Johnson and Johnson reports new material that can help avoid ‘contact lens dropout’

Johnson & Johnson has announced the results of a new study that show a unique contact lens material can reduce the discomfort and dryness felt by wearers in adverse environmental conditions.

The research suggests that the novel silicone hydrogel material known as senofilcon A could stop contact lens wearers discarding their lenses because of dryness, the most common reason why individuals give up wearing their lenses.

Reseachers used a controlled clinical model to evaluate dryness and ascertained that patients wearing the Acuvue Oasys brand contact lenses made with the substance experienced less discomfort than those wearing no lenses at all or their usual brand.

Sheila Hickson-Curran, director of medical affairs at Vistakon, said: “Most soft contact lenses materials have demonstrated a susceptibility to environmental factors which can lead to clinical symptoms normally associated with ocular dryness.

She added that these factors can include air movement, temperature and activities including computer-use and reading, which can exacerbate the symptoms and signs of dryness in those who wear contact lenses.

In April 2007, Johnson & Johnson reported the results of a study involving 500 contact lens wearers in the US showing that second-generation hydrogel lenses manufactured using senofilcon A and galyfilcon A can lower the incidence of ocular symptoms including dryness and discomfort.