product spectrum

Hybrid Lens Parameter Expansions

SynergEyes has expanded the parameters of its SynergEyes Multifocal and SynergEyes PS hybrid lenses.

SynergEyes Multifocal is now available in sphere powers from +5.00D to –8.00D in 0.25D steps and from –8.50D to –20.00D in 0.50D steps as well as in new custom base curves of 7.0mm, 8.1mm, and 8.2mm and skirt curvatures of 0.7mm and 1.6mm.

SynergEyes PS is now available in sphere powers from +6.00D to –8.00D in 0.25D steps and from –8.50D to –12.00D in 0.50D steps and in base curves from 7.2mm to 9.0mm in 0.20mm steps. Call (877) SEE-2012 (733-2012) or visit www.synergeyes.com.

New Silicone Hydrogel for Early Presbyopes

Last month, Vistakon introduced Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia in some U.S. eyecare professionals' offices, with distribution to grow throughout 2009.

VISTAKON HAS BEGUN ROLLING OUT ITS ACUVUE OASYS FOR PRESBYOPIA FOR PATIENTS WITH ADDS UP TO +1.75D.

Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia combines new Stereo Precision Technology optics with senofilcon A material. According to Vistakon, Stereo Precision Technology represents the positive design aspects of ring and aspheric lens designs, while minimizing the negative aspects such as ghost images and pupil dependence. The resulting lens has a zonal aspheric front surface and an aspheric back surface that work in combination and leverage the eyes' natural depth of clear focus, according to the company. Vistakon says this optical approach offers emerging and early presbyopes balanced vision, near, far, and in between with less dependence on illumination.

Vistakon also says it has developed a fit procedure to help practitioners select the logical first lens pair and quickly determine if it is the optimal choice for the patient, adding that practitioners who have been working with the lens report a 74 percent fit success in one fit and follow-up visit measured by both doctor approval and patient satisfaction with lens performance.

Launch parameters include 8.4mm base curve, 14.3mm diameter, sphere powers of –0.50D to –9.00D in 0.25D steps and near additions of "low" and "mid" to fit patients with measured near additions of +0.75D to +1.75D. Additional parameters will be rolled out in the future. Call (800) 843-2020 or visit www.jnjvisioncare.com.

Toric Silicone Hydrogel Launches

CooperVision now offers Biofinity Toric, which utilizes Aquaform technology as well as the proprietary Optimized Ballast toric lens design that features a constant horizontal thickness across the ballast area to improve lens stability and reduce rotation, according to CooperVision.

COOPERVISION SAYS THAT THE OPTIMIZED BALLAST DESIGN OF ITS BIOFINITY TORIC IS ITS MOST STABLE TORIC LENS DESIGN.

The company says that the Optimized Ballast design is CooperVision's most stable toric lens design. The ballast location and thickness optimizes lens/lid interaction for both orientation and comfort. The wide ballast band completely encircles the optic zone, maximizing stability and providing a consistant fit across all cylinders and axes, according to the company. CooperVision also says that the lens features a smooth, continuous surface to maximize comfort.

Manufactured in comfilcon A, Biofinity Toric parameters include 8.7mm base curve; 14.5mm diameter; sphere powers from plano to –6.00D; and cylinder powers of –0.75D, –1.25D, and –1.75D in axes of 10 degrees to 180 degrees in 10-degree steps. This summer, CooperVision will expand the parameters of Biofinity Toric to include plus powers, high minus powers, and a –2.25D cylinder. Call (800) 538-7824 or visit www.coopervision.com.

GP Multifocal Expansion

Art Optical recently expanded its Renovation Multifocal platform. New designs include Renovation E, which has a back surface eccentricity combined with Renovation's front surface technology to provide an additional enhancement to near vision quality, according to Art Optical.

In addition, the company now offers Back Toric, Bi-Toric, and Front Toric additions to the Renovation and Renovation E multifocal designs.

The lenses are also now manufactured in Optimum HR 1.53 (Contamac) high-refractive-index GP material for more effective add power, according to the company. Call (800) 253-9364 or visit www.artoptical.com.

New Vibrant Colored Lenses Available

CIBA Vision has expanded its FreshLook Color-Blends line of colored contact lenses with the introduction of three new Vibrant Views colors: Brilliant Blue, Gemstone Green, and Sterling Gray. The company says that patients are most interested in wearing gray, green, blue, and hazel colored contact lenses, and the new colors offer more vibrant effects and bold looks in those color families. Many patients prefer these new colors especially for special occasions or evenings out, according to CIBA.

CIBA'S NEW VIBRANT FRESHLOOK COLORBLENDS COLORS IN STERLING GRAY, BRILLIANT BLUE, AND GEMSTONE GREEN.

Patients can "try on" the new FreshLook ColorBlends vibrant colors before visiting their eyecare professional by visiting www.freshlook colorstudio.com. This online tool allows patients to upload their photo and then select the FreshLook colors they'd like to see on their eyes. CIBA says this simplifies the color selection process and can help save chair time and money for practices.

FreshLook Color-Blends are recommended for daily wear and two-week replacement. Parameters include a median base curve, 14.5mm diameter, and sphere powers from +2.00D to –6.00D in 0.25D steps and from –6.50D to –8.00D and +2.50D to +6.00D in 0.50D steps. Call (800) 241-5999 or visit www.cibavision.com.

New Supplement for Eye Health

Advanced Vision Research has developed MacuTrition, an eye vitamin and mineral supplement formulated to protect the eye from diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.

The company says that in diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration, there are three disease mechanisms at work: oxidation, inflammation, and neovascularization. Because of this, Advanced Vision Research formulated MacuTrition with lutein, zeaxanthin, green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E, to-cotrienols, fish oil, and vitamin D to protect against these disease mechanisms as well as to support the inflammation response system and support normal vascular cell metabolism.

AVR'S MACUTRITION IS FORMULATED TO PROTECT THE EYE FROM DIABETIC EYE DISEASE AND MACULAR DEGENERATION.

MacuTrition also provides the vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids everyone needs, especially those at risk for macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease, according to Advanced Vision Research. MacuTrition contains no beta carotene, so the company says it is healthy even for smokers. MacuTrition is sold in 30-day supplies containing 60 soft soft-gels and 30 tablets. It is available nationwide. Call (800) 979-8327 or visit www.macutrition.com.

New Eyelash Treatment

Allergan has received FDA approval for Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%, a new treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, which means inadequate or not enough eyelashes. Latisse is the first and only science-based treatment approved by the FDA to enhance eyelash prominence as measured by length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes, according to Allergan.

Latisse is applied once-daily to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile single-use-per-eye disposable applicator. The company says that in as little as eight weeks, users can expect to experience longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes with significant results in 16 weeks. The effects of Latisse require ongoing treatment to be maintained; if treatment is discontinued, eyelashes will gradually return to their previous appearance over a period of weeks to months (average eyelash hair cycle).

Latisse may cause darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be reversible. It may also cause increased brown pigment in the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent. Call (800) 433-8871 or visit www.latisse.com.