January 30, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Eye doctors everywhere are prescribing the new, silicone hydrogel contact lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys, B&L’s PureVision, CIBA’s Focus Night & Day, and Cooper Vision’s Biofinity. While silicone hydrogel materials are more permeable to oxygen and greatly increase the cornea’s breathing ability, the majority of patients do well with traditional soft lenses, and some find them more comfortable. But, silicone hydrogels are bound to get better as they are refined over time, said optometrist William J. “Joe” Benjamin, O.D., M.S., Ph.D., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry.

“The silicone hydrogel is the most significant advancement in soft contact lens materials since soft contact lenses were invented more than 45 years ago,” Benjamin said. “These materials are usually better for people with high prescriptions, thick lenses and for extended wear. Patients that do not meet these criteria often prefer traditional lenses due to the lower cost and comfort. Before long, the silicone hydrogel materials will be improved and lens designs will better exploit their characteristics. They will eventually surpass traditional soft lenses in terms of comfort, availability and wear-ability.”

Benjamin has recently authored a series of columns evaluating silicone hydrogel lenses, to be published in issues of Contact Lens Spectrum beginning in February.