NEW LIPID-ENHANCED OTC ARTIFICIAL TEAR

Allergan plc recently launched the over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tear Refresh Optive Mega-3, which the company says fortifies the lipid layer when meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) patients suffer from dry eye. MEGA-3 is formulated with flaxseed and castor oil, two natural, plant-based oils that help protect tears from evaporating while nourishing the lipid layer damaged by dry eye and providing essential hydration to all three layers of the tear film, according to Allergan. The company says that it’s clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye.

Mega-3 also contains carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), an active lubricant found in all Refresh Optive formulas. This water-loving polymer binds to epithelial cells to maintain moisture on the ocular surface for rapid on-eye comfort and long-lasting relief, according to the company.

All Optive products include the patented osmoprotectant formula that includes three compatible solutes—glycerin, I-carnitine, and erythritol—all of which the company says deliver added protection to the corneal epithelial cells against hypertonic stress. Refresh Optive Mega-3 contains a fourth osmoprotectant, trehalose, for an advanced approach to treating dry eye symptoms, according to Allergan.

Mega-3 is available in 30-count, single-use vials and can be found nationwide at various retail locations where OTC eye drops are sold. Allergan says that it is safe to use as often as needed. It has not been studied regarding whether it is safe to use with contact lenses. Call (800) 678-1605 or visit www.allergan.com . ■

TRANSLATION APP AVAILABLE FOR HELP WITH NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING PATIENTS

OpTranslate is a mobile app that helps eyecare practitioners conduct eye exams on non-English-speaking patients. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. The app was developed by Dmitriy Richter, a third-year student at the New England College of Optometry (NECO). NECO student Eva Ho served as the graphic designer, and NECO student Victoria Gagnon provided French translations for the mobile app. NECO alumnus Dr. Jason Chin helped develop the contact lens section of the app.

It currently is available in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Hatian Creole; future languages in development include Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Korean, and Vietnamese. The app also features a full comprehensive eye exam split into six sections, which are available in all languages. Additional sections include contact lens exams, binocular vision testing, and pre-written diagnoses. Helpful written explanations, patient education resources, and labeled diagrams make the practitioner-patient connection stronger than ever, according to the developers. In addition, a simple and intuitive layout, comprehensive glossary, offline capability, and language quizzes can help train eyecare practitioners into multilingual providers. While not intended to replace professional medical interpreters and translating services, OpTranslate does seek to provide language translation tools to help optometrists better conduct eye exams on non-English- speaking patients, according to Richter.

OpTranslate is 100% free of advertising. It is available in all countries and territories for $4.99 from the Apple App Store or Google Play; there are no monthly subscription fees, no in-app purchases, and no future paid upgrades. ■

SCLERAL LINE EXPANDS FOR ASTIGMATIC PATIENTS

Blanchard Contact Lenses has added another lens design to its Onefit Scleral Lens Platform: Sym-Toric is an advanced proprietary front-toric scleral lens design that enhances patient comfort and consistency of vision performance, and it greatly simplifies the practitioner fitting experience for astigmatic scleral patients utilizing the existing Onefit Scleral Lens Platform diagnostic lens set, according to the company.

Onefit Sym-Toric does not rely on the prism ballast or toricity in the haptic that is typically used to stabilize axis orientation. While keeping the same edge elevation 360º, the Onefit Sym-Toric posterior surface is designed to align to the different radii values of the cornea and sclera. Utilizing a thin contact lens design, Sym-Toric is stable, comfortable, and promotes optimum oxygenation of the cornea and limbal stem cells, according to Blanchard. Call (800) 367-4009 or visit www.blanchardlab.com . ■