Apr 2 2008
SynergEyes, Inc. has launched its revolutionary new hybrid contact lens specifically designed for people over 40 dealing with a vision condition known as presbyopia. The "hybrid" design of the SynergEyes(R) Multifocal bonds a "hard" and "soft" contact lens together resulting in a one-of-a kind vision correction option that provides crisp, clear vision at both near and in the distance in a comfortable, healthy contact lens.
Similar to grey hair and wrinkles, presbyopia is caused by the natural course of aging. The first symptom is blurred vision up close when trying to read or do other activities at near and is usually noticed between the ages of 40-50. Presbyopia eventually affects everyone, even those that have never needed vision correction before.
The SynergEyes(R) Multifocal hybrid contact lens is a new kind of contact lens that combines the comfort of a soft lens with the high-definition optics of a rigid lens. The SynergEyes(R) Multifocal directs vision through two distinct areas of focus, one for the distance prescription and one for the near prescription. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are corrected by the distance power, while the crisp optics of the close-up power provide simultaneous computer and reading vision. The soft skirt of the SynergEyes(R) Multifocal lens provides all-day comfort in a healthy and convenient contact lens.
Presbyopia has traditionally been corrected through the use of progressive spectacles or bi-focal reading glasses. Eyeglasses not only can be unsightly and cumbersome, especially for special events or physical activities, but they can make it difficult to see clearly in all directions of gaze.
Rigid and soft contact lenses have also attempted to address the challenges of correcting presbyopia, but with limited success. Rigid multifocal or bifocal lens wearers often experience a momentary blur after blinking and also have to settle for less-than-optimal comfort. Soft multifocal contact lenses can be comfortable and convenient, but visual acuity is often fuzzy and blurred at best. In addition, most soft multifocal contact lenses do not correct corneal astigmatism.
An alternative approach to treat presbyopia with soft lenses is monovision, which requires the patient to wear a distance vision soft lens in one eye and a near vision soft lens in the other eye. Monovision is acceptable for some patients, but others are unable to adapt to each eye working alone and often report a loss of depth perception.
"Currently, presbyopic patients have to compromise on visual clarity or comfort in order to wear contact lenses, but the SynergEyes(R) Multifocal changes that," said Kellie Kaseburg, Vice President of Global Marketing for SynergEyes.
Terry Karlman, a SynergEyes(R) Multifocal wearer, was frustrated with her aging eyesight and the compromises required by other treatment options, such as monovision and reading glasses. "SynergEyes lenses are the perfect solution for me. I don't have to bother with glasses, and I can see clearly far away, and I can read things up close."
In addition to the SynergEyes(R) Multifocal lens for presbyopia, the SynergEyes family of contact lenses with FDA market clearance includes SynergEyes(R) A for patients with astigmatism, current gas permeable lens wearers, and patients demanding optimized vision; the SynergEyes(R) KC for patients with keratoconus; and the SynergEyes(R) PS for patients with post- surgery or post-trauma refractive errors.