April 28, 2005 Disposable contact lens specialist Vistakon has announced the availability of the first silicone hydrogel daily wear contact lens for individuals with astigmatism, a common vision problem experienced by millions of children, teenagers, and adults. The Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism utilises a new stabilisation technology that harnesses the natural pressures of a blinking eye to balance the lens in place while the eye is open and quickly realign the lens if it rotates out of position, providing patients with astigmatism with consistent, all-day vision and comfort. Most currently available soft contact lenses worn by individuals with astigmatism are prone to rotating with the eyelids' movements, causing wearers to experience some blurriness or fluctuation in vision. The new lenses also feature Hydraclear, a proprietary technology that combines an oxygen-rich material with a moisture-rich wetting agent that gives the lenses a moist, smooth feel.
Astigmatism is a vision condition that occurs when surfaces of the eye, such as the cornea, have an oval shape -- like an egg. This shape prevents light from focusing properly on the back of the eye, the retina. People with astigmatism will usually have blurred vision, and in some cases may also experience headaches, eyestrain, or fatigue.
"Almost all types of astigmatism can be optically corrected," explained Dr. Susan Resnick, an optometrist at a New York City based specialty contact lens practice. "A comprehensive optometric exam will include testing to diagnose and determine the degree of astigmatism and the appropriate vision correction."
The stability, comfort, and quality of vision throughout the day of Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism was demonstrated in a two-week, masked, multi-center clinical trial of 435 men and women between the ages of 18-39 who were contact lens wearers and had been diagnosed with astigmatism.
Participants were fit with either Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism or one of two currently available soft toric lenses (Bausch & Lomb Soflens66 Toric, Acuvue brand Toric). Patients were instructed to wear the lenses on a daily basis for two weeks. On average, study lenses were worn 12-13 hours a day. At the conclusion of the study, patients and doctors filled out a questionnaire to evaluate the performance of each lens.
In the study, Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism was the top-rated lens by both eye care professionals and patients on nearly all vision measures, including quality of vision at the end of the day, during night driving, and while playing or watching sports. Patients also reported fewer incidences of the Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism lenses moving in and out of place than did wearers of the toric lenses.
Additionally, patients wearing Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism were significantly more likely than wearers of the other lenses studied to remain comfortable with their lenses throughout the day, including time spent in front of computers and televisions, and in heated, and air-conditioned, or smoky environments. Patients fitted with Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism reported that they needed to use rewetting drops significantly less often than those wearing other lenses.
Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism is indicated for daily wear vision correction. As with all contact lenses, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. For further information
