What's New in Contact Lenses and Solutions

DULUTH, Ga., April 2008 — A wide optic zone providing a fuller range of vision distinguishes CIBA Vision's new Air Optix for Astigmatism contact lens launched this spring.

Company officials say the new silicone hydrogel lens is noted for stability and performance, with a 95 percent success rate in first-time fittings for people with astigmatism.

Because the thickest points of the contact lens are located away from the lower eyelid, the lens creates minimal friction during blinking, to increase comfort levels.

CIBA Vision also announced plans to market various types of future silicone hydrogel contact lenses under the brand name of Air Optix. A monthly replacement schedule is recommended for Air Optix brand contact lenses. Please click here for a closeup photo of Air Optix for Astigmatism.

CLEVELAND, March 2008 — A $2.4 million study funded by the National Eye Institute should shed more light on rare fungal eye infections that sometimes affect contact lens wearers.

Researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will investigate the body's immune responses to fungi, including the Fusarium type that caused an outbreak of eye infections in 2005-2006.

The fungal eye infection outbreak was related to ineffectiveness of a specific disinfecting contact lens solution — Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc, which was taken off the marketplace.

"Fusarium solani was already well known as an important cause of eye infections in warm, humid areas of the U.S., and in southern and southeastern Asia, where this fungus can be picked up from the digging of dirt in agricultural work," said study leader Eric Pearlman, PhD.

SEATTLE, January 2008 — Researchers say "superhuman" vision could be achieved through contact lenses equipped with electronic connections, which also eventually might be used in corrective lenses for people with low vision.

Based on results from early experiments, University of Washington investigators say a type of bionic eye could provide enhancements such as telescopic features or virtual displays for various types of uses.

Prototype contact lenses under development by researchers are biologically compatible in rabbit eyes.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. and ATLANTA, November 2007 — Contact lens wearers interested in knowing how they would look with a change of eye color can now upload their photographs and "try on" different colored contact lenses at Acuvue's iMakeover web site (acuvue.com) and CIBA Vision's FreshLook Color Studio (freshlookcontacts.com). Both web sites were launched in November.

CIBA Vision's site offers color recommendations based on complexion and hair color. At Acuvue's site, 10 color choices are available for eye color simulations. Both sites offer free trial pair certificates for colored contact lenses, along with detailed instructions about how to upload personal photos and try out different eye colors.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., September 2007 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved new Bausch & Lomb Boston XO2 contact lens material that company officials say helps maintain health of the eye's surface (cornea).

Compared with the original version of the lens, the Boston XO2 material for daily wear allows 40 percent more oxygen to reach the cornea.

"The introduction of Boston XO2 continues Bausch & Lomb's leadership in gas permeable (GP) technology, and is the only material that combines extraordinary oxygen permeability with the proven performance characteristics of the original Boston XO," said Joe Barr, OD, vice president of Global R&D Vision Care for Bausch & Lomb.

CHICAGO, August 2007 — A study involving University of Illinois at Chicago researchers has found that tap water exposure and poor hygiene among contact lens wearers may have contributed to a recent outbreak of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare eye infection causing scarring and blindness.

Earlier this year, Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) withdrew its Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose solution because it failed to stop the amoeba organism from invading the eye's clear surface (cornea). Studies found a strong association between development of Acanthamoeba keratitis and use of this particular contact lens solution.

But researchers commenting in the August issue of American Journal of Ophthalmology said environment also may be a cause, not only in the AK outbreak but also in a previous fungal keratitis outbreak associated with use of Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution.

Study authors said stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations reducing use of disinfectants in water supplies may be an underlying factor. As an example, more microbial agents now found in tap water can invade eyes through water droplets when contact lens wearers are showering.

"…Our results demonstrate that use of AMO Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose solution is strongly associated with AK disease, but they also indicate that its use is not the only risk factor for disease," study authors said. "Continued research is warranted and ongoing to determine additional causes behind this AK outbreak, and to evaluate whether potential shifts in the overall microbial load of the water supply may be contributing to this increase in disease."

Study authors say they conservatively estimate that about 1.65 to 2.01 cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis occur per million contact lens wearers in the United States.

SANTA ANA, Calif., July 2007 — Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has announced that a new multipurpose contact lens solution under the Complete brand name will be introduced to the U.S. marketplace during the first half of August, with wide availability expected by early September.

"The new product will focus on comfort and disinfection efficacy, incorporating the importance of proper handling and care of contact lenses, per guidelines set forth by professional eye care associations...," an AMO corporate announcement said.

In late May, AMO voluntarily recalled its Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution products because of an association with development of eye infections related to the water-borne Acanthamoeba organism.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 2007 — Bausch & Lomb says contact lens wearers who carry their luggage on planes now can use a ReNu MultiPlus Travel Kit containing a smaller, two-ounce bottle of solution that meets air travel guidelines. The kit also includes a new contact lens carrying case.

"While some personal care products such as hair gel, lotions, or mouthwash can easily be transferred into a smaller container, many people don't realize that contact lens solution loses its sterility if poured from one bottle into a non-sterile, smaller bottle, resulting in serious risks to eye health," said optometrist Dr. Michael DePaolis of Rochester.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has imposed a three-ounce limit per item for liquids taken aboard planes in carry-on luggage. Please click here for a closeup photo of the ReNu MultiPlus Travel Kit.

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 2007 — Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has voluntarily recalled Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions from the marketplace and has advised any consumers in possession of the product to call 1-888-899-9183 for replacement instructions.

The move in late May was prompted by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) findings that associated the product with eye infections caused by the water-borne Acanthamoeba organism.

Soft contact lens wearers should immediately discard all Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions.

"While AMO continues to work with the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to further assess the data, it is acting with an abundance of caution to voluntarily recall Complete MoisturePlus from the market," a company announcement says. "There is no evidence to suggest that [the] voluntary recall is related to a product contamination issue and this does not impact any of AMO's other contact lens care products."

AMO officials said the CDC has determined that soft contact lens wearers using Complete MoisturePlus solutions had a seven times greater risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can cause severe vision loss.

The CDC has interviewed 46 people, most of them soft contact lens wearers, who developed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) since January 2005. Dozens of cases were reported during that same time period.

If you are a contact lens wearer, you also can decrease your risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis by practicing good hygiene and removing lenses before you go swimming.

[Read more about a fungal keratitis outbreak outbreak among contact lens wearers using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution.]

ST. LOUIS, May 2007 — A newly introduced contact lens device known as LensAlert! includes a flashing display that notifies users when it's time to change lenses and regular cases.

A digital timer included with the device allows contact lens wearers to set their own replacement schedule, depending on how frequently lenses and cases need to be changed. Regular contact lens cases fit into the LensAlert! slot, where the digital display showing replacement schedules can be read easily.

Company officials also plan soon to introduce a year's supply of individual contact lens cases integrated with the LensAlert! digital display. LensAlert! company representatives say the new device potentially can help reduce eye infections that sometimes result when contact lens wearers forget to change out lenses and cases on a regular schedule. Please click here for closeup photos of LensAlert! and more details on how it works.
 

ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 2007 — Bausch & Lomb has issued a U.S. recall of about 1 million bottles of ReNu MultiPlus lens care solution because the product has shown elevated levels of trace iron. Affected products were sold about a year ago.

Other bottles of the solution, made at the company's Greenville, S.C. plant, were distributed in Canada, Latin America, Korea, and Taiwan, where recalls also have been issued.

A corporate announcement says no adverse health effects have been associated with the elevated iron levels. But affected contact lens solutions could become discolored and lose effectiveness over time.

Bausch & Lomb officials say consumers likely already used most of the products affected by the limited recall.

In May 2006, Bausch & Lomb was forced to withdraw from the marketplace another contact lens solution, ReNu with MoistureLoc, because of an association with a fungal keratitis outbreak. Bausch & Lomb officials say there is no link between that event and the recent recall of certain bottles of ReNu MultiPlus.

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 2007 — SynergEyes now has a multifocal version of the company's hybrid contact lenses, fabricated with soft outer edges for comfort and more rigid centers for better optics.

The SynergEyes Multifocal was designed for people who develop presbyopia beginning at around age 40, when the eye loses its ability to focus at all distances. Multifocal lenses provide different zones of vision correction to enable a full range of sight.

Company officials say the new multifocal lens also provides good centration and stability, which enables consistency of vision in all areas of the field of view.

FAIRPORT, N.Y., February 2007 — CooperVision has introduced a light blue tint, thinner lens design, and water content of 52 percent in its new line of daily disposable contact lenses, known as ClearSight 1-Day.

The lenses also contain ultraviolet (UV) blocker to help protect eyes from the sun's rays, although consumers are advised that eyewear with appropriate UV protection should be worn to fully shield eyes in bright sunlight.

ATLANTA, February 2007 — Company officials say temporary manufacturing issues have caused short supplies of certain O₂Optix contact lenses, which may be on backorder through about mid-2007.

A limited, voluntary trade-level recall issued earlier this year affects inventories of eye care professionals, distributors, and retailers, according to CIBA Vision. Manufacturing processes that contributed to the problem already have been resolved and no safety issues have been identified.

ATLANTA, December 2006 — Soft silicone hydrogel contact lenses known as O₂Optix Custom (CIBA Vision) now can be made-to-order for individuals with challenging vision problems such as unusually high degrees of myopia and hyperopia.

The O₂Optix Custom contact lenses also can be made for people who have corneas that are overly large or small, or that are too steep or too flat for regular lenses. In addition, these custom-made contact lenses can be specially designed to correct the vision of people who no longer have a natural lens needed to aid with focusing (aphakia).

CIBA Vision officials say the O₂Optix Custom lenses are unique because they allow up to five times more oxygen permeability than other custom-made contact lenses, making them more "breathable" to protect the eye's surface health.

"Made-to-order soft contact lenses tend to be thicker than standard soft lenses due to the unique design requirements. This can impede the flow of oxygen," Tim Giles, OD, said in a company news release. Giles is global head of professional services, specialty lenses. "Therefore, patients that require unique parameters are often the ones who can benefit from high oxygen transmissibility the most."

O₂Optix Custom contact lenses will be available in North America in sphere powers of up to -20 D and +20 D beginning in mid-January 2007. Later in the year, the lens will be introduced in Europe as Air Optix Individual. Company officials say toric designs of the custom contact lens also are planned for correcting astigmatism.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 2006 — Optometrists concerned about a child's ability to handle and properly care for contact lenses typically do not prescribe them for younger age groups.

But a recent study conducted by Ohio State University assistant professor of optometry Jeffrey Walline and colleagues found that young children are just as responsible and adept at handling contact lenses as teenagers.

"Children are very capable of taking care of contact lenses on their own," Walline said in a news release.

The study (Contact Lens in Pediatrics or CLIP), which was reported at the 2006 American Academy of Optometry meeting in Denver, involved 169 children and teenagers who were about equally divided into two groups. Young children in the study group ranged in age from 8 to 12.

At the Denver conference, Walline said it takes about 10 extra minutes to instruct younger children about contact lens use during a fitting.

SANTA ANA, Calif., November 2006 — Bacterial contamination found in certain lots of a contact lens solution, AMO Complete MoisturePlus, prompted Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) in late November 2006 voluntarily to initiate a product recall throughout the United States.

AMO officials say the recall applies only to specific lots, involving about 183,000 total units or less than 1 percent of the annual distribution of the product in the U.S. The recall also applies only to certain 12-oz. bottles of the multipurpose contact lens solution and Complete MoisturePlus bottles found in AMO "active packs" containing other contact lens care products.

"Non-sterility of a contact lens solution may have serious health consequences, including eye infection and microbial keratitis," an AMO company announcement said. "AMO has not received any reports of adverse health events associated with the recalled product lots in the U.S."

The AMO announcement says certain lots of the AMO Complete MoisturePlus product produced at the company's China plant during a specific time period were found to have bacterial contamination. The China plant has been closed for cleaning and sanitation activities, but AMO's main plant in Spain was not involved in the recall.

[Read more about fungal eye infections associated with Bausch & Lomb's contact lens solution, Renu with MoistureLoc.]

SYDNEY, Australia, October 2006 — Ongoing human clinical trials are being conducted to test the safety of extended wear contact lenses permanently infused with an antibacterial substance aimed at preventing eye infections, according to Australian investment and news reports.

Biosignal has launched investigations into contact lens coatings in collaboration with the Institute for Eye Research at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney. Biosignal was founded in 1999 after two UNSW professors observed the unique antimicrobial properties of a type of Australian seaweed.

The company then began experimenting with natural chemicals found in the seawood, known as furanones, which prevent formation of bacteria. Company officials say the chemicals prevent but don't kill bacteria, which means there is no problem with development of drug resistance.

"Biosignal's anti-biofilm compounds will be permanently bonded to the [contact] lens material, which means that there will be no release of compounds from the lens surface," said a company web site description.

Investigations of different levels and types of antimicrobial contact lens coatings began with a successful test using 10 human volunteers at UNSW in the summer of 2006.

CHICAGO, September 2006 — Water quality problems could be associated with an outbreak of a usually rare eye infection known as acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) recently found in Chicago area contact lens wearers, researchers said in the August 2006 issue of American Journal of Ophthalmology.

The University of Chicago Cornea Service identified 40 AK cases, most of them among contact lens wearers, that occurred from June 2003 through November 2005. Researchers noted that these rates were significantly higher than normal but with unusual geographic distributions.

Researchers theorize the outbreak might be related to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling, effective December 1998, which reduced chlorine levels in water supplies to lessen cancer danger. But a side effect may be that microorganisms causing infection now have increased and are more prevalent in certain areas.

As reported in the August 2006 issue of Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, AK in one patient led researchers also to warn that the eye infection can occur in contact lens wearers who continue to use daily disposable contact lenses rather than discarding them at the end of the day.

[Read more about caring for soft contact lenses and the fungal keratitis infection outbreak among contact lens wearers.]

WASHINGTON D.C., September 2006 — After first warning on-line sellers of contact lenses that they could face stiff penalties for not verifying prescriptions, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in August 2006 filed a complaint against one company for allegedly failing to comply with new regulations.

An FTC news release says the company, Walsh Optical Inc., operates three web sites from which contact lenses are sold on-line. In a settlement, the company agreed to pay a $40,000 civil penalty in addition to allowing FTC monitoring of activities to make sure of compliance in future transactions.

What's New in Contact lenses continued...