Acuvue Oasys - soon?

Does anyone have any news on the Acuvue Oasys lense - timeframe on when
it will be available in the U.S.? Already available in Europe, I've
heard some good things about its wearability and comfort (low
coefficient of friction, etc). Has anyone done comparisons to
Purevision or N&D?

KeithB

 

I was told USA roll out begins mid August and complete by end of August.
Some docs may receive lenses earlier.

--LB, O.D.

 

I'm wearing mine now.

They're fabulous.

DrG

 

Since I've worn all the silicone-hydrogels, I can say that the the new
Acuvue Oasys(sp?) is very, very comfortable, and the vision is very
clear...far, far superior to the Advance.

It's too early yet to make any conclusions relative to other lenses,
because everybody's eyes are different, but let me just say that I have
already placed my stock order (being a betting man).

DrG

 

Are these available in + and toric?

 

They are not available in anything until mid august, and then only in
minus to 6 D. Maybe next year on the + and toric; I've learned not to
hold my breath.

w.stacy, o.d.

 

The first sil hydro I tried wasn't a good experience.

Are they going to come in 2 week disposables?

Any idea how the cost will compare to Focus 1-2 week disposables -2.75

 

I just dealt with a patient who can't wear O2Optix in the right eye, but
it's fine in the left, N&D works great in the right, but only fair in
the left, and Purevision doesn't feel so great in either eye.

You never know!

Meanwhile, I STILL anxiously await plus powers and torics. I wish the
manufacturers would get it together and market their si-hydros in a full
range of parameters. What the hell are they waiting for? Scared of
making too much money?

--LB, O.D.

 

Larry is right. All of the silicone-hydrogels are different in some
way, i.e. water content, surface treatment, size, edge, etc.

Oasys will be marketed initially as a 2 week disposable, then sometime
later, pending FDA approval, for 30 day continuous wear.

Don't expect one of the most advanced lenses every made to be sold at
the same price as 20 year/old technology. Don't expect to be able to
purchase Focus 1-2 week disposables in my practice, either.

DrG

 

There is no "usual" pricing. Everyone is free to charge whatever they
like. The above scenario seems odd, even funny to me, unless there is a
4 box manufacturer's rebate involved (these accrue to the patient only,
not to the seller).

w.stacy, o.d.

 

Thanks for all the great replies. I've worn N&D, with pretty good
success, tried Purevision (crisper vision in one eye, but less overall
comfort) and although I'm not a doc, I think SiHy technology is
definitely the way to go.

Final question - does the Oasys have surface treatment? I recall
reading somewhere that the Advance does NOT have surface treatment but
manages to stay moist with its "hydroclear" technology (whatever that
is). I personally prefer N&D's surface treatment (my eyes tell me it's
higher/different quality), but based on your message it seems like a
surface treatment may or may not influence wearability (if Oasys
doesn't have any)...

Thanks,

KeithB

 

Don't base your preconceptions on your experiences with the Advance.
There are simply too many eye variables we cannot measure which can
interact with the contact lens.

I am going on week two with the same pair of Oasys. Not once have I
had any awareness that a lens was in my eye...not for a nanosecond.
There is no way the Advance would have lasted this long in my eyes, nor
would I have seen so clearly.

They say the technology is similar, but I doubt it. IMHO, they ought
to pull the Advance off the market once they introduce the Oasys. Just
my 2 cents.

DrG

 

And wouldn't you know it, they won't initially have the -6.50 I need
for my right eye. The bastards. ;-)

 

How come you wouldn't have Focus 1-2 wk lens in your practice.
I've been wearing them for 7 yrs.

What kind of disinfect solution do you use with the Oasys?

 

My office is bursting at the seams with contact lenses of all types. I
have a tendency to introduce and favor new and improved technology.
Once that has become available at a reasonable cost, I find it
difficult to justify continuing to prescribe the older stuff. I
believe that the benefits far outweigh the modest incremental increase
in cost.

I believe that the Oasys is compatible with existing care systems.

DrG

 

What ever happended to the idea that "if it ain't broken, don't fix it"?

I will *never* change a lens brand/type without a clinical reason to do
so. Plus, I *will* retain a bit of skepticism on the oasis lens, due to
my experience with its "predecessor", the Advance. I'd say that 80% of
the patients who liked it initially, end up disliking it. I hope the
oasis doesen't have this ugly little time-bomb feature.

w.stacy, o.d.

 

Interesting take on that, doctor. What about the idea of giving the
patient an opportunity to experience new technology and telling you if
it is better, worse, or no different?

I honestly thought that my once current contact lenses were the very
best until I tried something new. It was only then that I discovered
what was wrong with the previous brand. Subsequently, I always dig a
little deeper for symptoms such as dryness, redness, or discomfort.

Would any doctor starting out today be stocking up on Focus 1-2 Week
lenses?

DrG

 

I think that the "scientific reasons" of increased oxygen permeability
and less on-eye dryness have been amply shown. The economics are what
they are and what they need to be.

DrG

 

I bought into that argument with the Advance, and have a few unhappy
patients on that one. Once burned, twice shy...

oxygen is not everything...

w.stacy, o.d.

 

Never put all your eggs into one basket.

Agreed. There is also hydrogen.

How many silicone-hydrogel problems have you resolved lately by
reverting to Focus 1-2 Week, versus the number of Focus 1-2 Week
problems resolved with silicone-hydrogels?

Anyway, here I sit wearing my Oasys lenses, and my eyes have never been
happier...or so it seems. Hard to believe that it was only a few
months ago that I was criticizing Vistakon here in this NG for
technological torpor.

DrG