. Color of tint is important. Brown in the fit-overs work better than the grey. Brown has better contrast. Or you can tint
CR-39 in the CPF series. I believe some-one mention it.
Some labs carry this tint, its not very expensive to do.They will reccomend what color depending on what the eye disease is. With a back side AR would be great if she can afford it.

[Ory]

This may be a stupid suggestion and I'm sure someone will tell me why it won't work but........

What about taking a CR-39 Transitions lens and soaking it in a UV inhibitor? I would assume that depending on how long you soaked the lens, you could affect the photochromic density.

If I remember correctly, the photochromic is evenly distributed throughout the lens. So the more UV inhibitor you put in front of the photochromic at the back, the less it will respond.

Worst case scenario, it will cost you a pair of photochromic lenses to find out.

[Fezz]

I still say...look into the CPF series of lenses. They are designed to help with serious visual problems. One of the tints is specifically designed for RP.

Yeah...they may look goofy, but if they work....!

[partyoptician]

I agree with Fezz....give them a try first. They were designed for RP for a reason.

[Judy Canty]

I agree with Fezz as well. Use a cool frame with these slightly funky tinted lenses and call it your "Jack Nicholson" look.