New generation silicone hydrogel material lens may help reduce dry eye

Soft contact lenses made with senofilcon A are “associated with a reduction in discomfort, dryness and other commonly reported problems associated with contact lens wear,” according to study results announced in a press release from Johnson & Johnson.

In the study, 1,092 current soft contact lens wearers were evaluated to calculate the prevalence of six common signs and symptoms associated with discomfort. Nearly half the study subjects (48%) showed at least one of the six signs or symptoms, with the most common complaints being 2 hours or more of uncomfortable wear at the end of the day reported by 31%, frequent or constant dryness by 28%, and discomfort by 17%.

Robin Chalmers, OD, FAAO, presented the results of the study at the American Academy of Optometry meeting last week.

“In this study, symptoms of discomfort and dryness were significantly reduced when patients wore contact lenses made with senofilcon A,” Dr. Chalmers said in the press release.

Of the 1,092 participants, 257 were fitted with senofilcon A lenses and re-assessed at 2 weeks. Of those who reported problems before refitting, 88% said they noticed improvement in overall comfort, 76% noted improvement in comfortable hours of wear, and 75% noted improvement in frequency of dryness, the release said.