TRANSITIONS OPTICAL LAUNCHES MONOGRAPH COMPRISING LATEST CLINICAL RESEARCH ON VISION-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Resource to Help Eyecare Professionals Meet Overall Patient Needs
ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 21, 2002 – Transitions Optical, Inc. today announced the availability of the “Light, Sight and Photochromics” monograph focusing on the latest research in a relatively new area of clinical investigation, vision-related quality of life (VRQOL). The announcement was made during a breakfast briefing sponsored by Transitions Optical held in conjunction with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

“Vision-related quality of life is a way of defining a patient’s overall visual experience that considers visual acuity, but also visual comfort and long-term vision protection,” said Susan Stenson, M.D., F.A.C.S., clinical professor of ophthalmology at New York University’s School of Medicine. Stenson was the featured speaker at the breakfast briefing and editor of the monograph.

“Up until now, there was no single source eyecare professionals could consult for a comprehensive discussion of issues related to light and sight,” she said. “By gaining understanding of the various aspects of vision-related quality of life, eyecare professionals can offer patients more comprehensive eyewear solutions to meet their patients’ overall visual needs.”

“As an education leader in the optical industry, we’re committed to providing eyecare professionals the information they need to make the best possible decisions for the eyewear and eye health of each patient,” said Denis Fisk, director of global education for Transitions Optical, Inc. and a presenter during the breakfast briefing event. “We were pleased to support the development of the monograph and its launch here at AAO to encourage discussion of the range of topics that can affect the visual experience.”

Among the topics explored in the monograph are:
  • Light and Sight – an overview including the relationship between light and sight, damaging affects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), how to protect eyes from UVR, lens options and their advantages and disadvantages.
  • Color Vision – an exploration of an inherent part of most people’s visual experience and how it should be understood in relation to VRQOL.
  • Contrast Sensitivity and Glare Acuity – discussion of these two aspects of vision that are not fully revealed through traditional Snellan 20/20 visual acuity tests but have a role in VRQOL.
  • Photochromics and Children – focus on long-term vision protection as an essential aspect of VRQOL that should start at a young age. Includes a discussion of the value of photochromics for kids.
  • Filters – examines times and places where the use of filters to decrease excessive or stray light will increase the efficiency of light in mediating vision. The section covers how lenses serve as light filters.
  • List of suggested reading.

Clinical Research: Transitions&reg Lenses and VRQOL

During the presentation, Stenson discussed an independent study conducted by her team at NYU in which patients evaluated their visual experiences wearing Transitions&reg photochromic lenses versus regular, clear lenses. Patients rated their experiences according to the Transitions Vision-Related Quality of Life instrument1, according to five subscales: Vision Comfort, Daily Activities, Conditions Experienced, Features and Satisfaction.

“The study found that patients experienced a significant improvement in visual comfort and satisfaction with Transitions Lenses over regular, clear lenses outdoors, and had equivalent experiences with both types of lenses indoors,” Stenson said.

Stenson added that four out of five patients preferred the visual comfort of Transitions Lenses over regular, clear lenses.

“The findings suggest that patients are best served with comprehensive product solutions that address visual comfort as well as visual acuity,” she said.

The Importance of Everyday Protection

The importance of UV protection was emphasized in Stenson’s presentation, which explored the impact of cumulative UV exposure in damage to the eye and eye lid.

“Just as the skin needs protection from the damaging affects of UV rays, the eyes need sunblock, too,” said Stenson. “As a higher-performing everyday lens, which provides all-the-time UV protection and comfort in varying light conditions, Transitions Lenses can address all aspects of vision-related quality of life.”

How To Request a Copy of “Light, Sight and Photochromics”
To request a complimentary copy of the monograph, contact Transitions Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877)-254-2590 (Canada).

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1 Copyright © 2002 Transitions Optical, Inc