TRANSITIONS OPTICAL ANNOUNCES NEW CLINICAL REVIEW PAPER EXPLORING HEALTHY VISION
Latest Offering in Transitions Optical’s Ongoing Eye Health Educational Initiative
Shares Clinical Research Concerning Contrast Sensitivity, Glare, and Quality of Vision
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., Jan. 25, 2004 – Continuing its commitment to leadership in eye health education, Transitions Optical, Inc. announces a new clinical review paper addressing the implications of contrast sensitivity and glare when considering total vision quality.

Beyond 20/20: Contrast Sensitivity, Glare, and Quality of Vision, a clinical review led by Susan Stenson, M.D., complements the first 2004 Transitions Partners In Education training module, Achieving Healthy Vision: Maximizing and Protecting Vision for Today’s Patients. A complimentary copy of the clinical review paper can also be requested through Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506.

This clinical review is just one part of a growing array of clinically focused tools to serve as information resources for issues concerning vision-related quality of life. This includes the consensus paper from the Transitions UV and Glare Roundtable, A Multidisciplinary Approach Challenging Current Thinking on UV and Glare, introduced in November 2003, and the Light, Sight, and Photochromics monograph, introduced in October 2002.

“Transitions is very proud of the support we’ve been able to offer the eyecare industry through education and training,” said Denis Fisk, director of global education, Transitions. “We were particularly encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response the clinical focus of our 2003 Partners in Education modules has received, which is why we are continuing this focus in 2004. The paper is a perfect example of the kind of educational tool eyecare professionals are finding valuable in offering healthy vision solutions to their patients.”

Fisk added that Transitions plans to make available more clinical information and research of this kind throughout the year.

Clinical Paper Overview

Beyond 20/20: Contrast Sensitivity, Glare, and Quality of Vision addresses the question of what truly constitutes good or normal vision. Traditionally, performance on the Snellen chart has been the measure of how well a patient sees, but Snellen acuity should not be the sole determinant of visual performance. Contrast sensitivity and glare have long been considered when testing for ocular disease – especially cataracts – but increasingly in clinical practice, they are also being considered when assessing overall vision quality in otherwise healthy eyes. Beyond 20/20 examines research available that has contributed to this more-comprehensive approach to total quality of vision. The paper covers:

o Background – Frames the debate between quantity of vision versus quality of vision.
o Snellen Acuity – Defines Snellen acuity and presents its limits as the sole determinant of vision performance. A standardized measurement is insufficient in the face of real-world conditions.
o Contrast Sensitivity – Defines contrast sensitivity, and explains how it is measured and why it is important when considering ocular disease and normal eyes.
o Glare – Defines glare, including the distinction between discomfort glare and disabling glare. Discusses how glare differs from contrast sensitivity. Details how glare is tested, and examines the implications of glare on normal and abnormal eyes.
o Photophobia – Details issues concerning Pathological and Non-Pathological Photophobia (light sensitivity).
o Conclusion – Presents available optical solutions that can correct or alleviate problems associated with contrast sensitivity, glare, and photophobia, including AR coatings, photochromic, polarized and fixed-tint lenses.

About Susan Stenson, M.D.

Susan M. Stenson, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a professor of Ophthalmology at New York University School of Medicine. Additionally, she serves as attending physician at institutions around the New York area, including Tisch Hospital, Bellevue Hospital and the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Stenson has extensive experience in clinical research on the topic of photochromics, leading several previously published studies. She is a past president of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO) and director of the Contact Lens and Cornea-External Diseases Services at New York University, Bellevue. She has been the recipient of Honor Awards from CLAO and from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) as well as a Senior Honor Award from the AAO. Additionally, Stenson was recently awarded the Wichterle Medal from the Czech Contact Lens Society.