Samfilcon A contact lenses reduce dehydration

SEATTLE – Patients reported that the use of samfilcon A contact lenses helped keep their eyes moist, specifically while using digital devices, according to research presented here at Optometry's Meeting.

"With increased concentration associated with visual tasks on digital devices, blink rates decrease," Rah and colleagues explained in their poster.

“A new contact lens technology has been designed to resist dehydration and discomfort that may be caused by reduced blink rates,” they said.

The researchers assessed how patients felt about new contact lens technology as well as a contact lens in a new material.

As detailed in the abstract, 151 eye care providers prescribed samfilcon A contact lenses to 501 patients. The patients completed an Internet survey regarding new contact lens technology and how they tolerated the new lenses after wearing them for up to 30 days.

Results showed that patients reacted positively to new technology as well as the samfilcon A lenses. Patients indicated in the surveys that their interest in trying new technology was 96.6%, according to the abstract.

“Following samfilcon A lens use, 92.2% of patients agreed the lenses helped relieve their eyes from feeling dry and tired after a long day of looking at digital devices, 94.6% agreed the lenses provided exceptional clarity and comfort, and 90% preferred the lenses overall compared to their previous lenses," researchers reported. – by Chelsea Frajerman Pardes

Reference:

Rah MJ, et al. Interest and acceptance of a new contact lens technology in today's practice. Poster presented at: 118th Annual AOA Congress & 45th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry’s Meeting. June 26, 2015; Seattle, WA.

Disclosure: Rah, Reindel and Mosehauer are employees of Bausch + Lomb.