CIBA eyes growth potential of multifocal CLs for presbyopes

CIBA Vision has launched Air Optics Aqua Multifocal, a silicone hydrogel lens with three add powers, offering practitioners a viable solution for patients with emerging presbyopia.

The launch aims to tackle contact lens dropout in the over-40s, with research showing that this is largely related to patient dissatisfaction with vision and comfort of the current lens options.

CIBA said that in trials Air Optix Aqua Multifocal gave a 86 per cent first-fit success rate among emerging presbyopes and a 90 per cent preference rate among these patients.

Mark Draper, CIBA's head of professional affairs, said the current 5 per cent penetration rate for multifocal fits in the UK was a 'massive' growth opportunity for practitioners. 'Presbyopia typically occurs from 40 to 45 years of age. With an ageing population, what we are seeing is that in less then 20 years the average person in the population will be around that age. It will become a much more common problem and practitioners will be looking for a high-performing multifocal contact lens that successfully meets the needs of these patients.