PureVision Toric - the Future of Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Clear vision calls for the cornea and the lens of the eye to focus light perfectly on the retina. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens are not completely symmetrical. The difference in curvature in different meridians of the eye in astigmatism patients causes a difference in the power of the eye along each meridian. Most people have some degree of astigmatism, but it is often so mild that no corrective lenses are required.

The word "toric" comes from torus, which describes a surface that has two different curves at right angles to one another: in reality just another way to define astigmatic curves. Approximately 45% of the vision corrected population has some level of astigmatism. According to industry statistics reported to analysts in January 2006, however, sales of toric contact lenses in 2005 only accounted for about 15% of global contact lens sales.

Until recently, the problems associated with fitting toric soft contact lenses included the following:

- Lack of stability, resulting in erratic vision
- Lack of centration
- Discomfort
- Difficulties in fitting
- Eyesight not much better than masking with spherical lens

In April 2005 the US Food and Drug Administration approved the Bausch & Lomb PureVision toric visibility tinted contact lens for sale in the United States for vision correction in people with astigmatism. The PureVision Toric lens is made from Bausch & Lomb's patented silicone hydrogel material, balafilcon A, and it works for the rectification of refractive ametropia, i.e. nearsightedness and/or farsightedness with astigmatism of up to 5.00 diopters.

So great was the demand for PureVision in the United States, the company ramped up production and launched the product ahead of schedule. Europe also had overwhelming demand for the toric lens prior to its launch. The market shift to silicon hydrogel lens had occurred faster than expected, experts said. The firm had to issue an advisory in response to rumors that caused unusual trading activity in Bausch & Lomb's stock.

PureVision toric contact lenses from Bausch and Lomb are designed to revolutionize the vision of patients suffering from astigmatism. They can be worn as daily lenses and some patients may be able to wear them on an extended basis for up to a month, depending on recommendations from their eye care practitioners. PureVision torics are manufactured with the AerGel silicone hydrogel lens material to enhance oxygen diffusion with a light blue visibility tint to help you find your lenses in the sterilizing solution.

PureVision gives you:

- Exceptional quality of vision
- Healthy eyes
- Outstanding comfort
- Proven stability

These lenses are designed specifically for long-term wear, and provide 4 to 5 times more oxygen to the cornea than conventional soft toric lenses. Their AerGel technology maintains moisture even in extreme conditions and balances oxygen and water to provide all day/all night comfort and allow healthy overnight extended wear. Enjoy the convenience of wearing them for up to 30 days and 29 nights, then simply toss the old lenses and replace with a fresh pair.