OT  focuses on contact lenses

Blending technologies

Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson Vision’s Acuvue Oasys Multifocal lens with Pupil Optimised Design received CE Mark approval in Europe. The product for patients with presbyopia received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in the US in 2020, and is set to launch in the UK this summer (from July).

Expanding the Acuvue Oasys portfolio, the two-week reusable lens features the Pupil Optimised Design technology that is currently available in the 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal and also follows the same fit process.

In addition to the Pupil Optimised Design, the lens features Hybrid Back Curve Technology and a Proprietary Embedded Wetting Agent, which the company suggested “creates a lens designed for performance and comfort.”

Sandra Rasche, area vice-president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Vision Care for Johnson & Johnson Medical, suggested the product could offer an “exciting solution” for patients with presbyopia, “using a blend of technologies for better comfort and clear vision at all distances.”

Eye care professionals fitting patients with the contact lens can use Johnson & Johnson Vision’s free Acuvue Fitting Calculator.

Immersive engagement

Alcon has launched Precision1 daily disposable contact lenses in both sphere and toric designs. The product is the first mainstream contact lens with Alcon’s proprietary Smartsurface technology; a permanent, micro-thin layer of moisture at the lens surface, which the company suggests helps support a stable tear film.

The lens is designed to meet the key needs of ‘high performance seeking’ wearers, while also addressing the biggest drivers of new wearer dropout in terms of vision, comfort and handling.

Chantelle Cook, vision care franchise head and country manager, Alcon UK & Ireland, told OT on the launch that these ‘high performance seekers’ desire “something better than what they have if they are a current wearer, or if a new wearer, something they can start in and stay in.”

The company has also launched a patient support programme which utilises augmented reality to provide information and advice, as well as dispelling myths about contact lenses.  

Sealing in comfort

This year Bausch + Lomb has launched its Bausch + Lomb ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism, further expanding its monthly reusable contact lens family.

The new contact lens features Moisture Seal Technology, incorporated through a proprietary two-phase manufacturing process that ensures a high volume of PVP, which helps lenses to retain moisture and wettability.

It also combines Bausch + Lomb’s 3-Zone Progressive Design, for clear vision across near, far and intermediate distances, and OpticAlign Design, which the company suggests provides <5 degrees of rotation on 95% of patients for stable vision.

Andrew McGrail, optometrist at Wallwork Opticians, described the contact lenses as easy to fit with a straight-forward fitting guide. He added: “The feedback we have had from patients is that they are comfortable to wear, easy to handle and they have all been very impressed at the level of vision they can achieve both for distance and up close.”

Extending availability

Menicon has extended its Miru 1day Flat Pack range to include plus powers of up to +2.00D (in -0.25D steps). The contact lenses retain the Smart Fit technology to allow it to rotate to the correct access and remain in that orientation.

The lens features a low-edge profile, bi-aspheric, thinner toric design, in order to match natural eyelid contours. The lens material also bonds with tears to lock in moisture and allow for rapid lens rehydration, the company said.

Menicon has updated its online toric calculator to include the new plus powers for Miru 1day Flat Pack toric.

Commenting on the launch, Kevin Mitchell, managing director of Menicon, said: “Until now, the choice for long-sighted patients with astigmatism has been limited, and we are excited to bring this product to the UK contact lens market.”