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September 22, 2008

Working with Silcione Hydrogels is not easy!

Analysis of: Ahead of the Bell: Cooper Cos. | www.forbes.com
This analysis is solely the work of the author. It has not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
Analysis By:
Steve Rubinstein, OD, OptometristSteve Rubinstein, OD
Optometrist, Sound Shore Vision Care
Implications: This article mentions two major contact lens manufacturers, CooperVision and Vistakon (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), with difficulties actually making silicone hydrogel contact lenses that can be sold successfully.

Analysis: This article highlights the fact that silicone in contact lenses may be more comfortable, healthier, and give good clarity, but it is hard to work with.

A case in point is the Biofinity material by CooperVision. A high silicone(and therefore high permeability) product that was supposed to be a 2 week lens. It came out as a monthly because of the low yield in manufacturing. I understand that there was only a 20% efficiency in the process.

Vistakon made another silicone material, with Hydraclear in it. The initial lens material "Advance" is still being used, but has a high rate of deposit formation. The second generation material, "Oasys" has more Hydraclear, for a higher permeability. The Oasys material is packaged in a lubricant. This is needed to enhance the comfort of the lens, as the silco content went up.

The other two manufacturers, Bausch & Lomb, and Ciba. They use a lens material covered by a patent held by a third party. The materials they produce are both very stiff, and have a low modulus of elasticity (measurement of stiffness).

A new material was recently announced. I would like to know what its characteristics are. There is plenty of room for a new blockbuster material in the silicone hydrogel contact lens market. 


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