AirOptix Aqua Multifocal?

Discussion in 'Optometry Archives' started by MS, Jun 7, 2009.

  1. MS

    MS Guest

    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.
     
    MS, Jun 7, 2009
    #1
  2. MS

    mpace99 Guest

    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
     
    mpace99, Jun 8, 2009
    #2
  3. MS

    MS Guest

    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
     
    MS, Jun 13, 2009
    #3
  4. MS

    Dr Judy Guest

    Not able to get them yet.

    Judy
     
    Dr Judy, Jun 15, 2009
    #4
  5. MS

    Dan Abel Guest

    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.
     
    Dan Abel, Jun 23, 2009
    #5
  6. MS

    MS Guest

    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.
     
    MS, Jul 5, 2009
    #6
  7. MS

    MS Guest

    Does anyone have any idea when they will be available in the USA?


    Not able to get them yet.

    Judy
     
    MS, Aug 17, 2009
    #7
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