AVELLINO LAUNCHES AVAGEN GENETIC TEST FOR DYSTROPHY AND KERATOCONUS

Avellino Lab USA, Inc. announced nationwide U.S. availability of AvaGen, The Genetic Eye Test, which the company says helps determine a patient’s risk of keratoconus and presence of corneal dystrophies. It examines 75 keratoconus-related genes and more than 2,000 variants of those genes to develop a keratoconus genetic risk score. For corneal dystrophies, Avellino says that AvaGen determines the presence of any of the 70 TGFBI (transforming growth factor beta-induced) gene variants and provides a conclusive diagnosis of corneal dystrophy subtypes, such as epithelial basement membrane, granular and lattice disease distinctions, Reis-Bucklers, Schnyder, and Thiel-Behnke.

According to the company, AvaGen requires only a simple cheek swab that is sent to Avellino’s CLIA-certified lab for analysis. Avellino says that genetic counsel is provided alongside test results. Call (650) 396-3741 or visit www.avellino.com . ■

B+L EXPANDS PARAMETERS FOR BAUSCH + LOMB ULTRA MULTIFOCAL FOR ASTIGMATISM LENSES

Bausch + Lomb (B+L) announced the U.S. launch of expanded parameters for Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal for Astigmatism contact lenses. The expansion, which includes the addition of –2.25D and –2.75D cylinder power parameters, will be part of the company’s standard offering of the lens and will extend the power range available to eyecare professionals and their patients who have both astigmatism and presbyopia. View the full parameter range at www.expectultracomfort.com/ecp/lens-parameters . ■

COOPERVISION FURTHER EXPANDS PARAMETERS FOR MYDAY TORIC LENSES IN THE UNITED STATES

CooperVision has expanded MyDay Toric in the United States. It is now available in around-the-clock axes and in 0.25D steps in plus powers. Full parameters are as follows: Plano to –6.00D (0.25D steps) sphere powers, –0.75D, –1.25D, –1.75D cylinder powers in 10º, 20º, 30º, 40º, 50º, 60º, 70º, 80º, 90º, 100º, 110º, 120º, 130º, 140º, 150º, 160º, 170º, and 180º axes; Plano to –6.00D (0.25D steps), –6.50D to –10.00D (0.50D steps), and +0.50D to +6.00D (0.25D steps) sphere powers, –2.25D cylinder power in 10º, 20º, 90º, 160º, 170º, and 180º axes; and –6.50D to –10.00D (0.50D steps) and +0.25D to +6.00D (0.25D steps) sphere powers, –0.75D, –1.25D, –1.75D cylinder powers in 10º, 20º, 70º, 80º, 90º, 100º, 110º, 160º, 170º, and 180º axes. Call (800) 341-2020 or visit www.coopervision.com . ■

X-CEL SPECIALTY CONTACTS NOW OFFERS REMLENS ORTHO-K DESIGN

X-Cel Specialty Contacts has launched REMLens, which the company says is a highly adjustable yet easy-to-fit orthokeratology design for the management of myopia, manufactured exclusively in Boston Equalens II (Bausch + Lomb) material. REMLens is designed to yield a Rapid Eye Molding (REM) effect for patients who have low-to-moderate myopic refractive errors. 

REMLens can be prescribed to patients of all ages who are diagnosed with low-to-moderate myopia (up to –5.00D sphere and up to –1.50D of astigmatism). X-Cel says that with an 89% first-fit success rate, REMLens offers certified eyecare professionals a lens design with a broad range of parameter flexibility and a significant reduction in chair time when fitting empirically from Ks and Rx. REMLens features four independently adjustable fitting zones, five diameter sizes: each with three optic zone options, and Dynamic Edge Profile, providing on-eye comfort in an open- and closed-eye setting, according to the company.  

Additionally, X-Cel says that certified eyecare professionals utilizing the online REMLens Calculator can reduce chair time on new fits or refits and maintain historical patient information. REMLens may be ordered directly through X-Cel Specialty Contacts or through X-Cel’s exclusive distributor ABB Optical Group’s Specialty Vision Products division. Call (800) 241-9312 or visit www.xcelspecialtycontacts.com . ■