In surfing the web today, I found out that in Europe (at least some parts of it) there is a new silicon hydrogel multifocal available, the AirOptix Aqua Multifocal by Ciba. If you look at online contact lens vendors in Switzerland or Germany, for instance, you can see it. You can also see it on Ciba's site for those countries. However, it does not appear on Ciba's US site, nor sold by any US vendors, AFAIK. Therefore, a new silicon hydrogel multifocal, to join the Purevision and Oasys multifocals. Does anyone here have any idea when it will be available in the USA, if ever? Is it currently going through the FDA approval process? (Does the FDA always take longer to approve things than similar agencies in other countries? If so, does that mean they are more thorough in their tests, or just a slower bureaucracy?) Is there anyone reading who has tried these, either as prescriber or patient, who could compare them with the others? it looks like they are available with three levels of Add--low, medium, and high. If I recall correctly, the PVs only come in two levels, low and high. With three levels, is it possible that the high add level of these AOA MFs might provide a higher level of presbyopia correction than the high add on the PVs? Anyhow, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who knows anything about them, has had any experience with them, any info about when they will be available in the USA, etc. Thank you in advance.
Its in pre launch here in Canada. That means a few selected practices have access to it. Sort of like beta testing. We have not been given a date for the full launch. Maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on the lens design and how it fits your eye. The old Acuvue bifocal had four adds and it doesn't work as well as PV. PV can work with higher adds by using "modified monovision" and adding a little plus to the near eye. Dr Judy
Thank you for the info, Dr. Judy In that Canadian pre-launch, have you been able to get any of those lenses, to try on your patients and/or yourself? If so, could you report on them? Thanks. Its in pre launch here in Canada. That means a few selected practices have access to it. Sort of like beta testing. We have not been given a date for the full launch. Maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on the lens design and how it fits your eye. The old Acuvue bifocal had four adds and it doesn't work as well as PV. PV can work with higher adds by using "modified monovision" and adding a little plus to the near eye. Dr Judy
My daddy always taught me that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If there ever is a foolproof, easy and cheap cure for cancer, you can bet it won't be advertised on late night tv, at only US$19.95, BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, BUT ONLY FOR THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Similarly for presbyopia, you won't have to go digging for the secret cure.
True, the fact that the article was written by someone who works for Ciba, clearly indicates a lack of objectivity. But from what recall, it was in an optometric journal, not as an ad, but as an actual research article. So I wondered if there really might be something to it, although that title certainly would have to be a great exaggeration. Anyhow, I am curious to hear some real reports on that lens, that do not come from the manufacturer.
