PRODUCT SPECTRUM

ALCON LAUNCHES AIR OPTIX PLUS HYDRAGLYDE, EXPANDS DAILIES TOTAL1 MULTIFOCAL

Alcon recently initiated a limited launch of its Air Optix plus HydraGlyde monthly replacement contact lenses. These lenses bring together SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix for a unique combination of deposit protection and longer-lasting lens surface moisture, according to Alcon.

SmartShield Technology is a patented, ultra-thin protective shield that helps the lens resist lipid deposits and delivers outstanding wettability, according to the company. Alcon says that it also helps the lens resist changes from everyday cosmetic product use. HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix is a wetting agent specifically designed for silicone hydrogel lenses that helps attract lens surface moisture and retain lens surface hydration, according to the company.

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde lens parameters include 8.6mm base curve, 14.2mm diameter, and powers of +8.00D to –12.00D. The lens is launching with an extended wear indication of up to six nights. It is currently available to a limited number of accounts, with nationwide availability to all patients expected by February 2017.

In other Alcon product news, the company has expanded the parameters of its Dailies Total1 Multifocal contact lens. The lens is now available in extended powers ranging from +6.00D to –10.00D in three add powers, for a total of 195 options. Call (800) 241-7468 or visit www.myalcon.com ■

Air Optix plus Hydraglyde is designed to provide longer lasting surface moisture for more comfortable lens wear.

NEW Z-TYPE SLIT LAMP

A new Z Series slit lamp from Keeler Instruments incorporates proven quality optics and construction in a lower-illumination Z-type system, with flexible features and options for comprehensive examination of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, according to the company.

With the Z Series, slit width can be manually adjusted from 0mm to 14mm. Preset apertures include 0.2mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, and 9mm; 14mm circle; 1mm square —specifically designed for assessment of uveitis; and space reserved for additional preset apertures. Slit angle can be continually adjusted 360°. Blue, red-free, clear, and neutral density filters are included in addition to a flip-up diffuser. A yellow barrier filter is included to detect subtle corneal staining.

Keeler offers a choice of converging or parallel binoculars with the Z Series to suit user preference. It is available with either a three-step rotating drum for 10x to 25x magnification or a five-step rotating drum for 6x to 40x magnification. Mounting options include refraction arm table or rolling table configurations.

All of the slit lamp parameters are adjustable, with an illumination control rheostat positioned adjacent to the gliding joystick. The LED illumination provides consistent performance and lowers lifetime ownership costs, according to the company. The Z-Series includes a digital-ready system, with integrated shutter trigger on the joystick and camera exposure controls on the base. Call (800) 523-5620 or visit www.keelerusa.com ■

Keeler now offers a new Z Series slit lamp.

BIFOCAL SCLERAL LENS AVAILABLE

Visionary Optics now offers the Europa for Presbyopia Scleral Lens, which is designed to deliver crisp, clear vision at all distances so patients can focus on near objects as well as enhance their distance vision, according to the company. It is a concentric bifocal with a near-center front surface. The back surface is that of the Europa Scleral lens. You can order up to +3.50D add, and the near zone is adjustable. There is no additional fitting set required to fit Europa for Presbyopia.

The Europa Scleral Lens is also available in a bitoric (front toric and toric haptics). Call (877) 533-1509 or visit www.visionary-optics.com ■

NEW MICROPERIMETER AVAILABLE IN UNITED STATES

Nidek recently announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued 510K Clearance for Nidek’s MP-3 Microperimeter. With FDA clearance, the MP-3 is now available in the United States.

The MP-3 measures local retinal sensitivity for functional assessment of the retina. The results can be displayed over a color fundus image, correlating retinal anatomy to retinal function, according to the company.

For enhanced clinical assessment, Nidek says that the MP-3 now includes a wider range of stimulus intensity, from 0dB to 34dB, compared to the MP-1. The MP-3 measures perimetric threshold values, even for normal eyes. A maximum stimulus luminance of 10,000asb allows evaluation of low sensitivity, according to Nidek.

The Nidek auto tracking and auto alignment functions may provide more accurate measurements, increasing patient and operator comfort and efficiency, according to Nidek. The company says these functions allow easy follow up and reduce variations between examiners, resulting in well-aligned follow-up exams. Retinal morphology can be evaluated with the 12-megapixel fundus camera included in the MP-3 unit, which acquires high-resolution images of retinal pathology and allows easy image acquisition, according to Nidek. Call (800) 223-9044 or visit usa.nidek.com ■

POWERED HEATING PAD PROVIDES LOCALIZED THERAPY

Digital Heat Corporation’s Heated Eye Pad ophthalmic warmer is a powered heating pad for the application of localized heat therapy. The Heated Eye Pad is indicated as a treatment for which the current medical community recommends the application of a warm compress to the eyelids, such as for meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye, blepharitis, stye, or chalazia.

The Heated Eye Pad is an FDA-cleared Class 2 medical device available for in-office dry eye therapy as well as for over-the-counter sale to patients. The company says the Heated Eye Pad heats only where needed and maintains a more precise and constant temperature over time. It also exerts minimal corneal pressure and is as easy to use as a pair of glasses, according to the company. Call (512) 517-6649 or visit www.heatedeyepad.com ■

Digital Heat Corporation’s Heated Eye Pad is designed to apply the optimal amount of heat only where needed.

MYDAY SILICONE HYDROGEL LENSES NOW AVAILABLE IN 180 PACKS

CooperVision, Inc. introduced a 180-pack configuration for MyDay silicone hydrogel daily disposable lenses. Until now, they were available only in 90-pack cartons. The new packaging allows one-day lens wearers to receive up to a six-month supply of lenses in one box, offering greater convenience and quantity-based pricing, according to the company ■

ART OPTICAL EXPANDS AMPLEYE SCLERAL DESIGN

Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc. has enhanced the capabilities of its 16.5mm Ampleye scleral GP lens by adding Quadrant Specific Control Technology and a center-near multifocal design.

The Quadrant Specific Control Technology allows practitioners to independently manage up to four quadrants of the scleral landing and limbal lift areas. Each quadrant can be adjusted up to 375µm higher or lower from a zero position. With this feature, Ampleye can be customized to compensate for scleral asymmetry as well as to vault pterygia, pingueculas, and limbal scars, according to Art Optical.

The center-near multifocal zone (2mm std.) is adjustable from 1.00mm to 4.00mm in 0.50mm steps. The add powers can be specified from +1.00D to +3.50D in 0.25D steps. Call (800) 253-9364 or visit www.artoptical.com ■