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PMMA lenses. Heconductedlandmark research into how contact lens wear affects the corneal epithelium, corneal nerves and tear composition.As the head of the largest private contact lens practice in the world, Dr. Hamano was able to perform numerous large-scale, meticulous clinical studies to validate basic findings on the importance of oxygen transmission to the cornea and examine the properties of new lenses. For example, in 1994, he conducted a study that compared complication rates of various contact lens modalities in 23,000 patients. This study did much to establish the safety of the daily disposable modality. [ LENS MATERIAL AND DESIGN ]In tandem with the growing understanding of the importance of oxygen to the cornea, many exciting new materials have been developed since the old days of PMMA lenses, and lens manufacturers and clinicians have made numerous discoveries of the best way to design and fit contact lenses.Lens Design Pioneersn addition to his work on oxygen and the cornea, Dr. Mandell also worked on many contact lens design problems. He conducted studies to determine the optimal contact lens edge contour, prism effects, peripheral curve relationships, minus carrier construction and keratoconus lens design. Dr. Mandell also developed the first one-piece monocentric bifocal in 1967, and later several other bifocal lens designs. Although he retired from Berkeley in 1994, Dr. Mandell still guest lectures there and remains very active in the development of new contact lenses.Boston optometrist Donald R. Korb, O.D., F.A.A.O., is one of the field’s greatest examples of a clinician scientist. His “astute clinical observations and insights have been immensely valuable to the understanding ofEarly 1970sDr. Hamano is the first in the world to demonstrate the partialoxygen pressure on the cornea under PMMA lenses.contact lens behavior,” Dr. Mertz wrote.5In the mid-1960s, Dr. Korb described thephenomenon of central circular clouding (CCC), oredema, that occurs with PMMA lenses.6,7 He advisedclinicians to rely on fluorescein staining for an accuratedifferential diagnosis, something that was contrary to theprevailing wisdom of the time. He also recommended fitting principles to avoid CCC. One of his early papers on CCC was co-authored with Joan Exford, O.D., a young optometrist who would later become Dr. Korb’s wife and partner and with whom he would write many more important scientific papers. Donald R. Korb, O.D., F.A.A.O.Joan M. Exford Korb, O.D.,F.A.A.O., went on to serve as the first female president of the American Academy of Optometry. She is a trustee of the New England College of Optometry and a member of the National Optometry Hall of Fame.Early on, the Korbs were very interested in the interaction of the lid, cornea and tear film. In 1970, they introduced an important fitting technique, known still as the “Korb fit,” in which a PMMA contact lens is fit to adhere to the upper lid.
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