According to Johnson & Johnson, 55% of new contact lens wearers begin with reusable lenses, yet 57% of new reusable lens wearers drop out within the first year. The primary reason for dropout is discomfort, the company says. Acuvue Vita, its monthly replacement contact lens, incorporates a tear-infused design with an embedded wetting agent that is intended to mimic natural mucins and support tear film stability. This design provides a “long-lasting cushion of moisture for all-day comfort,” says Johnson & Johnson.

The lens also features an “invisible edge design,” which allows the eyelids to move across the lens surface with reduced friction and contributes to wearer comfort. The lenses also have Class 1 UV blocking, which helps protect against the transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. The lenses are not substitutes for sunglasses, however. Across the Acuvue brand family, lenses are reported as “unbeaten in comfort in 47 clinical studies” that evaluated subjective comfort endpoints.

Clinical data internal to Johnson & Johnson indicate that Acuvue Vita lenses were rated more comfortable at week 4, based on a study of 535 subjects. Additional data of 166 patients show higher patient-reported ratings in overall comfort, vision, and handling. Further internal Johnson & Johnson data report that Acuvue has a lower new wearer dropout rate, based on a US survey of 8,000 respondents.

Acuvue Vita with Blink Stabilized design is for patients who have astigmatism, Johnson & Johnson says. This design includes 4 stability zones and a prism-free optic zone to enhance lens orientation and reduce visual disturbances. This design is described as more resistant to gravitational effects and is intended to avoid vertical prism disparity.

Parameter coverage data indicate that Acuvue Vita for Astigmatism provides 95.5% coverage for astigmatic prescriptions, with cylinder powers up to -2.75D and a wide range of sphere and axis options. Expanded “around-the-clock” coverage up to -2.75 cyl is forthcoming, Johnson & Johnson says.

Existing wearers represent the most profitable patient segment when successfully maintained in lenses over time, says Johnson & Johnson. Monthly lenses such as Acuvue Vita are also a potential option for patients in rural or lower-income settings, where replacement modality and cost considerations may influence prescribing decisions. Patient-facing incentives include up to $150 in patient rewards for affordability and adherence.

Regarding benefits to practices, Shane Kannarr, OD, told OM that in addition to ease of fit and patient satisfaction, Acuvue Vita lenses keep patients’ eyes healthy and create loyalty to practices. He added that, because they are monthly reusable lenses, practice sales margins are profitable, while giving patients access to a high-quality modality that meets patients’ needs. OM