Acuvue ortho-k lenses are claimed to be the first and only FDA approved orthokeratology contact lens for myopia management
FDA approves Johnson & Johnson Vision’s Acuvue ortho-k lenses for myopia management. (Credit: Martin Slavoljubovski from Pixabay)
Johnson & Johnson Vision, part of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, has secured the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Acuvue Abiliti Overnight therapeutic lenses for myopia management.
The company claims that the Acuvue Abiliti Overnight therapeutic lenses are the first and only FDA approved orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lens for myopia management.
Johnson & Johnson Vision research & development global head Xiao-Yu Song said: “The FDA approval of Abiliti Overnight marks an important milestone in our commitment to help change the trajectory of eye health and reshape the future of children with myopia.
“We look forward to supporting parents and eye care professionals in their care of children with comprehensive resources, starting with Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses, and continuing with additional products and services to address the progression of myopia.”
Myopia, sometimes known as ‘nearsightedness’, is a chronic and progressive disease. Children aged less than 12 years are the most vulnerable to develop high myopia and at risk of sight-threatening eye diseases in later stages, said Johnson & Johnson Vision.
According to the company, clinical studies have shown that ortho-k lenses can be a safe option to manage myopia.
The contact lenses have been shown to reduce the axial elongation of the eye in myopic children by 0.28mm, on average, over two years.
Abiliti Overnight ortho-k contact lenses are designed and fitted to match the eye based on their unique corneal shape to temporarily reshape the cornea.
They are optimised by the use of corneal topography, refractive error and other measurements connected to advanced fitting software.
The lenses will be available in two different contact lens designs: Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses and Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses for Astigmatism.
Johnson & Johnson Vision said that for each annual purchase of an Abiliti product, there will be a free comprehensive eye health exam for a child.
Abiliti Overnight contact lenses are expected to be available in the US by the end of this year.