What's New in Vision Care Products

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 2008 — Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has introduced a new type of eye drop, Blink Tears, which treats dry eyes without accompanying blurring of vision.

Made of ingredients naturally found in the eye, Blink Tears stabilizes the eye's natural tear film and helps the eye retain moisture for up to 60 minutes following use.

AMO officials say the product thickens when the eye is open, to provide extra protection, and thins when the eyelid is shut.

Blink Tears eye drops are sold over-the-counter.

AMO says the dry eye formula differs from other treatments because of its ability to preserve vision clarity while providing longer lasting relief. Click here for close-up photo.

ATLANTA, March 2008 — A special nutritional formula known as Tozal, aimed at preventing vision loss associated with early stage or "dry" macular degeneration, was introduced at the annual SECO International meeting hosted by the Southern Council of Optometrists.

The Tozal name (AmeriSciences, Houston) is derived from key ingredients of the nutritional formula, including taurine (amino acid), omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants and lutein.

A small clinical study conducted at five different U.S. sites found that the nutritional formula helped maintain or improve vision in more than 75 percent of 37 individuals diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, an eye disease that can cause central vision loss. If macular degeneration progresses to the more advanced or "wet" form, central vision loss can be severe.

Study results were published in the February issue of the British journal BMC Ophthalmology. Click here for close-up photo.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 2007 — Bausch & Lomb has announced its acquisition of the Soothe lubricant eye drop brand for dry eye from Alimera Sciences.

This includes the Soothe XP formula for over-the-counter sales.

The Soothe XP formula is designed to help re-establish the eye's protective oily or lipid layer by sealing in moisture and preventing evaporation.

Bausch & Lomb officials also said shipments have begun for a new, preservative-free Soothe formula, which rebuilds the tear film by retaining moisture on the eye's surface.

Click here for close-up photo.

BOSTON, July 2007 — Bausch & Lomb has introduced the Ocuvite DF eye vitamin supplement, which includes antioxidants to aid diabetics who must manage potentially high blood sugar levels. The vitamin formula is designed to help reduce damage to the eye's blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy, associated with high blood sugar levels.

Genistein and alpha-lipoic acid are among antioxidants found in the new Ocuvite DF eye vitamin formula.

Click here for close-up photo.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., March 2007 — Live Eyewear, which designed OveRx sunglasses to be worn over regular glasses, has introduced a convenient carrying case, the Tandem, with two compartments.

Prescription eyeglasses can be slid into one compartment lined with an internal hard shell for extra protection. OveRx sunglasses then can be placed in an oversized compartment on the reverse side. Other items including cleaning cloths or valuables can be stored in the Tandem, which also has a belt clip. Click here for close-up photo.

PORTLAND, Ore., January 2007 — Half of proceeds from a newly introduced eyeglass case created by Amy Sacks Eyewear and Accessories will be donated for animal rescue and to help fund spaying and neutering for pets belonging to low income families. The colorful eyeglass case depicting a love of animals was created to help commemorate the launch of a non-profit foundation for animal rescue, known as The Pixie Project. Pixie is the name of an abused mixed terrier once rescued by company founder Amy Sacks. Click here for close-up photo.

WOBURN, Mass., January 2007 — Advanced Vision Research Inc. announced in late 2006 that an antibacterial foam designed for maintaining eyelid hygiene, known as SteriLid Eyelid Cleanser, now can be sold over the counter without need of a prescription.

SteriLid is used to keep bacteria counts under control in the presence of eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome and blepharitis. SteriLid also may be recommended as an advance treatment for patients scheduled to undergo eye surgery. Click here for close-up photo.

PORTLAND, Ore., November 2006 — Beaded and glass necklaces newly added to the Amy Sacks Eyewear and Accessories line are a classy way to keep track of reading glasses, sunglasses, and frames. In the beaded style, tiny seed beads are hand-stitched together to form larger beads suspended from 16-inch sterling silver chains. Another handcrafted style features opaque glass rings formed into asymmetrical circles, available in colors of frost, slate, or avocado. Beaded styles have turquoise, black, gray, khaki, blue, green, cream, brown, and olive color schemes to match any season. Click here for close-up photos of several styles.

EAST HANOVER, N.J., October 2006 — A treatment for itchy eyes, known as Zaditor (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025%), received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for sale over the counter. Previously available only by prescription, the treatment from Novartis Pharmaceuticals is indicated for temporary relief of eye allergies caused by irritants including pollen, ragweed, and animal hair.

Novartis company officials say this product is longer lasting than others and can soothe eyes for up to 12 hours. The over-the-counter drops will be in stores in January 2007.

Click here for close-up photo of the Zaditor packaging.
 

If you're active and worried about losing expensive eyewear, consider the new Fat Cat strap from EK Ekcessories that hooks on at the temples of eyeglasses and sunglasses.

The Fat Cat strap for thicker eyeglass frames has a 3 mm cord and can be attached in three different ways. EK Ekcessories products are sold in many U.S. optical shops and sporting goods stores. Click here for closeups of the three ways to attach the Fat Cat 3-Way strap.

The 2005-2006 collection of eyeglass cases by Corinne McCormack walks on the wild side, with gorgeous croc leather looks, snake patterns, and colors fresh from the jungle. Shown below is a leopard-print slim hard case that fits easily in a handbag or pocket. The crocodile-look snap purse style comes in several colors, as does the triangular flap purse in a textured leather with a quilting pattern on the flap, shown here in bronze and a luscious sunset pink.

Corinne McCormack also creates stylish reading glasses you actually want to wear, plus eyeglass chains and other accessories that make great gifts. Look for her collection in better department stores and optical stores nationwide. Click here for closeups of these and other cases.

These eye drops were formulated to lubricate and whiten red, irritated eyes. And they deliver a cooling sensation, comparable to the way a mint tastes in the mouth.

Manufactured by The Mentholatum Company, a subsidiary of Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Japan, Rohto V. eye drops include the active ingredients Naphazoline hydrochloride (a redness reliever) and Polysorbate 80 (a lubricant). The drops are available at major retailers such as Wal-Mart. Click here for closeup.

la LOOP is a fashion-forward collection of jewelry-inspired chains and loops that hold your glasses, reading glasses, or sunglasses for you. You don't need a case, and you don't need to use your eyewear as a headband: just hang them on one of these fabulous necklaces, and they're always close by. Choose from necklaces made of silk cord, leather cord, pearls, and beads of silver and semi-precious stones. There's even a chain version with links made of colorful acetate resin. You'll love the colors and styles. Look for la LOOP eyewear necklaces at stores everywhere, or order them online from the la LOOP website. Click here for close-ups.

PreserVision eye health nutritional supplement is now available in two easy-to-swallow soft gel versions. PreserVision Soft Gels AREDS Formula is taken twice a day (vs. the original tablet formula, taken four times a day) and provides the vitamins and minerals that were used in the supplement in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. The study showed that those who were at the highest risk for developing advanced age-related macular degeneration lowered their risk by 25 percent when taking the supplement. According to manufacturer Bausch & Lomb, PreserVision AREDS Formula is the number one eye vitamin recommended by vitreoretinal ophthalmologists.

PreserVision Soft Gels Lutein Formula is also taken twice a day and replaces the beta-carotene in the original formula with lutein for general eye health. Both products are available nationwide. Click here for close-up.

[Learn how you may volunteer for the AREDS II study sponsored by the National Eye Institute.]

Alimera Sciences has released Soothe Emollient Eye Drops, a multi-dose artificial tear product for dry eyes. The drops contain Restoryl, designed to re-establish the eye's protective lipid layer to reduce tear evaporation and seal in moisture.

According to the company, Soothe eye drops provide up to eight hours of comfort. You can find Soothe lubricant eye drops in optical and other retail stores across the country. Click here for close-up.

Does your pooch have Doggles? This specially designed eyewear for dogs is more than just fashionable: it protects dogs' eyes from airborne debris, ultraviolet light, and drying wind. It's great for dogs that can't resist poking their head out the car window, and also for those whose eyes tend to be dry.

New is this "racing flames" frame, available with the Interchangeable Lens System (ILS), which allows you to buy lenses in various colors, then change them for different lighting conditions (or fashion needs). Lenses are anti-fog, in shatter-resistant polycarbonate.

You can find Doggles frames in sizes to fit most dogs either online or in pet stores around the world. Click here for closeup photo.

You know the Sax brand of totes, purses, and other accessories. The company also makes sunglasses, reading glasses, eyewear chains, cases, and these specially designed clutches and purses.

The Eyeclutch has compact styling with a detachable leather strap. You can fit eyewear plus a cell phone and makeup. It comes in a ladybug print or solid colors. The Designer Eyeglass Purse comes in a vast array of solids and prints, has a detachable shoulder strap, small keychain and metal feet. Many Sax models are available in optical stores and many other retail stores across the nation. Click here for close-ups: Eyeclutch and Designer Eyeglass Purse.

The Eyewear Valet is a unique way to carry four pairs of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and reading glasses in one handy case. It's great for travelers or for people who just like to stay organized. You can also use the Eyewear Valet for jewelry, cosmetics, or other necessary objects. Made by optical accessories company Corinne McCormack, it is available in optical stores nationwide. Click here for close-ups of the Eyewear Valet: unfolded and folded.

With a 24-bit color LCD screen in the lower center of one lens, these are not your usual sunglasses. Eyetop Centra sunglasses by Ingineo let you view a video, TV, photos from a camera or camcorder, and more. Integrated earplugs are attached to each temple so you can hear the sound with disturbing others and without having to use a separate headset.

To use, attach the sunglasses to the control unit that you can wear on a belt. Then plug them into most any device that has a video output, such as a DVD player, computer, or camera. Eyetop Centra sunglasses can be used in both dark and daylit environments, and they have adjustable nosepads, brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation. You can even rotate the optics assembly to place it over the center of your eye for the most comfort. Eyetop Centra is available online and in electronics stores. Click here for close-up view.

The Elite Three-Way Retainer lets you secure your eyeglasses or sunglasses in three different ways, using strong, 3mm cording. It comes with a hand-finished antique brass or pewter EK slider and is available in 18 different colors.

For boating, swimming, and other water sports, consider the new Three-Way Barrel Float Cat to prevent eyewear loss. It works for both adults and children, and the retainer has unique tubing that works great for straight-temple frames. The nylon 3mm cording comes in 16 color patterns, with barrel floats in black, blue, or yellow. EK Ekcessories products are available at optical shops and sporting goods stores across the country. Click here for close-up views.

If you're always losing your eyeglasses, reading glasses, or sunglasses, try placing them on these charming, hard-to-miss trays. Called Vision Things, they are made by a company called Decorative Things that uses a variety of fabric prints to adorn trays, bowls, and other tableware, plus office accessories and bath items such as soap dishes and wastebaskets. Patterns range from traditional (the company is a licensee of Colonial Williamsburg) to whimsical, mod to modern.

In addition to the eyeglass trays, new vision items include magnifying glasses, glasses hankies, eye pads, and eyeglass pouches. A "Pink Things" program uses proceeds from sales of pink-patterned items to give money to breast cancer research. Vision Things are available in optical and other stores.

Click here for close-up and more patterns.

One way of treating dry eyes is by inserting a small punctal plug into the tear duct, to reduce tear drainage from the eyes. Most plugs are made of rigid silicone, but recently approved by the FDA is a new type of plug made of acrylic. The SmartPLUG by Medennium is a rigid rod that, once inserted into the punctum, becomes soft and gel-like due to body heat. The plug molds itself to fit anyone's punctum, so measurement is unnecessary.

Nothing protrudes from the punctum, so you won't see the plug, rub it out, or experience irritation. Ask your eye doctor if the SmartPLUG is a good choice for your dry eyes. Read more about punctal plugs and dry eyes.

Since the optic nerve is vulnerable to several eye diseases, including glaucoma, ScienceBased Health has designed a nutraceutical to protect it by promoting ocular blood flow and boosting the eye's defenses.

Called Optic Nerve Formula, it contains antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, B-vitamins, Ginkgo biloba, and other ingredients that recent research indicates can play a role in good eye health. It is available through eyecare practitioners.

A new anti-fogging product gives lenses an especially long-lasting layer that the manufacturer says soaks up fog instantly before it can obscure vision. FogTech was designed to safely coat today's high-tech plastics and glass used in goggles, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and face shields. FogTech is available from MotoSolutions and comes in a drop bottle or handy, single-use packets — great for when you're on the trail or the slopes.

TheraTears Liquid Gel is the first preservative-free, electrolyte-balanced lubricant eye gel for nighttime use or for dry eye sufferers who need a longer-lasting protective film during the day. The company says the gel helps patients avoid the crusting and significant blurring sometimes experienced with other brands.

TheraTears Nutrition for Dry Eyes is a nutritional supplement designed for dry eyes. Containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA-enriched flaxseed oil, the softgel capsule is also fortified with vitamin E.

According to the company, the formula reduces eye surface inflammation, improves oil layer quality and increases aqueous tear quantity. Both products are available at eyecare practitioner locations. Get more info.

Please click here for other new products:

• Contact Lenses and Solutions
• Eyeglass Frames
• Eyeglass Lenses
• Low Vision Products
• Sunglasses