New-generation contact lenses showcased

MANILA, Philippines -  Air Optix, the latest innovation in contact lenses, eliminates three problems commonly associated with traditional hydrogel contact lenses and even other brands of the newer silicone hydrogel (SiHy) type of contact lenses — dehydration, discomfort and dirt.

Hydrogel contact lenses are prone to dehydration because they consist mostly of water. With dehydration there is less moisture and oxygen transmissibility, making the eye more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and even corneal swelling.

“The new-generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses have more oxygen content than water and promote greater breathability, making them less prone to dehydration and therefore provide more comfort than hydrogel contact lenses,” said Dr. Romeo Cayanan de la Cruz, clinical associate professor of the University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine.

An original research product of leading eyecare solutions company Ciba Vision, Air Optix is the first SiHy type of contact lens that was introduced in the market. Other manufacturers have launched their own brand of SiHy contact lens since then.

While SiHy contact lenses as a class are less prone to dehydration, not all are able to resist oily dirt deposits that come from tears, oil-based cosmetics and the environment. 

“Not all SiHy contact lenses are created equal,” according to Japanese researchers who conducted a recent study on several brands of SiHy contact lens.

Conducted in partnership with leading eye care solutions company Ciba Vision and published in the 2010 issue of the Journal of Japan Contact Lens Society, the study was prompted by complaints from women about their contact lens being “cloudy” or uncomfortable despite being relatively new.

With the increasing demand for long-lasting and smudge-free cosmetics, many manufacturers now use oil-based ingredients to create new cosmetic products.

The study found that oil-based cosmetics (e.g. mascara, eye liner, eye cream, etc.) and cleansing agents contaminate and eventually deform some contact lenses, blurring vision and causing discomfort.

“Oil-based cosmetics are easily adsorbed onto the surface of SiHy lenses not treated with plasma. Deformation occurred in all SiHy contact lenses except in those that had plasma-treated lens surfaces. Contact lenses with plasma treatment offer superior resistance to deformation,” the study concluded.

“Unlike other SiHy contact lenses, Air Optix has a patented plasma treatment that prevents the penetration of oil-based eye makeup that leads to lens deformation and user discomfort,” said Dr. Jeanette Romualdez-Oo, professional services consultant of Ciba Vision.

“The plasma treatment acts as a barrier to prevent the oils from adhering to the lens while maintaining high oxygen permeability,” she added.

“As a professional make-up artist, I welcome the availability of contact lenses such as Air Optix that ensure my clients experience long-lasting comfort throughout the day and defined and unmarred vision all day while looking their best,” said Claire Seelin-Diokno, professional make-up artist of leading international cosmetics line Shu Uemura.

“We are privileged to partner with Ciba Vision in providing contact lens wearers a safe, healthy and convenient way of taking care of their eyes,” said Dr. Lhay Salcedo, marketing and sales head of IOS Marketing Corp.

With its breakthrough TriComfort Technology, Air Optix provides all-day comfort in three important ways:

• Optimal breathability — Rich nourishing oxygen flows continuously, contributing to a healthy, natural feeling.

• Retains moisture — Helps prevent the lenses from drying out, so lenses feel comfortable all day.

• Resists deposits — Ultra-smooth lens surface is designed to resist deposits for comfortable wear all day every day, even up to one month.

The Air Optix range of SiHy contact lens includes Air Optix Aqua breathable contact lenses, Air Optix for astigmatism, and Air Optix Aqua Multifocal.

“When designed and manufactured according to accepted standards, contact lenses provide an effective, convenient and safe way to correct vision problems. As such, consumers should only consider genuine contact lenses manufactured by reputable research-based companies,” said Dr. Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso, a fellow of the International Association of Contact Lens Educators.