Page 28 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition March-April 2021

ALCON INTRODUCES the prototype lens is made
of a biocompatible hydrogel
PRECISION1 FOR ASTIGMATISM without the addition of
chemical pigments. That gel is
in turn composed of a polymer
known as poly (2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate), or pHEMA
for short. The spacing of the
periodic nanostructures
within the hydrogel are
sensitive for moisture and
pressure changes.
According to a report
published in the Journal of
Alcon has introduced its new PRECISION1 for Materials Chemistry B, the
Astigmatism, a daily disposable, silicone hydrogel (SiHy) smart contact lens features
contact lens designed for astigmatic patients in the a contact lens sensor with a
U.S.A. Astigmatism is a common vision problem caused tunable colour.
by an irregularly shaped cornea, resulting in images
blurring or stretching out. Normally the pHEMA
appears to be red. However,
Born from Water Gradient Technology, PRECISION1 within about 25 minutes of
lenses feature Alcon’s proprietary Smartsurface being placed on an eye that’s
technology; a permanent, micro-thin layer of moisture abnormally dry, the polymer’s
at the lens surface, which according to the company, nanostructure changes in
helps support a stable tear film to provide for a lasting reaction to the low moisture
visual performance.
levels. As a result, it switches
“Many of my patients want long-lasting comfort from to reflecting incoming light as
their daily disposable contact lens, and that’s led me being blue.
to wholeheartedly prescribe PRECISION1,” said Aaron In addition, the smart
Luekenga, OD, Heritage Valley Eye Care, California. contact is also said to be
“Now with PRECISION1 for Astigmatism, I can offer capable of detecting conditions
my astigmatic patients a stable, next-generation lens- such as glaucoma, in which
wearing experience.”
the eye’s intraocular pressure is
PRECISION1 and PRECISION1 for Astigmatism dangerously high. In that case,
are available in optical retailers/practices and online the pressure on the hydrogel
throughout the United States. Eye Care Professionals, once again alters its reflective
with or without fit sets, can order trial and revenue lenses nanostructure, this time
directly from Alcon or an Alcon-authorized distributor. causing it to appear green.
“This study provides a novel
and smart wearable device for
timely and facile warning of
COLOUR ALTERING SMART the risks of xerophthalmia
[dry eye] and high intraocular
CONTACT LENSES pressure disease,” said the lead
scientist, Prof. Du Xuemin. “It
Chinese researchers have developed a smart contact lens will also inspire the design of
that is alleged to react to changes in pressure and moisture by a new generation of wearable
changing colour. The device may in future be used to ascertain devices with colorimetric
patients who are at risk of glaucoma. sensing capabilities for real-
time POC [point-of-care]
Developed by a team from the Shenzhen Institutes of monitoring of various human
Advanced Technology (SIAT) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, body signs and diseases.”

| MAR-APR 2021 | 24 CONTACT LENS NEWS

Mar-Apr 2021 SK News.indd 5 27-04-2021 15:43