B+L LAUNCHES ULTRA MULTIFOCAL FOR ASTIGMATISM IN U.S. MARKET

Bausch + Lomb (B+L) now offers in the United States its Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism contact lens, which the company says is the first and only multifocal toric lens available as a standard offering in the eyecare professionals’ fit set. The new monthly silicone hydrogel lens, which was designed to address the lifestyle and vision needs of patients who have both astigmatism and presbyopia, combines the company’s 3-Zone Progressive multifocal design with the stability of its Optic-Align toric design to provide an advanced contact lens technology that offers the convenience of same-day fitting during the initial lens exam, according to B+L.

Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism lenses are manufactured in samfilcon A (46% water) with MoistureSeal Technology. Parameters include 8.6mm base curve, 14.5mm diameter, spherical powers from +4.00D to –6.00D in 0.25D steps, cylinders of –0.75D, –1.25D, –1.75D, –2.25D, and –2.75D in axes of 10° to 180° in 10° steps, and add powers of +0.75D to +1.50D (Low) and +1.75D to +2.50D (High). The center thickness is 0.10mm for a –3.00D lens. Call (800) 828-9030 or visit www.bausch.com . ■

ALCON INTRODUCES AIR OPTIX PLUS HYDRAGLYDE FOR ASTIGMATISM

Alcon recently launched Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism contact lenses in the United States. The lens offers a combination of technologies that support long-lasting lens surface moisture and outstanding comfort to provide astigmatic patients a consistently stable lens-wearing experience, according to the company. Alcon says that the technologies include HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix for long-lasting surface moisture, Precision Balance 8|4 lens design to hold the lens in place with every blink, and SmartShield Technology that helps guard against deposit buildup.

Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism is manufactured in lotrafilcon B material (33% water). The lenses are immediately available in parameters of 8.7mm base curve, 14.5mm diameter, sphere powers of +6.00D to –6.00D in 0.25D steps and of –6.50 to –10.00D in 0.50D steps, and cylinder powers of –0.75D, –1.25D, –1.75D, and –2.25D in around-the-clock axes in 10º steps. Call (800) 241-5999 or visit www.alcon.com . ■

AKORN CONSUMER HEALTH LAUNCHES THERATEARS STERILID ANTIMICROBIAL

Akorn Consumer Health now offers TheraTears SteriLid Antimicrobial 0.01% Hypochlorous Acid 2 ounce formula, which the company says kills 99.9% of bacteria within 30 seconds but is pH balanced to be gentle on the eyelids. Akorn says that Thera-Tears SteriLid Antimicrobial is the first eyelid cleanser to be FDA-cleared as a medical device permitting the use of antimicrobial claims. It is also the first antimicrobial hypochlorous acid eyelid cleansing product available in retail stores, such as Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens, as well as being available through Amazon and through eyecare professional offices in the United States, according to the company.

Akorn says that daily eyelid and eyelash hygiene is recommended by eyecare practitioners to remove debris that may cause eye irritation. The company also says that eye hygiene is an important component of ocular health, especially for patients who have conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction. Call (800) 579-8327 or visit www.akornconsumerhealth.com . ■

LACRIVERA LAUNCHES NEW ABSORBABLE LACRIMAL PLUG

Lacrivera, a division of Stephens Instruments, now offers Vera180 synthetic absorbable lacrimal plugs. Lacrivera says that the Vera180 provides extended temporary occlusion lasting approximately 180 days (or approximately six months). It is ideal for the treatment of post-surgical dry eye and for treating the dry eye components of various ocular surface diseases, including contact lens intolerance, according to the company. Lacrivera says that the Vera180 synthetic absorbable lacrimal plugs are also ideal for determining the potential effectiveness of a non-absorbable punctal plug.

The Vera180 plugs are made of poly-p-dioxanone (PDO) and are available in sizes of 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, and 0.5mm. They are packaged in single-pair (two plugs) and 10-pair (20 plugs) boxes. Call (855) 857-0518 or visit www.lacrivera.com . ■

ALCON RELEASES DAILIES COLORS

Alcon recently announced the debut of Dailies Colors contact lenses, which Alcon says combine the beauty of eye color enhancement with the convenience of a daily disposable contact lens.

Dailies Colors contact lenses are designed to make eyes look bigger and brighter; they deliver natural-looking color enhancement by combining an inner ring that brightens and adds depth, a primary color that enhances eye color, and an outer ring that defines and emphasizes the iris, according to Alcon.

Dailies Colors are manufactured in nelfilcon A material (69% water, Dk = 26). They are available in mystic blue, mystic gray, mystic green, and mystic hazel. Mystic green has a less-defined outer ring compared to the other colors and is also available as green within the Freshlook One-Day Color Contact Lenses portfolio. Parameters include 8.6mm base curve, 13.8mm diameter, and sphere powers of plano and –0.50D to –8.00D (0.50D steps above –6.00D). The center thickness is 0.10mm at –3.00D. They are now available for purchase nationwide in a 30-count supply and will be available in a 90-count option later this year. Call (800) 241-5999 or visit www.alcon.com .

BAUSCH + LOMB LAUNCHES OCUVITE EYE PERFORMANCE VITAMINS

Bausch + Lomb (B+L) announced the U.S. launch of Ocuvite Eye Performance, an eye vitamin supplement that helps strengthen the macula, which helps protect the eye from the stress of sunlight and blue light emitted from digital devices, according to B+L. The company says that the Ocuvite Eye Performance nutrient formula contains high levels of seven vital nutrients including lutein and zeaxanthin (the two carotenoid pigments naturally found in the eye), omega-3s to help support healthy tears and a healthy retina, zinc to help regulate immune function in the eye, vitamins C and E (two antioxidants key to eye health), and vitamin D, an antioxidant to help prevent inflammation.

Ocuvite Eye Performance eye vitamins are available for purchase at major retailers nationwide, including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Call (800) 828-9030 or visit www.ocuvite.com . ■

EYEPROMISE INTRODUCES SCREEN SHIELD PRO FOR ADULTS

EyePromise, a ZeaVision company, recently introduced Screen Shield Pro to its eye vitamin line. EyePromise says that Screen Shield Pro is designed to protect and relieve the associated symptoms of digital eye strain of adults (ages 18 and up) who spend 8+ hours staring at digital screens while working, gaming, or just binge watching their favorite shows.

EyePromise says that Screen Shield Pro helps build a strong macular pigment layer that shields eyes from blue light. It is made with all-natural zeaxanthin, lutein, omega-3s, and other nutrients that have been proven to positively impact the symptoms associated with increased screen time, according to the company. It is also designed to complement a daily multi-vitamin.

EyePromise Screen Shield Pro is GMO-, gluten-, and lactose-free and is NSF Certified for Sport for safety and efficacy. It is manufactured in U.S. Food & Drug Administration Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facilities. Call (866) 833-2800 or visit www.explore.eyepromise.com/screenshieldpro . ■

OCUSOFT OFFERS LID SCRUB FOR OCULAR ALLERGY SUFFERERS

Ocusoft Inc. has introduced Ocusoft Lid Scrub Allergy to help treat red, itchy allergy eyes. Ocusoft says that removing allergens from the eyelids can help provide relief and reduce the risk of transferring allergens into the tear film. Ocusoft Lid Scrub Allergy removes oil, debris, pollen, and other contaminants from the eyelids while utilizing green tea extract, tea tree oil, and PSG-2 (phytosphingosine) to reduce redness, inflammation, and itching of allergy eyelids, according to the company.

Ocusoft says that PSG-2 prevents loss of moisture from the skin; regulates epidermal cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis; and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with green tea extract, which has anti-allergenic properties; tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties; and the mild Ocusoft Lid Scrub eyelid cleansers, Ocusoft Lid Scrub Allergy cleans, soothes, calms, and moisturizes inflamed, irritated eyelids, according to Ocusoft.

Ocusoft Lid Scrub Allergy is packaged as pre-moistened pads and is available at retail at CVS Pharmacies and at www.ocusoft.com . Discounted pricing is available for practitioners’ offices. Call (800) 233-5469 or visit www.ocusoft.com . ■

EYEGANICS NOW OFFERS ORGANIC TEARS

Eyeganics recently announced the launch of Organic Tears (0.2% organic glycerin), which the company says is the first and only certified organic eye drop for the treatment of eye dryness. Organic Tears is an over-the-counter eye drop that lubricates the eye with three natural organic ingredients: oil from organic vegetables, salt, and water. It contains no preservatives, no artificial chemical ingredients, and no additives, according to Eyeganics.

Organic Tears is exclusively available for purchase from eyecare professionals. It is packaged in a 10mL bottle, with a preservative-free, multi-dose ophthalmic squeeze dispenser. Visit www.eyeganics.com . ■