In focus: Can light management grow the contact lens business?

Contact lenses have been getting more breathable, more comfortable and healthier for years but until now significant change in the way lenses interact with vision has been in short supply.

For the past 10 years, Johnson & Johnson Vision has been working with Transitions Optical Inc to develop a photochromic contact lens. The result is Acuvue Oasys with Transitions, a lens the firm said provides more benefits than simply relief from harsh light.

‘Describing it as a contact lens that is light or dark just doesn’t do it justice,’ said Dr Rachel Hiscox professional education and development manager at Johnson & Johnson Vision, UK and Ireland. She said the lens offers a range of benefits over and above constantly active UV protection, by seamlessly adapting to changing light levels throughout the day. She also said research shows those most interested in the innovation could go some way to growing the contact lens market.