Contact lens approved for use as bandage lens

Jacksonville, FL-A contact lens (Acuvue Oasis, Vistakon) has received FDA approval for therapeutic use as a bandage lens for certain acute and chronic ocular conditions.

"The wettability, smoothness, flexibility, high [level of] oxygen transmissibility, comfort, and Class I [ultraviolet light]-blocking properties of [the lens] make it an excellent choice for therapeutic use as a bandage lens for a range of conditions," said Sheila Hickson-Curran, director, medical affairs, Vistakon.

William B. Trattler, MD, a cornea specialist at the Center for Excellence in Eyecare, Miami, and a volunteer assistant professor at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, said, "Under certain conditions, the use of a silicone hydrogel lens like [this lens] can help protect the cornea from exposure or repeated irritation often caused by rubbing during the wound-healing process and [can] assist in pain relief. For my patients, I have also found that [this lens] works wonderfully as a bandage contact lens for laser vision correction, as it reduces discomfort."

The recent FDA approval includes these uses:

The lens can be worn continuously for up to 6 nights and 7 days when used as a therapeutic lens. It also is indicated for daily wear vision correction and may be worn consecutively for up to 6 nights and 7 days of extended wear as recommended by an eye-care professional.