Contact Lenses in Silicone Hydrogel the Vision of the Future?
The concept of lenses made from silicone hydrogel was first proposed over 20 years ago. The potential benefits were clear but the technological challenge was as difficult as needing to combine oil and water to produce an optically clear product. Researcher organizations have to date invested considerable academic and financial resources to achieve the high performance soft lenses of today. They have done this quite simply because they see this material as the way forward and the ultimate standard of the future.
At the time of writing, silicone hydrogel lenses are available in the USA from four manufacturers: “Night & Day” and “O2OPTIX” from CIBA Vision, “Pure Vision” from Bausch & Lomb, and “Acuvue OASYS” and “Advance” from J&J Vision Care.
OXYGEN TRANSPORT
So whats so special about silicone hydrogel as a lens material? Essentially, the great benefit of this material is its ability to transport oxygen to the eye and thus maintain proper eye health. Modern contact lens technology is all to do with oxygen...