New Ciba Vision lens in silicone hydrogel

Ciba Vision has widened its leading range of lenses in silicone hydrogel with the introduction of O2Optix, a revolutionary lens in silicone hydrogel that supplies 5 times more oxygen than soft contact lenses and offers consumers the chance to eliminate the lack of oxygen caused by traditional hydrogel lenses. Thanks to Ciba Vision's silicone hydrogel technology, O2Optix offers oxygen transmissibility of 138 Dk/t @ -3.00D.

'O2Optix is another milestone on Ciba Vision's road to improving eye health for contact lens wearers: it gives them high levels of oxygen and eyes that appear whiter and brighter, which is possible only with silicone hydrogel lenses' stated Helmer Schweizer, head of Ciba Vision's Professional Service for Europe. 'Designed to significantly reduce the signs of reduced oxygen and to meet the needs of today's consumers, O2Optix is the first-choice lens for patients who wear lenses for many hours a day.'

'Contact lens developers are increasingly aware that many of the symptoms and undesirable signs shown or reported by contact lens wearers are linked to the reduction in corneal oxygen due to the prolonged use of hydrogel lenses with low Dk values. The signs and symptoms of low oxygen levels may include corneal edema and staining, dryness, neovascularization or foggy vision', Schweizer added.

Studies carried out by Ostrem, Fink and Hill show that to avoid hypoxic stress of the cornea when wearing lenses during the day, a Dk/t value of 90 or more is needed. 'Research has shown that wearing lenses with high Dk values, as in the case of O2Optix, considerably reduces the symptoms and signs of corneal stress', Schweizer said.

O2Optix will soon be available with 8.6 mm base curves and spherical strengths from -1.00 to -6.00D and the range will be extended next year. The unique material used for Ciba Vision's O2Optix has a 33% water content and a permanent surface treatment that ensures surface moisture, making it comfortable in addition to being resistant to deposits and bacterial growth.