The number of customizable gas permeable (GP) lenses is expanding, thanks to improved manufacturing technologies and expanded and innovative parameter and material options. While the existing patient base for GP lenses is small, relative to the overall contact lens industry, these new offerings afford an ability to fit a wider array of potential candidates, correcting for more complicated clinical challenges. We invited a panel of experts to participate in the following roundtable discussion on the new technologies available in GP lenses.

Read more:

• Successfully Fit the Most Compromised Corneas (PDF, 867 KB)

• Contact Lens Case Report: Contact Lenses Following Corneal Trauma (PDF, 138 KB)

aQuatens, licensed from its German parent, has been marketed in Europe for over three years, where it’s recognized a premium and innovative product.  Utilizing a novel delivery system, aQuatens offers consumers an opportunity to easily clean and preserve their specialty eyeglass lenses.  “While effective for all ophthalmic lenses, we feel its unique cleaning attributes are well suited for high-technology anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and mirror coatings,” says Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One. 

A soft silicone pad is used to distribute aQuatens’ cleaning gel across the lens surface.  Contaminates are quickly pulled from the surface and suspended within the gel.  Once applied, lenses are simply rinsed under running tap water, where the gel and flowing water remove particles, stains, prints or residues.  There is no need to rub the gel into the lens.  After rinsing, the tap water is shaken free from the lens.  Any remaining water drops are then removed by lightly touching with a special, absorbent cloth included within the aQuatens package. 

“We believe that our industry has done an amazing job of creating functionally superior and aesthetically pleasing eyewear lens options.  Unfortunately, many of these lenses seem to literally attract debris and smudges, and consumers are often frustrated trying to keep their lenses clean,” said Dr. Bridgewater. 

In addition, traditional cleaning methods require lens rubbing that can gradually scratch and erode expensive lens coatings.  aQuatens was developed to address these issues, by offering superior cleaning attributes and, through it no-rubbing process, preserve and protect lens surfaces. 

Acuity One, which hold an exclusive license to the technology in North America, plans to initially offer aQuatens on a limited basis through professional and retails optical channels. 

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, was launched in 1998 to bring innovative concepts to the eye care industry.  To thousands of N. American accounts, Acuity One markets Clearion^tm dual-hinge customgp lenses, designed for advanced medically necessary efficacy, and Clearion^tm custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel lenses, with parameter options beyond ranges available in commercial modalities.  Acuity One also distributes the MeniCare GP solutions.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins, Acuity One

480-607-2998

nina@acuityone.com

Scottsdale, AZ – May 5, 2009 – Acuity One, a leading innovator in eyecare concepts, announces its launch of the Clearion^tm dual-hinge customgp contact lenses. 

With a continuum of three lens profiles and a wide array of available parameters and materials, the dual-hinge lenses were developed to offer highly customizable system of GP lenses.  A “dual-hinge” design and fitting philosophy is utilized to more closely approximate complex corneal, topographic profiles. 

The “dual-hinge” design concept employs its first hinge point between the central base curve (BC1) and a second, para-central base curve (BC2).  Practitioners can significantly alter this relationship to accommodate for topographical variances ranging from mild corneal irregularity to excessive ectasia and profound central corneal flattening.  A second hinge point is then employed between BC2 and a progressive curve, peripheral curve (PC) system to establish the desired, targeted axial edge lift. 

Utilizing this design concept, the CBC (continuous base curve) profile is best suited for mild to moderate amounts of topographic irregularities, where BC1 and BC2 have a consistent radius of curvature.  The EC (ectasia) profile offers an accelerated flattening geometry, where BC2 is significantly flatter than BC1, to more closely approximate moderate to advanced cases of corneal ectasia.  The RG (reverse geometry) profile, where BC2 is steeper than BC1, is best indicated for moderate to advanced cases of central corneal flattening. 

A comprehensive diagnostic fitting set provides lenses with all three profiles and in parameter configurations designed to quickly and accurately generate final prescriptions.  To best match corneal topographies, practitioners are encouraged to first alter the degree that BC2 varies from BC1.  Then, with the central and para-central fitting relationships established, practitioners select a PC system to best match the peripheral corneal architecture. 

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “Practitioners often utilize GP designs from multiple sources when fitting advanced cases of corneal irregularity.  We are packaging together a continuum of three profiles, generated from a single lens platform with a consistent design and fitting philosophy, to promote ease of use and improved clinical performance.”

Acuity One will begin distributing the Clearion^tm dual-hinge customgp products effective immediately to eyecare professionals in North America.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 to bring innovative concepts to the eye care industry.  Acuity One currently markets Clearion^tm custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel and custom GP lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in commercial modalities.  Acuity One also distributes MeniCare GP Solutions and aQuatens, a novel, no rub eyewear lens cleaning technology.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins, Acuity One

480-607-2998

nina@acuityone.com

Scottsdale, AZ – November 14, 2008 – Acuity One, a leading innovator in eyecare concepts, announces its launch of the Clearion^tm dual-hinge customgp contact lenses. 

With a continuum of three lens profiles and a wide array of available parameters and materials, the Clearion^tm dual-hinge customgp lenses were developed to offer highly customizable system of GP lenses.   This system utilizes a “dual-hinge” design and fitting philosophy to more closely approximate corneal, topographic profiles. 

The “dual-hinge” design concept employs its first hinge point between the central base curve (BC1) and a second, para-central base curve (BC2).  Practitioners can significantly alter this relationship to accommodate for topographical variances ranging from mild corneal irregularity to excessive ectasia and profound central corneal flattening.  A second hinge point is then employed between BC2 and a progressive curve, peripheral curve (PC) system to establish the desired, targeted axial edge lift. 

Utilizing this design concept, the CBC (continuous base curve) profile is best suited for mild to moderate amounts of topographic irregularities, where BC1 and BC2 have a consistent radius of curvature.  The EC (ectasia) profile offers an accelerated flattening geometry, where BC2 is significantly flatter than BC1, to more closely approximate moderate to advanced cases of corneal ectasia.  The RG (reverse geometry) profile, where BC2 is steeper than BC1, is best indicated for moderate to advanced cases of central corneal flattening. 

A comprehensive diagnostic fitting set provides lenses with all three profiles and in parameter configurations designed to quickly and accurately generate final prescriptions.  To best match corneal topographies, practitioners are encouraged to first alter the degree that BC2 varies from BC1.  Then, with the central and para-central fitting relationships established, practitioners select a PC system to best match the peripheral corneal architecture. 

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “Practitioners often utilize GP designs from multiple sources when fitting advanced cases of corneal irregularity.  We are packaging together a continuum of three profiles, generated from a single lens platform with a consistent design and fitting philosophy, to promote ease of use and improved clinical performance.”

Acuity One will begin distributing the Clearion^tm dual-hinge customgp products effective immediately to eyecare professionals in North America.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 to bring innovative concepts to the eye care industry.  Acuity One currently markets Clearion^tm custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel and custom GP lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in commercial modalities.  Acuity One also distributes the So₂ClearÔ GP corneal-scleral contact lenses and MeniCare GP Solutions.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins, Acuity One

480-607-2998

nina@acuityone.com

Hioxifilcon B is a non-ionic 49% water content hydrogel polymer that is recognized in the contact lens industry as offering advanced hydration and deposit resistance characteristics. 

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “We believe that Hioxifilcon A is a perfect complement for our custom presbyopic designs.  While Methafilcon A has been a workhorse material, we believe the enhanced attributes of Hioxifilcon A are a better fit for many presbyopic patients.”

With two lens profiles and a wide array of available parameters, the ClearionÔ Concentric and Progressive lenses were developed to promote highly customizable presbyopic contact lenses corrections.   The company believes that Hioxifilcon A is a better material match to the demands inherent to presbyopic eyes. 

Dr. Bridgewater said, “Presbyopic lens designs, with their intricate surface curvatures, are more affected by surface dehydration and contamination.  We believe that this new material will promote longer and more consistent vision and lens comfort.”

Acuity One will begin distributing its Clearion™ products, manufactured in Hioxifilcon A, effective immediately to eyecare professionals in the US and Canada.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 to bring innovative concepts to the eye care industry.  Acuity One currently markets Clearion™ custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel and custom GP lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in commercial modalities.  Acuity One also distributes the So₂Clear™  GP corneal-scleral contact lenses and MeniCare GP Solutions.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins

Acuity One

480-607-2998

nina@acuityone.com

Acuity One expands its product offering

Scottsdale, AZ – June 24, 2008 – Acuity One, a leading innovator in eye care concepts, announces its launch of the Clearion™ customgp topographic specific system of contact lenses. 

With three distinct lens profiles and a wide array of available parameters and materials, the Clearion™ customgp lenses were developed to offer highly customizable GP contact lens corrections.   The three designs utilize single and dual “hinge point” fitting philosophies and targeted axial edge lift PC system options to more closely approximate corneal,  topographic profiles. 

The SBC (single base curve) design is best suited for mild to moderate amounts of topographic irregularities and utilizes a single “hinge point” fitting philosophy.  The RG (reverse geometry) design, utilizing two base curves and dual “hinge points” (flatter central and steeper second base curves), is indicated for moderate to advanced cases of central corneal flattening.  The EC (ectasia) design incorporates an accelerated flattening geometric profile to more closely approximate moderate to advanced cases of corneal ectasia.  It utilizes dual “hinge points,” with a steep central and significantly flatter second base curves.

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “Practitioners fitting advanced cases of corneal irregularity often employ designs from multiple sources.  We are packaging together three distinct GP profiles in a logical system to promote ease of use and improved clinical performance.”

Acuity One will begin distributing the Clearion™ customgp products effective immediately to eyecare professionals in the US and Canada.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 to bring innovative concepts to the eye care industry.  Acuity One currently markets Clearion™ custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel and custom GP lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in commercial modalities.  Acuity One also distributes the So₂Clear™ GP corneal-scleral contact lenses and MeniCare GP Solutions.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins

Acuity One

480-607-2998

nina@acuityone.com

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “We believe that the MeniCare solutions are a very effective option for all GP patients and the best care system for our So2Clear lenses.” Utilizing its benzyl alcohol preservative, overnight soaking in MeniCare CDS (cleaning, disinfecting, storing) emulsifies deposits and promotes an uncontaminated surface prior to reinsertion with the WRW (wetting, re-wetting) solution.

Dr. Bridgewater said, “Marketplace acceptance of the MeniCare solutions has only been limited by a lack of retail presence. We understand that practitioners and their patients need alternate GP solutions, and we designed our distribution model to offer easy access to lens wearers.” Acuity One supports practitioners with liberal starter kit policies and offers convenient patient-direct purchasing options.

If desired, practitioners can purchase solutions from Acuity One and inventory / sell them to their patients. “Interestingly, most practices don’t desire this option, considering the limited financial return,” said Dr. Bridgewater. Alternatively, lens wearers are directed to Acuity One’s website (www.acuityone.com) and toll free number (877.228.4891) for replacement ordering and direct delivery. This consumer-direct strategy promotes convenience and more assured usage of practitioner recommended solutions.

Acuity One will begin distributing the Menicare GP Solution effective immediately to eyecare professionals in the US and Canada.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 and brings innovative concepts to the eye care industry. Acuity One currently markets ClearionÔ custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in disposable modalities. Acuity One also distributes the So2ClearÔ GP corneal-scleral contact lenses.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins
Acuity One
480-607-2998
nina@acuityone.com

Acuity One expands its product offering

Scottsdale, AZ – November 20, 2007- Acuity One, a leader in bringing innovative concepts to the eye care industry, announces its partnership with Menicon in distributing the MeniCare GP Solutions.

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “We believe that the MeniCare solutions are a very effective option for all GP patients and the best care system for our So2Clear lenses.”  Utilizing its benzyl alcohol preservative, overnight soaking in MeniCare CDS (cleaning, disinfecting, storing) emulsifies deposits and promotes an uncontaminated surface prior to reinsertion with the WRW (wetting, re-wetting) solution. 

Dr. Bridgewater said, “Marketplace acceptance of the MeniCare solutions has only been limited by a lack of retail presence.  We understand that practitioners and their patients need alternate GP solutions, and we designed our distribution model to offer easy access to lens wearers.”   Acuity One supports practitioners with liberal starter kit policies and offers convenient patient-direct purchasing options. 

If desired, practitioners can purchase solutions from Acuity One and inventory / sell them to their patients.  “Interestingly, most practices don’t desire this option, considering the limited financial return,” said Dr. Bridgewater.  Alternatively, lens wearers are directed to Acuity One’s website (www.acuityone.come) and toll free number (877.228.4891) for replacement ordering and direct delivery.  This consumer-direct strategy promotes convenience and more assured usage of practitioner recommended solutions. 

Acuity One will begin distributing the Menicare GP Solution effective immediately to eyecare professionals in the US and Canada.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 and brings innovative concepts to the eye care industry.  Acuity One currently markets ClearionÔ custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in disposable modalities.  Acuity One also distributes the So₂ClearÔ GP corneal-scleral contact lenses.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins

Acuity One

480-607-2998

nina@acuityone.com

With two lens profiles and a wide array of available parameters, the ClearionTM Concentric and Progressive lenses were developed to promote highly customizable presybopic contact lenses corrections.

Dr. Bruce Bridgewater, President of Acuity One, said, “We believe that our combination of lenses allows practitioners to most accurately tailor inherent lens capabilities to individual patient needs, whether selecting between the two designs or utilizing a creative combination of them.”

Dr. Bridgewater said, “The marketplace has spoken and no one presybopic lens design is universally successful. Rather, practitioners have utilized innovative combinations of lenses to solve their presybopic contact lens needs. We are offering a single source for these diligent efforts.”

Acuity One will begin distributing the ClearionTM products effective immediately to eyecare professionals in the US and Canada.

About Acuity One

Acuity One, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona was launched in 1998 and brings innovative concepts to the eye care industry. Acuity One currently markets ClearionTM custom spherical, toric and multifocal hydrogel lenses that offer parameter options beyond ranges available in disposable modalities. Acuity One also distributes the So2ClearTM GP corneal-scleral contact lenses.

For Immediate Release

For more information please contact:

Nina Hawkins
Acuity One
480-607-2998
nina@acuityone.com