Johnson & Johnson is gearing up to introduce expanded parameters for the ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day for Astigmatism contact lens across the United States and Canada.
The company announced the news during this week’s American Optometric Association (AOA) annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.
Let’s start with a refresh on the ACUVUE OASYS brand.
ACUVUE OASYS first launched to the U.S. market in 2005 as a second-generation silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lens made of senofilcon A.
Since its debut, the line has expanded to include eight lenses in the ACUVUE OASYS family—encompassing bi-weekly and daily disposable formats as well as spherical, toric (astigmatism), and multifocal (MF) prescription options.
And how do these lenses differ from the ACUVUE lens brand?
The ACUVUE OASYS line is essentially a subset of the ACUVUE brand, designed specifically for more comfort in dry or challenging environments.
Among their differences: lens material breathability, moisture retention, and replacement schedules.
So when was the 1-Day lens added to the brand?
ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe Technology for Astigmatism (its official name) was introduced to the U.S. market in 2016.
Its target patients: New lens wearers looking for “excellent” visual performance across multiple activities.
And before we get more into the lens itself—let’s talk expanded parameters.
Effective next month, the lenses will now expand to –2.75 cylinder to offer coverage for up to a reported 89% of astigmatic eyes.**This is based on J&J data on file.
Noted. Now what’s unique about its lens design?
Each ACUVUE OASYS lens is equipped with three key components:
- BLINK STABILIZED design
- TEAR-INFUSED design (via that aforementioned HydraLuxe Technology)
- Ultraviolet (UV)-blocking capabilities
Break those two designs down for me.
BLINK STABILIZED Design is a proprietary lens stabilization technology design utilizing the eyelid’s natural motion during blinking to keep the lens in place on the eye.
- Check out how this works.
As for the HYDRALUXE Technology: This “tear-inspired” design evenly spreads the tear film layers to promote a “consistently smooth, lubricious, and stable refractive surface.”
Next up: its power range.
- High minus: –6.50 to –9.00 (0.50 steps)
- Low minus: 0.00 to –6.00 (0.25 steps)
- Plus: +0.25 to +4.00 (0.25 steps)
- High plus: +4.25 to +6.00 (0.25 steps)
To note: Per J&J, the lens pack sizes will remain consistent with current marketing offerings (30P RX and 5P DX).
Nice! And is there any notable clinical data supporting this lens?
Yes there is. In fact, 2018 research published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye found the ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day to have a 99% first-lens fit success rate.
- Other findings from this research included a rapid settling within 1-3 minutes as well as 97% of fits demonstrating minimal rotation, providing stable, comfortable, and sharp vision for users.
Expand on this sharper vision — any other data to back that up?
More 2018 research featured in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye: But this time, the pilot study in question evaluated just the visual performance of this SiHy DD lens among habitual lens-wearing patients (aged 18-39) with an astigmatism of ≤0.50 D.
- Specifically: Investigators analyzed whether patients’ “subjective” vision satisfaction could be quantified with vision tests like visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS).
And the findings?
The SiHy lens—with its unique lens technology—demonstrated “superior objective visual performance” versus lenses without such enhancements.
- An average of half a line of VA and > 10% of contrast threshold improvement
- Check out more findings here.
Impressive! Now, back to those expanded parameters … when will they be available?
While J&J announced the expansion during Optometry’s Meeting this week, clinicians will have to wait until next month for the change.
Specifically: July 27.
How about updated kits—can ECPs still order them?
Once the new parameters are available, yes, 2-draw expansion kits will be delivered to selected accounts: 2-drawers for –2.25 and 2-drawers for –2.75 cyl lenses.
Both will feature:
- Axis of 10, 20, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 160, 170 and 180
- Core powers from –6.50 to plano
And will there be a change to the lens pricing or ordering process?
Nope! The company emphasized that there will be no changes to the current ordering process or pricing for the ACUVUE OASYS 1-DAY for Astigmatism.
In fact, new wearers will actually benefit with patient promos and rebates (details to follow).
Also worth noting: The ACUVUE simplifit calculator currently used as a digital fitting consultant for the lens will be updated to account for the new parameters.