DULUTH, Ga.--CIBA Vision reports that Air Optix will now be the global brand name for CIBA Vision’s silicone hydrogel innovations in all markets around the world including the U.S.

Rick Weisbarth, OD

Having one global brand name, the company said in a statement, “will allow CIBA Vision to significantly simplify its business operations and deliver consistently high customer service levels. Additionally, it will allow improved speed to market with future product innovations as CIBA Vision continues to innovate and build its Air Optix family of products.”

Launching in the U.S. this Spring is the Air Optix for Astigmatism, with a monthly replacement schedule.

The Air Optix for Astigmatism Precision Balance 8/4 lens design features a wide optic zone to provide excellent visual acuity, and ensures the lens fitting characteristics and axis orientation are consistent from patient to patient, the company said. Additionally, 99 percent of Air Optix for Astigmatism lenses have acceptable or optimal fit at dispensing and stabilize on the eye in just 30 seconds, according to the company.

“The breakthrough Precision Balance 8/4 lens design of Air Optix for Astigmatism lenses delivers a high rate of first-fit success, which means reduced chair time for eyecare professionals and improved practice growth potential,” said Rick Weisbarth, OD, FAAO and VP, global head professional development and partnerships. “Most importantly, this lens offers eyecare professionals an opportunity to truly satisfy the unmet vision and comfort needs of their astigmatic patients, increasing patient satisfaction and truly improving lives.”

Air Optix is CIBA’s new sihy brand.

The thickest points of the Air Optix for Astigmatism lens are at the 8 and 4 o’clock positions. This minimizes interaction with the lower lid for excellent comfort and is designed to allow the lens to adopt a stable position for consistently clear vision, CIBA noted.

Along with the constant contoured edge, this design provides outstanding stable vision and comfort throughout the wearing schedule. Air Optix for Astigmatism offers a Dk/t of 108 @ -3.00D and transmits up to seven times more oxygen than the leading low Dk/t hydrogel toric lenses, CIBA reports, so that eyes can stay healthy-looking and comfortable, no matter how long lenses are worn each day. The lenses feature a low amount of prism in the wide optic zone to reduce thickness and maximize Dk/t. The lenses also feature CIBA Vision’s patented, permanent, biocompatible plasma surface treatment that helps resist deposits and maintain excellent wettability to contribute to healthy lens wear.

“CIBA Vision is partnering with eyecare professionals by focusing our innovation efforts to develop contact lenses that meet the needs of even the most challenging-to-fit patients,” said Francesco Balestrieri, president of CIBA Vision, North America. “Our silicone hydrogel lenses are now available in sphere, toric and even made-to-order spherical powers, so that more patients can enjoy the healthy vision benefits that silicone hydrogel technology provides.”

Air Optix for Astigmatism lenses are made of lotrafilcon B. Launch parameters are from plano to -6.00D in 0.25D steps, with cylinder powers of -0.75 and -1.25 and axes around-the-clock in 10 steps. These parameters will be expanded in the near future to include plus powers, high-minus powers and additional cylinder powers. The lenses have a diameter of 14.5 mm and a base curve of 8.7 mm, and feature a blue handling tint. They are approved for daily wear and up to six nights of extended wear, and are recommended for monthly replacement. ■