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FDA approves Acuvue Oasys contacts with photochromic additive
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Today the FDA cleared the first contact lens to incorporate an additive that automatically darkens the lens when exposed to bright light: the Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
The contact lenses contain a photochromic additive that adapts the amount of visible light filtered to the eye based on the amount of UV light to which they are exposed and also filters blue light and blocks UV rays, according to announcements from the FDA and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
In bright sunlight, the contact lenses darken, and when exposed to normal or dark lighting conditions, they return to a regular tint, the FDA stated.
The soft contact lenses are indicated for daily wear for up to 14 days to correct the vision of those with non-diseased eyes who are nearsighted or farsighted and may be worn by those with certain degrees of astigmatism, according to the FDA.
The lens material is the same as in Acuvue Oasys lenses – senofilcon, according to Dave Turner, PhD, head of research and development in the contact lens platform at Johnson & Johnson Vision, in a statement provided to Primary Care Optometry News. He explained the dye is chemically bound throughout the lens, and the power range information will be available at launch in the first half of 2019.
For today’s clearance, the FDA reviewed scientific evidence that included a clinical study that evaluated daytime and nighttime driving performance of 24 patients while wearing the contact lenses, according to the FDA.
The announcement specified that patients with the following conditions should not use these contact lenses: inflammation or infection in or around the eye or eyelids; any eye disease, injury or abnormality that affects the cornea, conjunctiva or eyelids; any previously diagnosed condition that makes contact lens wear uncomfortable; severe dry eye; reduced corneal sensitivity; any systemic disease that may affect the eye or be made worse by wearing contact lenses; allergic reactions on the surface of the eye or surrounding tissues that may be induced or made worse by wearing contact lenses or use of contact lens solutions; any active eye infection or red or irritated eyes. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: Turner is employed by Johnson & Johnson Vision.
Perspective
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Thomas G. Quinn, OD, MS, FAAO
This is exciting news about the Transitions contact lens. A marketing student from Ohio University (situated in my town of Athens, Ohio) approached me about this concept 30 years ago. It is exciting to see it come to fruition. Improved comfort, but also protection from UV light, will be great features to offer our patients.
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