product spectrum

Contact Lens Module Improves First-Time Fits

Volk Optical has launched Volk Eye Check for the contact lens market. An addition to the current Volk Eye Check device, which provides ocular measurements and aids in the diagnosis of ophthalmic abnormalities such as strabismus, The Volk Eye Check Contact Lens module is a new software application focused on helping contact lens practitioners achieve a quicker fitting process and helping reduce dropout rates.

By automatically providing objective and accurate measurements of key eye parameters such as horizontal visible iris diameter, pupils, and lids, Volk Eye Check’s Contact Lens module will assist practitioners in quickly identifying patients who may require non-standard optics in their lenses. It can also assist in the quick and smooth fitting of progressive, GP, and scleral contact lenses, according to the company. Call (800) 345-8655 or visit www.volk.com.

Eye Drop for Ocular Allergy Itch Relief

Alcon, a division of Novartis, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Pazeo (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 0.7% for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Pazeo solution is dosed one drop daily and was approved with efficacy data at 24 hours, post dose.

ALCON’S PAZEO FOR OCULAR ALLERGY RELIEF OFFERS A COMPARABLE SAFETY PROFILE TO PATADAY IN A STRONGER FORMULATION.

Results from two conjunctival allergen challenge clinical studies showed that Pazeo 0.7% demonstrated statistically significantly improved relief of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis at 24 hours post-treatment compared to olopatadine 0.2% (Pataday, Alcon).

The safety profile of Pazeo solution was comparable to that of olopatadine 0.2%. In the two clinical studies, the most common adverse reactions occurred in 2% to 5% of patients treated with either Pazeo solution or a vehicle. These events were blurred vision, dry eye, superficial punctate keratitis, dysgeusia, and abnormal sensation in the eye.

Pazeo solution is now available by prescription in the United States; it will roll out in Latin American and Asian markets through 2017. Call (800) 862-5266 or visit www.alcon.com.

Scleral Contact Lens with Iris Occlusion Available

Orion Vision Group has launched BiOccluder Sclera, which the company says is the first rigid scleral contact lens that can block out unwanted light for patients who have aniridia.

The BiOccluder Sclera is being produced in the Lagado Tyro-97 (Hofocon A, Dk of 97) UV material because of the material’s exceptional wettability, flexural strength, and optical quality, according to the company. The BiOccluder Sclera will be available in diameters of 13.0mm to 18.2mm, with a standard recommended diameter of 16.3mm. Base curves range from 6.00mm to 9.50mm. Powers of +25.00D to –25.00D are available with toric and multifocal options as well. In addition to the occluder, Orion Vision Group will be offering iris colors printed over the occluder for a more natural eye color. The lens is colored once the fit is established.

ORION VISION GROUP’S BIOCCLUDER SCLERA CAN BE COLORED TO BLOCK LIGHT FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE ANIRIDIA.

Practitioners are invited to contact Orion Vision to assist in further development of this product and expanded clinical evaluation opportunities. Call (866) 300-6257 or visit www.orionvisiongroup.com.

New Translating Bifocal Design Launches

Accu Lens now offers Accent, a translating bifocal that provides excellent vision for advanced presbyopic patients who need high add powers of +2.25D and greater, according to the company. Accu Lens says that Accent’s design incorporates a proprietary constant sector transition zone that eliminates the typical “glare” in bifocal transitions, so patients have crisp and sharp vision at both distance and near. In addition, Accent’s One-Cut positioning chamfer provides exceptional comfort and clarity, according to the company.

Accu Lens says that Accent is designed for simplicity. You fit the lens the same as any spherical single vision contact lens, according to the company. The recommended diameter is 9.6mm, but Accent is also available in diameters of 9.4mm and 9.8mm. Base curves are fit on K or slightly steeper than K, and lens power is calculated the same as you would any single-vision lens.

Fitting sets are available upon request, and Accent can be made in multiple GP materials. Call (800) 525-2470 or visit www.acculens.com.

Expanded Power Range for Daily Disposable Multifocal

Bausch + Lomb (B+L) recently expanded the power range of its Biotrue Oneday for Presbyopia (nesofilcon A) contact lenses.

Since the initial launch of Biotrue Oneday for Presbyopia in June 2014, it has been available in low add powers between +3.00D and –6.00D (in 0.25D steps). The expansion now includes +6.00D to –9.00D (in 0.25D steps). Additional high add powers from +6.00D to –9.00D (in 0.25D steps) are expected later this year.

The Biotrue Oneday for Presbyopia contact lenses combine the HyperGel material of Biotrue Oneday contact lenses with B+L’s 3-Zone Progressive optical design used in PureVision2 Multi-Focal contact lenses for Presbyopia. Call (800) 828-9030 or visit www.bausch.com.

Colored Lenses Expand to Plus Powers

Alcon has extended its line of Air Optix Colors contact lenses to include plus power lenses for patients who have hyperopia across the full range of nine colors—gray, blue, green, pure hazel, brown, sterling gray, brilliant blue, gemstone green, and honey.

Air Optix Colors are monthly replacement, daily wear color lenses available on a silicone hydrogel platform. Parameters include an 8.6mm base curve and a 14.2mm diameter. The contact lens power range now includes +6.00D to –6.00D (in 0.25D steps; including plano) and –6.50D to –8.00D (in 0.50D steps). Call (800) 241-5999 or visit www.alcon.com.

Preservative-Free Lubricant Drops for Dry Eye Symptom Relief

Oasis Medical Inc. has introduced Oasis Tears PF, a preservative-free lubricant eye drop conveniently delivered in a 10mL bottle.

OASIS TEARS PF OFFERS A PRESERVATIVE-FREE FORMULATION IN A MULTI-USE BOTTLE.

The company states that lubricant eye drops that are packaged in traditional multi-use bottles contain preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Preservative-free lubricant eye drops are commonly packaged in unit-dose vials. These vials are small plastic one-time-use containers.

Oasis Tears PF preservative-free lubricant eye drops are packaged in an ophthalmic multi-use bottle that prevents contamination through the use of a patented closing tip, valve, and air venting system that the company says prevents microbial entry into the bottle. This propriety system keeps Oasis Tears PF sterile for up to 90 days after opening, according to the company. Call (800) 528-9788 or visit www.oasismedical.com.

Glaucoma Module Coming Soon for OCT

Heidelberg Engineering GmbH previewed its Glaucoma Module Premium Edition for Spectralis at the annual 2014 American Academy of Optometry Professional Press Conference in Denver in October. It is currently pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) Clearance.

The new module combines a proprietary technology called Anatomic Positioning System (APS) with a series of unique scan patterns. Heidelberg says that the APS creates an anatomic map of each eye. The center of the optic nerve head and the fovea are detected via a short pre-scan function. The map is aligned according to these anatomical landmarks, individually for each eye. Subsequent scans are oriented to this axis and automatically centered on the optic nerve head, ensuring that the relevant structures are precisely examined, according to the manufacturer.

Heidelberg also says that the combination of the APS feature and unique scan patterns for analysis of the optic nerve head, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and the ganglion cell layer will aid clinicians in making correct and early diagnoses of glaucoma. Call (800) 931-2230 or visit www.heidelbergengineering.com.