Speaking to a packed auditorium at O=Mega23/WCO4 in Melbourne, Noel Brennan unveiled Johnson and Johnson Vision’s (J&Js) latest, self-proclaimed “breakthrough soft contact lens for myopia control”.
With approval expected imminently, but not yet given by Australia’s TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and the New Zealand equivalent, Medsafe, Brennan and the J&J ANZ team were unable to name the lens but were able to present and discuss its scientific data.
The new lens was FDA-approved and launched as Acuvue Abiliti in the US in mid-2021 with much fanfare and has been highly anticipated in this region ever since. An overnight orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens, the new lens has been scientifically proven to reduce axial elongation and marks a key milestone in J&J’s commitment to change the trajectory of myopia, said Brennan. The lenses employ noncoaxial ring-focus designs for enhancing efficacy and vision when compared with dual-focus and single-vision lens designs¹, with each lens specifically designed to fit the unique shape of each patient's cornea and prescription, he said.
Born from J&J’s collaboration with Japanese-based contact lens manufacturer Menicon, the lenses reduce refractive error up to 6.00D and up to 1.50D of astigmatism, when worn overnight in children as young as six years of age, reported J&J. Where it has launched, the Abiliti brand includes a suite of myopia management products, from the new ortho-k lenses and associated FitAbiliti software, to help eyecare professionals with the bespoke fitting process, to digital companion apps to address children’s individual needs as they grow, said J&J spokespeople in those regions, adding there are more products in the pipeline.
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