Suppliers have been leveraging a variety of modern technologies to improve the contact lens wearer experience and meet different needs

Suppliers have been leveraging a variety of modern technologies to improve the contact lens wearer experience and meet different needs.This includes extra hydration and comfort, as well as single and extended depth of field (EDOF).Exhibitors at 100% Optical emphasized that the latest innovations are made possible by research and a better understanding of patient needs, as well as exploring how eye care professionals and providers can work together to support this.
Showcasing the recently launched Bausch & Lomb Ultra One-Day Silicone Hydrogel (SiH) Daily Disposable Contact Lenses, attendees learned about lens properties including comfort, moisture, eye health and design, the use of two proprietary technologies, and Spherical aberration control. Wearable for 16 hours, base curve is 8.6mm, diameter is 14.2mm, with UV filter.Kalifilcon A material has a process tint at -3.00D and a Dk/t of 134, it has spherical monovision capability from +6.00 to -12.00D.

Acuvue Contact Lenses
Dimple Zala, Optometrist and Head of UK/I and Nordic Marketing and Professional Affairs at Bausch + Lomb (B+L), said the technology used in the new lens sets the product apart from other SiH contact lenses.The lenses were inspired by DEWSII report results for the tear film and ocular surface.B+L has discovered that there are many management ingredients and techniques available to help the eye maintain homeostasis — keeping the tear film in balance — and these lenses take advantage of that, says Zala.
‘This lens features ComfortFeel technology, which consists of osmoprotectants (glycerin and erythritol), humectants (glycerol, poloxamine, poloxamer 181) and electrolytes (especially potassium), which Incorporated into the lens material during the manufacturing process.Through passive diffusion over a 16-hour period, the tear film or ocular surface is enriched with these components released throughout the day.
‘No other lens can release these proper blends of ingredients throughout wear with this intelligence to support the tear film.In terms of hydration, the lens retains up to 96% water, so it is also the highest water content SiH daily disposable lens on the market,” she adds.
Richard Smith, Head of Professional Services, B+L, Europe and Canada, commented: “The advanced MoistureSeal technology is a proprietary two-phase polymerization process in the manufacturing process that locks polyvinylpyrrolidone (PvP) into the structure of the lens, Makes it very wet. This gives our lenses a 55% water content. Also, because of the way we choose our silicones in our material, our Dk/t is 134.
The product launched on March 14, and B+L’s Professional Affairs team has been leading online education and webinars on how the product works, as well as hosting 100% optical classes on the ocular surface and tear film.
At Excel, Positive Impact presents SynergEyes iD, a hybrid lens for patients with astigmatism, presbyopia, hyperopia and myopia, designed for each patient’s unique eye anatomy, utilizing corneal curvature readings, horizontal visible iris Diameter and refraction to personalize precise lens parameters.These lenses are offered by the Brien Holden Vision Institute in single vision or EDOF designs, need to be replaced after six months, and are dispensed by practice only.

Acuvue Contact Lenses
Nick Atkins, Managing Director of Positive Impact, stressed that what makes this lens unique is that it combines the visual performance of a rigid center with the comfort of a soft silicone hydrogel skirt.’This is especially good for anyone with astigmatism, with about 45% of patients having a -0.75D or above.Often, the real problem arises when the patient also has presbyopia, because toric multifocal lenses – which are the common choice – do not have a reliable fit.We think this is a game-changer for astigmatism and presbyopia.
Also from Positive Impact are VTI’s NaturalVue Enhanced 1-Day Multifocal Contact Lenses, which also use EDOF and are only available in the UK.No modification is required for existing patients due to the similarity to the original lenses.
Atkins said the main difference between the NaturalVue Enhanced 1-Day Multifocal Contact Lenses and their original counterparts is that the updated version has a thinner, ultra-tapered edge and contains wetting agents such as hyaluronic acid.“The feedback from our lens-wearing team is that while they had been happily wearing the lenses before, the enhanced product was more comfortable and lasted longer thanks to the introduction of triple tear lubrication.”
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care brings its virtual reality (VR) training program for contact lens opticians to the masses for the first time in a 100% Optical fashion.The tool was inspired by efforts to find new ways to educate eye care professionals (ECPs) and was designed to enable them to better understand patient experiences.The company is increasing its assortment of teaching tools to support practice and ECP through Acuvue Eye Inspired Innovations.
After entering the VR simulation using the headset, the wearer is presented with a set of three clinical case scenarios, including a given contact lens prescription and examples of near, intermediate and far vision experienced by the patient.The wearer then evaluates the efficacy of each visual example and changes the prescription each time until the correct fit is shown.
“We wanted to come up with new ways to engage eye care professionals,” said Rachel Hiscox, professional, education and development manager at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. “So the whole idea of ​​using virtual reality is to give them a real sense of when they don’t follow the intended what the engagement process will look like—especially from a patient experience perspective.
“It can help train them on how to adapt successfully so they can better make these decisions for patients.”
The VR experience is designed to encourage empathy for patients with poor vision and a renewed focus on the responsibility the ECP has to help accurately improve people’s vision.
James Hall, Professional Affairs Consultant at J&J Vision Care, emphasizes that when multifocal contact lenses are developed, manufacturers go through extensive testing to create the best fit.However, Hall said that ECPs tend to have a favorite shot that they’ll fit in a certain way, and they often come back to the process because it’s something they’ve been doing for years.
“We’re trying to break through this by demonstrating that if you continue to use incorrect guidelines for fitting, that’s what your patients will experience. When you wear multifocal contact lenses, be sure to follow the appropriate manufacturer’s fit Guidelines, that’s very important. We have a clear three-step guide to ensure you have the most success,” he added.
Thank you for visiting Opticians.To read more of our content, including our latest news, analysis and interactive CPD modules, start your subscription for just £59.