Alcon Launches Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde

Alcon chose the CBD’s Establishment Hotel as Sydney’s launching pad for Air Optix plus HyrdaGlyde, an updated lens that includes Alcon’s proven SmartShield Technology. As Helen Gleave, Professional Affairs Manager at Alcon Vision Care explained to her audience, this patented, ultra-thin protective shield helps the lens resist lipid deposits and delivers outstanding wettability.^1-4 It also helps the lens resist changes from everyday cosmetic product use.⁵ Ms. Gleave described the HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, added during manufacture, as a wetting agent specifically designed for silicone hydrogel lenses that helps attract lens surface moisture and retain lens surface hydration.^3,4 She said that in an in vitro study, Air Optix plus HydraGlyde contact lenses provided longer-lasting wettability after 16 hours, proving its ability to provide lens surface moisture benefits and lens surface hydration.^3,4

During the evening, Joshua Clark shared his experience with Air Optix plus HyrdaGlyde in the practice environment and described how this lens technology fits with his contact lens management philosophy. He reported on some interesting cases where the enhanced Air Optix plus HydraGlyde had helped resolve problems, improve lens comfort and visual performance throughout the wearing day. In one case, he showed how a patient who had been having problems wearing a leading daily disposable lens had experienced significant improvements with this new lens on a monthly modality. He made the point that although daily disposables are now often the first choice, every patient is different and we need to use the best lens and modality for a given patient.

The evening wrapped up with a dynamic presentation from marketing and motivational expert, Damian Morgan who inspired the audience to target their market and branding to help grow their business. Born and raised on a remote cattle property in western Queensland, this speaker was a breath of fresh air with a valuable message to communicate.

Reference
1. Nash W, Gabriel M, Mowrey-Mckee M. A comparison of various silicone hydrogel lenses; lipid and protein deposition as a result of daily wear. Optom Vis Sci. 2010;87:E-abstract 105110.
2. Nash W & Gabriel M. Ex vivo analysis of cholesterol deposition for commercially available silicone hydrogel contact lenses using a fluorometric enzymatic assay.Eye & Contact Lens. 2014; 40(5): 277-282.
3. Alcon data on file, 2014.
4. In vitro study over 16 hours to measure wetting substantivity; Alcon data on file, 2015.
5. Luensmann D, Yu M, Yang J, Srinivasan S, Jones L. Impact of cosmetics on the physical dimension and optical performance of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Eye Contact Lens. 2015;41:218-227.