Equipment for the manufacture of hard contact lenses. Russian manufacturers of soft contact lenses
Contact lenses have long established themselves as a reliable method of vision correction. They are as relevant as possible in the case of myopia. farsightedness or astigmatism. Due to the fact that the latest materials and technologies are used in their manufacture, they adequately replace glasses. We will talk about the features of different types of lenses, their characteristics and disadvantages further.
Features of the selection of contact lenses
When choosing, you need to take into account various criteria, especially take into account the optical power, the radius of curvature and of course the material from which they are made. The right choice allows you to get good sharpness vision and feel comfortable during use. Undoubtedly, the quality of vision that is provided by contact lenses is much higher than the quality that a person receives when wearing glasses. This is due to the fact that the lenses are capable of forming a harmonious system with the surface of the eye. What's more, it doesn't have any restrictions on fields of view or the possibility of damage due to bad weather conditions.
Lenses have become popular, because they are distinguished not only by their ease of use, but also by their relatively low cost, and most importantly, they are able to protect the eyes from operations to restore vision. All surgical interventions create the possibility of complications, so it is better not to risk eye health.
Without contact lenses not manage for those people whose occupation is different from the usual. Agree, it is unlikely that an athlete, race car driver or diver will find time to take care of his glasses. By the way, lenses are a great option for people who have different visual acuity of the left and right eyes. The modern range of such devices is represented by a wide optical range and different types: toric, aspherical, multifocal, as well as colored lenses of various shades.
Classification of modern contact lenses
Today, contact lenses can be divided into subgroups, guided by several parameters.
So, according to the time criterion, they distinguish:
According to the nature of wearing, they distinguish:
They can also have a special design and all sorts of colors:
Depending on what material served as the basis for the manufacture, there are soft and hard contact lenses, which we will talk about in more detail.
Benefits of soft contact lenses
Such devices are used by almost all people today. Doctors warn that it is impossible to violate the prescribed regimen, it is necessary to remove them for the night period. Of course, it is much more convenient to wear lenses without removing them, but such an action can provoke corneal edema. This condition can occur due to the fact that the cornea does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen, and this, in turn, is fraught with very serious consequences.
The structure of the cornea of the human eye is specific, since it is devoid of blood vessels, so it is forced to receive oxygen and elements for nutrition from the air. environment, as well as from the lacrimal fluid. Moreover, when the cornea is covered with a contact lens, then it is completely deprived of oxygen and other nutrients. Sometimes attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen provoke the formation of new vessels, which eventually grow into the corneal tissue. This process may result in a deterioration in the transparency of visibility and the creation of visual interference, which in combination leads to sharp decline vision. But soft lenses can prevent the possibility oxygen starvation cornea and solve the problem of vision correction.
Soft lenses can be made from a hydrogel polymer. Similar material has already been confirmed good compatibility with eye tissues, but sometimes it can cause ocular hypoxia, that is, lack of air. After the implants are placed, air is delivered to the cornea using the water contained in the lens. That is, the more water is in the optics, the more oxygen it can receive. But water tends to evaporate quickly. A person will instantly feel discomfort when wearing, which indicates the drying of the lens. When the water content in it exceeds the norm, it will no longer be able to keep its shape well.
The maximum possible oxygen transmission capacity of hydrogel lenses is no more than forty conventional units. But ophthalmologists assure that in order to prevent chronic hypoxia, the cornea must receive more intense doses of oxygen, which make up a coefficient of eighty units or more.
Soft models can also be made from silicone hydrogel. Due to the two components of the lens, it is ideally compatible with the eye tissue and, most importantly, does not interfere with the normal supply of oxygen to the cornea. Silicone is such a versatile material that it can easily deliver high oxygen throughputs of up to 150 conventional units. This fact completely eliminates the possibility of insufficient nutrition of the cornea. The hydrogel also contributes to the hydration of the cornea and the comfortable use of lenses.
These types of lenses have less water in their composition, so evaporation of the liquid is not a problem for them. Their worthy prerogative is the ability to use for a long time, without discomfort or excessive dryness. This can be explained by the fact that the manufacturer introduces special additives for moisturizing into finished products. In addition, the optical mirror passes strict methods processing using plasma materials. The similar properties of these contact lenses make it possible to use them without interruption for removal during the sleep period.
Due to the high density, soft lenses are easier to put on and take off, because they can perfectly keep their shape for a long time. The next advantage is also that lipid and protein deposits do not appear in them over time, and this, in turn, continues the period of their comfortable operation.
Your ophthalmologist can offer you two types of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. The first can be safely worn for a week in a row (without being distracted by nightly removal), and especially durable allow you to use them for a month. They are perfect for those people who work. long time in non-stop mode, such as on duty or in a security environment.
Modern silicone hydrogel lenses help to correct not only the manifestations of myopia or hyperopia. but even forget about astigmatism.
Features of hard contact lenses
Innovative models have such an important characteristic as gas permeability. This contributes to the normal ability of the cornea to receive air and nutrients from the environment. Like soft lenses, hard lenses have silicone as their main component. This material was not chosen by chance, because, despite its strength, it does not protect the surface of the cornea from air supply. Some lens designs may exceed the gas permeability characteristics of their soft material counterparts. Although soft silicone options boast a high breathability coefficient, they are still inferior to hard silicone models. No matter how paradoxical it may sound, but rigid gas-permeable contact lenses have a more gentle effect on eye health than the option with soft counterparts.
In addition, with hard contact many connected by lenses good points, such as:
Of course, rigid lenses cannot be ideal in use, as they have several negative points. As a rule, patients need some time to adapt and this period lasts at least a week on average. But after that, patients noted the disappearance of discomfort if there was no break when wearing lenses for a couple of days. In this case, you need to be prepared for a new addiction to the lenses.
Some people have noted that after they used hard lenses, they no longer corrected with glasses. That is, when using glasses, vision did not improve, it remained at the same level, and the image was devoid of clarity. This is often due to the fact that rigid lenses can actually change the shape of the cornea. But if you take breaks for a while, the shape of the cornea and visual acuity are gradually restored. Therefore, do not rush and prematurely abandon the use of hard lenses.
In truth, the process of fitting lenses based on rigid silicone is complicated, because the doctor must ensure the ideal ratio of the rigid lens to the surface of the cornea.
Contact lenses are an excellent option not only for correction, but also for preserving vision in a person of any age. The most important step towards good vision is choosing the best possible option. To do this, you will need to undergo a qualified examination by an ophthalmologist, as well as follow all his recommendations and prescriptions. In no case should you violate the mode of wearing lenses, regardless of their type.
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses: reviews, manufacturing. Rigid Contact Lens Care: Daily Cleaner for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
December 8, 2015
Today, there are many ways to correct vision. Very often, contact lenses are used to improve its sharpness and eliminate other problems. Depending on the type of material, soft and hard gas permeable contact lenses are distinguished. Of course, the first type is most often used, but the latter have many advantages.
Rigid Lens Materials
Rigid lenses became widespread in the late twentieth century. Then the main material for their manufacture was polymethyl methacrylate. The lens itself was relatively small. The disadvantage of such lenses was the lack of gas exchange. Access of oxygen to the cornea was carried out only due to the mobility and small size of such a correction tool. However, today more modern and high-quality materials are used. Rigid gas permeable Contact lenses are made from fluoro-silicone compounds. Due to this, the lenses have good oxygen permeability. It is worth noting that they are quite comfortable, they are made individually, they make an exact fit for a particular patient.
Indications for the use of rigid lenses
Soft contact lenses have limitations in the range of refractive power. Often they are prescribed for myopia up to -12 diopters, myopia not higher than 8 diopters. A stronger degree of myopia requires specific correction. Soft lenses with high optical power will have a considerable thickness in this case. This, in turn, increases the risk of complications (tight fit can lead to hypoxia of the eye). You can, of course, use glasses, but today experts offer modern rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. They have a wide range of refraction - from -25 diopters to +25 diopters. The use of modern material ensures sufficient supply of oxygen to the eye. At the same time, the thickness of such lenses differs little from the corresponding parameters of soft products for vision correction. 
Rigid lens design
Modern rigid lenses have an optical zone, which is located in the center of the product. Its diameter does not exceed 8 mm. Thanks to the sliding zone, which has a specific structure, the lens is securely fixed on eyeball. The marginal area has the smallest dimensions. It is she who is responsible for the comfortable wearing of the product, ensures the normal exchange of tear fluid under the lens.
The main advantages of these lenses
Many patients note that rigid gas-permeable rigid lenses are less prone to deformation and creasing. Due to the fact that their diameter is somewhat smaller than that of soft lenses, such products leave the peripheral zone of the cornea open. This, in turn, does not disrupt the process of tear exchange. They are also more resistant to protein deposits, so the period of safe operation increases. Since the composition is completely free of water, hard lenses cannot dry out, the patient does not need to use special moisturizing drops. It is also important to note their cost-effectiveness: only a change in visual acuity serves as an indication for replacement. Rigid contact lenses are also indicated for astigmatism. Patient reviews indicate that correction with soft lenses in this case is rather difficult, the only option is to use hard products. Orthokeratology correction is also widespread. It involves the use of hard lenses only at night. 
Orthokeratology. What is the essence of the technique
This type vision correction allows you to maintain its sharpness in the daytime, but at night it is necessary to wear special lenses. In the process of sleep, the cornea of the eye changes, its optical zone becomes flatter. This form is preserved for the next day. As a rule, the effect of such a correction can last two days. Night lenses are good for children, patients with a progressive form of myopia, in the presence of contraindications for an operation to restore vision. Also, this method is often chosen by people of certain professions: athletes, military, builders, etc. Contraindications to orthokeratological therapy are diseases of the cornea, eyelids, all kinds inflammatory processes, dry eye syndrome. 
Negative aspects of using hard lenses
In addition to the above advantages, rigid lenses have their drawbacks. First of all, a certain period of adaptation (about a week) is necessary. After getting used to, the discomfort disappears, but even a short break in wearing requires a new habituation to the products. There is some degree of corneal deformation if rigid gas permeable contact lenses have been used. Patients' feedback suggests that the use of glasses after such lenses does not bring the desired result: the image becomes blurry, the sharpness decreases. However, this is a temporary effect. After the restoration of the cornea, you can safely use glasses without losing the quality of vision. Also, the process of selecting products is quite lengthy, their initial cost will also be an order of magnitude higher than that of soft lenses. 
How to choose the right gas permeable lenses
In order to correctly choose hard lenses, first of all, you need to contact a specialist. It determines visual acuity, the maximum degree of correction. Using special equipment, the ophthalmologist measures the necessary parameters of the patient's cornea. Next up is trying on a few pairs. All these manipulations are necessary for a perfect lens fit. The manufacture of hard contact lenses is carried out purely individually, taking into account more than 20 parameters of the eye. The engineer models the required design (optical zone, slip zone, edge region). Further, on a special machine, the product is machined in full accordance with the layout. Most well-known manufacturer in this area - the German company Wohlk. This manufacturer provides high quality products. As a rule, after 14 days you can get a ready-made set of lenses. 
Daily care of hard contact lenses
First of all, any lenses require compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. Hands should be washed with soap and water before putting on or taking off. It is best to wipe them with a waffle towel to avoid getting various villi on the lens. Storage containers must be kept clean. There are special rules for women. Makeup should only be applied after the lens is worn. Accordingly, and remove it after removing the product from the eye. It is also necessary and daily cleaner for rigid gas permeable contact lenses. With its help, impurities, lacrimal fluid are removed. Once a week, a deeper cleaning is carried out. It is worth noting that it is impossible to rub the lenses strongly so as not to violate the optical properties. Today, a multifunctional cleaner for hard contact lenses is widely used. It allows you to effectively remove protein deposits (for example, Boston Simplus solution), does not require additional enzymatic purification. It also perfectly disinfects and softens the contact lens. Over time, the product becomes more difficult to clean. In this case, rigid lenses can be polished in a special laboratory. 
Special Requirements for Rigid Lens Wearers
Wearing hard lenses imposes certain responsibilities on the patient. Visits to the ophthalmologist should be regular. This will enable the specialist to assess the condition of the eyes. At the slightest change in the condition of the eyes, you should seek the advice of a specialist. Timely treatment will avoid conditions such as corneal edema, microbial keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, allergic reactions. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are an excellent way to correct vision in many cases, but they require proper and thorough care.
Rigid contact lenses
Yashina Olga Nikolaevna
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Refraction Pathology
In the world of contact correction, leadership, of course, is occupied by soft contact lenses.
In the mind of the average person, rigid lenses are associated with the very first contact lenses, which were made first from glass, then from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These lenses were very uncomfortable to wear, did not pass oxygen at all, they had to be boiled, special cleaners were used, etc.
Rigid lenses are commonly referred to as gas permeable contact lenses (GP lenses).
What is special about hard lenses?
If the contact lens has low gas permeability, then the cornea under it "does not breathe".
Modern rigid gas permeable lenses are made from silicone-based materials. As you know, one of the most important characteristics of any contact lens is the oxygen transmittance (Dk/t).
The cornea receives oxygen from the surrounding air, and if the contact lens has a low gas permeability, then the cornea "does not breathe", chronic hypoxia develops, corneal edema, ingrowth of blood vessels - all this leads to a decrease in the transparency of the cornea and in remote period to irreversible visual impairment.
Silicone has a high gas permeability - many times higher than soft contact lenses. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses have enough high ratio oxygen transmission, but still this indicator inferior to hard lenses based on silicone.
By providing a high oxygen supply, rigid gas permeable lenses have minimal impact on corneal physiology and are the safest for your eye health.
Benefits of rigid gas permeable lenses
In addition to high oxygen transmission, rigid gas permeable contact lenses have other positive properties:
Most importantly, rigid gas permeable lenses can in some cases provide better visual acuity than soft contact lenses:
Disadvantages of rigid lenses
It will take you some time to get used to hard contact lenses.
Rigid contact lenses are naturally inferior to soft lenses in terms of wearing comfort. You will need some time to get used to them. Adaptation can reach 5-7 days, then most users stop feeling any discomfort, but if you take a break from wearing for at least a few days, you will have to get used to hard lenses again.
In some patients, after wearing hard lenses, spectacle correction ceases to work, i.e. if such patients removed their lenses and put on glasses, their vision is low, the image is blurry.
This is due to the fact that rigid lenses slightly change the shape of the cornea (the same principle, only to a greater extent, underlies orthokeratology). Gradually, the cornea regains its shape and vision is restored with glasses, but many wearers stop wearing hard lenses as a result.
Fitting rigid gas permeable lenses is more difficult than soft contact lenses, as the rigid lens must fit perfectly on the corneal surface, so fitting times will be longer and costs will be higher.
Technologies production of rigid gas permeable lenses are evolving all the time. Manufacturers strive to create lenses that are as comfortable as soft contact lenses. But already today, many users first of all choose the safety and health of the eyes, giving preference to gas-permeable lenses.
Rigid contact lenses
Often hard contact lenses are perceived as outdated uncomfortable optics made of glass, polymethyl methacrylate. Such samples previously did not allow oxygen to pass through, required boiling, and the use of cleaners. Modern LCLs are gas permeable. The site obglaza.ru will acquaint you with positive qualities this "hard" optics.
Features of LCD
The Dk/t coefficient characterizing oxygen permeability is important for any contact lenses. The cornea of the eye will not receive oxygen from the atmosphere and will not breathe if the optic material has low gas permeability. Consequences &minus edema, hypoxia, vascular ingrowth. Vision is irreversibly impaired due to a decrease in the transparency of the cornea.
Today, rigid gas permeable lenses are made from silicone-based raw materials. The value of their Dk / t exceeds that of soft contact lenses (even silicone hydrogel). Therefore, LCLs have minimal effect on the cornea. A gentle effect on the eyes has a positive effect on their health.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rigid HP Lenses
Advantages
- Due to the high density of the initial material, hard contact lenses retain their shape, they do not crumple when blinking, ensuring image stability.
- Attracts the user, especially the middle-aged, ease of handling. LCL cannot be accidentally torn, but it can be broken purely theoretically.
- From the lacrimal fluid to the optics get protein deposits. The resistance to them of the surface of hard lenses increases comfort, prolongs the period of safe wearing.
- The peripheral outer zone of the cornea is accessible to oxygen, since its diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the GCL. A tear without interference washes away dead cells, foreign particles.
- There is no water in the material for the manufacture of hard contact GP lenses. In adverse conditions (strong wind, heat) they do not dry. There is no need to apply moisturizing drops.
- Economic benefit: the duration of the period of use is unlimited, except for changes in the patient's vision. Specialists obaglaza.ru advise only to properly care for optics.
Rigid gas permeable lenses sometimes provide vision best quality. Cases when correction with LCD is preferable:
Flaws
Wearing hard lenses takes some getting used to, compared to soft lenses, they are not as comfortable. Adaptation takes place within a week, the main &minus is not to interrupt wearing, otherwise you will have to adapt again.
Some patients wearing LCL experience a decrease in vision with glasses, the termination of the effect of spectacle correction. Rigid lenses act on the cornea, changing its shape. However, it is gradually restored with a pause in the use of LCL, visual acuity returns when wearing glasses. Obaglaza.ru recommends taking this nuance into account and not rushing to categorically exclude the use of such contact lenses.
It is difficult to choose rigid GP lenses & minus the optics should ideally fit into the surface of the cornea. This also causes the high cost of LCL.
Selection of hard contact lenses
Continuous improvement in manufacturing technology is a priority for manufacturers of rigid gas permeable lenses. Hard optics are constantly approaching soft optics in terms of comfort, which encourages users to prefer safe hard GP lenses.
Great quantity medical centers with the services of a detailed eye examination, diagnostics, selection of optics suitable for a particular patient. Choice necessary treatment only professional ophthalmologists should be trusted, specialists of obaglaza.ru are sure. Never neglect a comprehensive eye examination.
We work with various types of hard contact lenses (Wohlk, Boston, Rose-K, SoClear, etc.).
Our specialists can choose exactly those contact lenses that will provide the highest quality of vision in your case.
What are rigid gas permeable contact lenses?
Sounds kind of intimidating.
Soft contact lenses are a much more pleasant name. However, you will be surprised that hard contact lenses allow much more oxygen to pass to the cornea than regular soft contact lenses and even the newest silicone hydrogel lenses, which are now the safest and most advanced soft contact lenses. And this indicator is almost the most important for those who constantly wear contact lenses.
Besides hard contact lenses provide better vision clarity, are more resistant to deposits, and are much cheaper than soft contact lenses, since one pair of lenses is designed to be worn for up to 1-2 years.
Why doesn't everyone wear hard contact lenses then?
First - You need adaptation, i.e. necessary certain time to get used to wearing hard contact lenses. This time is very individual from 3-4 days to 2-3 weeks. And it doesn't hurt.
Second, in order to successfully wear hard lenses, you must be worn every day(with a few exceptions), because if you do not wear them for a while, then you will need some time to adapt again
Rigid contact lenses - an excellent option for those people who cannot achieve perfect vision in soft contact lenses. This is possible in several cases:
- those people who make higher demands on the quality of vision, such as shooters, operating surgeons, pilots, jewelers, etc.;
- those. who have astigmatism, especially a high degree, and due to this, 100% vision is not achieved in soft contact lenses;
- patients with keratoconus (irregular shape of the cornea);
- patients who need correction after previous surgical operations on the cornea ( laser operations for the elimination of myopia, corneal transplantation, removal of the lens).
- patients with problems when wearing soft contact lenses (corneal vascularization, recurrent eye inflammation, excessive accumulation of deposits)
If you already wear hard contact lenses and would like to purchase a new set, please note:
You can order or purchase hard lenses from us if the selection of lenses was made in our office. Rigid lenses cannot be ordered in absentia, eyeglass/soft lens prescriptions, or old hard lens options. To purchase lenses in our office, you need to make an appointment, take a break from wearing your lenses for a few days, and bring all the data you have with you (from examination data to old glasses and contact lenses).
You can sign up for a consultation and selection of hard contact lenses…
Ask a doctor about hard lenses online right now ... or by phone. 730-52-60, 730-53-35.
Depending on the material used, contact lenses are divided into:
- on tough: gas-permeable and gas-tight;
- on soft: silicone hydrogel and hydrogel.
Wearing time
Lenses can be worn:
- 1 day. These products are the most hygienic and easy to use. After use, the lenses are discarded, additional funds they do not require cleaning.
- 2 weeks. Vision correction devices have high content moisturizing substances, good oxygen permeability.
- 1 month. This type of lens is allowed to be left overnight due to good breathability. Doctors recommend wearing products in this mode up to 7 days.
- 3 months. These vision correction aids have good mechanical strength. Ideal for those who are just starting to wear them.
- More than a year. Such products require careful maintenance.
Wearing mode
This term is understood as the period during which the means of vision correction can be worn without removing.
It is customary to allocate following modes:
- day- Put on in the morning and take off at night
- prolonged- wearing time up to 7 days, are not removed at night;
- flexible- continuous wear up to 2 days;
- continuous- constant wear up to 30 days.
All the best manufacturers
There are the following manufacturers of contact lenses.
Johnson & Johnson
far away 1886 three brothers, Robert, James and Edward Johnson, founded Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in the city of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Initially, the company produced products designed to maintain personal hygiene.
Attention! Johnson & Johnson became the first to start selling first aid kit for emergency medical care.
The company is constantly growing and developing, new branches are opening all over the world. IN 60s of XX century Johnson & Johnson acquires a number of pharmaceutical companies, thanks to which occupies a prominent position in the pharmaceutical market. One of the achievements was Tylenol, an aspirin-free prescription pain reliever. One year later after opening, the drug becomes over-the-counter and receives the status of the drug of choice in pediatric practice.
Photo 1. Contact lenses 1 DAY Acuvue TrueEye, 30 lenses per pack, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.
IN 1987 Vision Care, a division of J&J, introduces the world's first scheduled replacement soft contact lenses ACUVUE. Later eight years company presents first in the world contact lenses for daily replacement 1 DAY ACUVUE.
ACUVUE products are used:
- at nearsightedness and farsightedness: 1 DAY ACUVUE (TruEye, MOIST), ACUVUE Oasis;
- at astigmatism: ACUVUE Oasis for Astigmatism, 1 DAY ACUVUE MOIST for Astigmatism;
- at presbyopia: 1 DAY ACUVUE MOIST Multifocal.
Also available beauty lenses: 1 DAY ACUVUE DEFINE.
You will also be interested in:
Adria
Adria contact lenses are produced Korean enterprise Interojo. The company was established in 2000. Her motto is "Lenses for the Young". The company develops, receives certificates for the manufacture of contact lenses from the latest materials.
Adria produces the following lines of colored lenses:
There are also lenses for vision correction:
- daily;
- monthly;
- quarterly.
Reference! Adria products are not only quality and comfort, but also attractive design, a feeling of youth, the ability to surprise with new images.
Alcon/CIBA Vision
Alcon is a fairly young company founded in 1945 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The founders of the company were Robert Alexander and William Conner. The name of the company includes the first syllables of their surnames - Alkon. After 2 years Alexander and Conner register Alcon Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company.
In 1950 Alcon provides drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated eye infections, as well as for the treatment of itching and redness. This company was the first to patent eye drop dispenser,DROP TAINER, which is still in use today.
In the 80s of the last century company founds William Conner Research Center, helping Alcon to significantly increase the volume of research in the field of therapy and diagnosis of eye pathologies. In the future, the company is engaged in the production of equipment for ophthalmic surgery.
Photo 2. Daily contact lenses Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus, manufacturer - "Alcon".
The company was the first to develop intraocular lens (IOL) used to treat cataracts. To this day, IOLs remain the most commonly implanted lenses in the world.
In 2011 the merger of Alcon and CIBA VISION takes place, which enables these companies to join forces. DAILIES TOTAL1 contact lenses are launched.
The company produces the following vision correction products:
- one-day: Dailes Total 1 series, Dailes Total Aquacomfort Plus, Dailes Total Aquacomfort Plus Astigmatism;
- scheduled replacement: Air Optix series (multifocal, astigmatism, 24/7, color);
- colored: Freshlook series.
Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb one of the oldest companies in the USA that manufactures optics. Was created John Jacob Bausch, a German emigrant, and his friend Henry Lombom in Rochester, New York. The first years the company was engaged in the production of rubber frames for glasses, later - microscopes, binoculars, shutters for cameras, sights.
At the beginning of the last century Bausch + Lomb were the first to produce high quality optics.
The company is also a developer of well-known in our time sunglasses Ray Ban.
The same company produced lenses for spacecraft cameras, with which the first photographs of the moon were taken.
By the middle of the 20th century Bausch + Lomb has gone one step further by acquiring the rights to manufacture and distribute hydrogel soft contact lenses. By the age of 80 the company finally focused on the production of vision correction products, having sold all its other production facilities.
Bausch + Lomb is currently active in the following areas:
- VisionCare- means of vision correction (several types) and solutions.
- Pharmaceutical— a block of pharmaceutical ophthalmic products.
- Surgical- equipment and instruments of a surgical profile.
The company does not stand still and is constantly developing: new pharmaceuticals, equipment, soft contact lenses are being developed.
Bausch + Lomb produces the following vision correction products:
- one-day: Biotrue ONEday, SofLens Daily Disposable ;
- scheduled replacement: Ultra, PureVision (2 HD, Mulifocal, Toric, for Astigmatism), Soflens (59, Toric), Optima FW;
- colored: Soflens Natural Colors.
Ophthalmics
The manufacturer is medical group Oftaderm based in 1996. She began her work as an official representative of global manufacturers of contact lenses and care products. On currently The company has its own brand - Ophthalmics.
Oftaderm strives to improve the quality of products in order to best meet the needs of customers.
The following lenses are known under the Ophthalmics brand:
- For vision correction: Profi, 55 UV, OneDay, Clear;
- color, one-, two- and three-tone: Gold, Butterfly One Month, Crazy;
- tint: Color Soft.
Maxima Optics
Maxima Optics is a global manufacturer of vision correction products and related products. Homeland is Great Britain where the company was founded in 1999. The main goal of the manufacturer is the development of high-quality ophthalmic products from modern materials that are available to everyone. Maxima Optics works tirelessly to improve products, introduce new technologies, and conduct tests.
Maxima Optics includes:
- lenses daily replacements: Maxima 1-Day Comfort (Premium);
- means of correction monthly replacements: Maxima 55 Comfort Plus, Si Hy Plus;
- lenses quarterly replacements: Maxima 38 FW (55 FW).
Cooper Vision
The year of establishment of the company is considered 1980 . For a decade Since its founding, CooperVision has acquired a number of vision correction companies. This made it possible to significantly expand the range of products, as well as increase the volume of its production.
Currently, the company is actively Scientific research and development. In 2006 CooperVision became the third largest the world's leading manufacturer of soft contact lenses.
CooperVision produces the following series of lenses:
- MyDay— one-day.
- Clarity— silicone hydrolic 1 day.
- Biofinity- products with a service life 1 month.
- Avaira—for 1 month with UV filter.
- Proclear- a special series for those who experience dryness when wearing.
- biomedics- products with the optimal ratio prices and quality.
Useful video
Check out the video, which explains the rules for choosing contact lenses.
Conclusion: popular brands
Currently the most popular company is Johnson & Johnson- branded lenses Acuvue most often prescribed by ophthalmologists. Brand comes next Alcon, which is engaged in the production of various eye drops and lens solutions. On the third place located American brand Bausch + Lomb. Products from the Soflens, Optima, PureVision series are especially loved.
They are not in the most favorable conditions, besides, they are deprived of state support, but companies are doing everything in their power to win the fight for their place in the market. In this article, we will review the state of affairs in this segment of the domestic manufacturing sector.
If you look at the developed markets for contact vision correction, say the EU countries, then, as follows from the regularly published reports of various agencies (for example, "Eurom Contact"), it is clear that these markets are mainly filled with planned replacement contact lenses manufactured by large companies . These products have replaced traditional wear contact lenses from the market to a certain extent. According to leading managers of large manufacturing companies, traditional contact lenses occupy a new niche for them: more and more often these are contact lenses for those people who have limited funds, as well as special contact lenses made according to an individual prescription. Although, according to some manufacturers, the latter are, one might say, the bread of contact vision correction laboratories operating in various regions of the country.
Apparently, a similar fate awaits traditional soft contact lenses in our country, although they currently occupy a fairly large market share (according to various estimates, up to 45% of the market). Do not just think that this conclusion was made hastily - in principle, the Russian production workers themselves agree with it, with whom we managed to talk on this topic, and it is to them that we will give the floor in the published material. But first, let's list those companies that are engaged in the production of contact lenses. This enterprise "" (Vologda) is the largest in terms of production, the firms "Opticon" (Moscow), "" (Ufa), "Octopus" (Samara), "Nevskaya optics" (St. Petersburg), "Contlins", ( Arkhangelsk), "Likont" (Volgograd), PE Kunina (Belgorod) and some others. All of them produce traditional wear soft contact lenses by turning.
To find out what problems our production workers face and how they see the prospects for the development of their enterprises, we talked with representatives of a number of the above-mentioned firms and asked them to answer a number of questions. Viktor PROSYANYUK, director of Concor, Boris DYMAN, director of Opticon, Ural YANTURIN, a representative of Optimedservice, and Sergey GOLOSHCHAPOV, one of the leaders of the production and development company Octopus, shared their thoughts with us.
Veko: What share of the contact lens market, according to your estimates, is occupied by domestic products?
Viktor Prosyanuk: According to our research, about 50 percent, half of which are contact lenses manufactured by Concor.
Boris Dyman: At present, it is difficult to estimate the market share occupied by domestic traditional contact lenses, but based on the total production volumes - which is approximately 30-40 thousand pieces per month - it can be assumed that this share is 10-15 percent, not more.
Veko: How do you see the prospects for the development of domestic production of contact lenses?
Viktor Prosyanuk: The sad thing is that things are not going very well for Russian production workers at the present time, some enterprises are even closing down. It turns out that there is no single development program, no support government programs, and our production facilities are forced to follow the lead of large Western companies. One of the main problems is the pricing policy dictated by our market. If, say, in the West, traditional contact lenses are sold for $8-10 a piece, then we are forced to set a price for planned replacement contact lenses - $2-3, as a result of which we work at extremely low profitability, almost at the limit. As a result, we cannot afford a large advertising campaign and the purchase of more modern production equipment necessary for the manufacture of modern products - planned replacement contact lenses, contact lenses in blister packs, contact lens care solutions.
Boris Dyman: The future belongs to planned replacement contact lenses, which are practically impossible for our entrepreneurs to organize. Therefore, traditional contact lenses will be forced to take a niche product for citizens with a low level of material income, as well as for those people who are conservative in their views and are accustomed to these contact lenses, although the funds allow them to buy more expensive planned replacement contact lenses. And it will definitely happen - a year earlier or a year later.
Sergey Goloshchapov: I do not see any positive trends in the field of domestic production of contact lenses. I just look at things realistically, since I myself am a co-owner of a network of optical salons and I see the dynamics of growth in sales of planned replacement contact lenses from 10-15 percent in 1997 to 87 percent in 2003. Sooner or later, traditional contact lenses will be forced out of the market, and our manufacturers, like in the West, will have to switch to the production of special contact lenses - for keratoconus, toric (astigmatic contact lenses), with high refraction; the rest will be occupied by scheduled replacement contact lenses. And it is not possible to start the production of planned contact lenses in Russia from scratch, unless Western companies themselves build production facilities here and finally bring down prices.
Veko: How would you assess the state of the contact vision correction market, does it contribute to the development of our enterprises?
Viktor Prosyanuk: The market has great potential - while the proportion of the population using contact lenses is 1.5 percent. If you look at the countries of Europe, then this share is 5-7 percent. It is to be expected that our market should reach a similar proportion of contact lenses. Therefore, the market has great potential. In the contact correction market itself, alarming trends are observed - the number of primary patients is decreasing. This suggests that contact doctors should think more about their civic responsibility: their task is not to sell contact lenses, but to provide a person with full vision so that he is satisfied with the service. Then he will continue to use contact lenses. In the meantime, it turns out that in society there is a growing number of misconceptions about contact lenses as a method of correction, which is fraught with terrible complications.
Sergey Goloshchapov: In 2003, our sales grew by 20 percent, and in principle, since the company was founded, the annual growth has been 15-20 percent. Sales are currently underway in all regions Russian Federation and other CIS countries. The most popular contact lenses are "Elite-38" with 38 percent moisture content.
Internal competition between domestic producers was established on the market, so that the price froze in the region of 2-2.5 dollars per unit of production. Profitability is declining, and at the moment it is very low - although the prices of the cost of materials do not change, the costs of rent, electricity, wages and so on rise, and therefore the cost increases.
Ural Yanturin: Over the past year, sales of contact lenses have grown by 20 percent. This is due to the fact that we pursued an active marketing policy: we participated in all regional and central exhibitions, gave a lot of advertising. Are there any difficulties? Yes, in principle, no - there is a good demand for our product. You just need to work harder - and things will go well. The profitability of production, of course, is low. But you can stay afloat, you just need to work.
Eyelid: Many experts believe that lenses with 38 percent moisture content are unsafe for the health of patients' eyes. Is it worth it then to produce such lenses at all?
Viktor Prosyanuk: Of course, we understand that contact lenses with 38% moisture content cannot be recommended to be worn all day long. That is why we urge doctors to remember their civic responsibility and sell not contact lenses, but vision. It is necessary to explain to patients the peculiarities of wearing contact lenses with low moisture content. Again, recognizing the disadvantages of 38% moisture contact lenses, we are releasing 70% moisture contact lenses. And now 55% contact lenses should be officially registered. We are also going to produce contact lenses with a 67% moisture content from the materials of the Kontamak company - Contaflex 67.
Personally, I myself have nothing against planned replacement contact lenses: they need to be in stock. But based on the situation in our country, offices need to have traditional contact lenses. Not all residents of the country can now afford to change contact lenses every month, it is expensive for them. They need traditional contact lenses that last longer before being replaced with new ones.
Veko: Are there any difficulties with lens materials?
Viktor Prosyanuk: Of course I have. For example, “seventies” (with a 70% moisture content) from “Lyamda Polytech” does not really suit us - its material characteristics fluctuate from batch to batch, so each time you need to reconfigure the calculation tables before production, having previously run several dozen blanks. Also, when contact lenses are hydrated, the vinyl-propylene bonds of the polymer are poorly washed out, as a result of which some patients complain of a burning sensation in the eyes.
Veko: How can your enterprise counter the expansion of large Western manufacturing companies?
Viktor Prosyanuk: We can oppose large companies our strengths. Firstly, our contact lenses have a wide range of parameters - from -20 to +20 diopters. As a result, contact vision correction rooms often buy lenses with a refraction of up to -6 diopters from, say, Bausch and Lomb, and the rest from us. And then, having tasted them, they buy all the refractions from us. Secondly, with turning and three-stage quality control, we give marriage only at the level of 1.5 percent. The contact lens is checked for chips, microcracks, and so on after being dry-turned, then after hydration, and again before packaging. And another thing - contact lenses produced by stamping on large industries, such as, say, the same company Bausch & Lomb - they, as far as I know, only check the quality of 10 percent of a batch of goods.
Therefore, and I am convinced of this, according to our GOSTs, exported contact lenses of planned replacement should be considered a marriage in 90 percent of cases. Our traditional contact lenses are much better quality. Please understand me correctly: I am not against any specific Western companies, but against the ideology of the dominance of planned replacement contact lenses. These contact lenses are produced with lower quality requirements, and accordingly, they have a sharply reduced recommended wearing period. Traditional contact lenses can be worn more, as their quality is higher.
Thirdly, we have the widest dealer network - there are no regions where we would not have an official representation. Therefore, our contact lenses are more affordable, and therefore the demand for them exceeds the supply.
Sergey Goloshchapov: As for being able to compete with Bausch & Lomb, it's pointless. Our contact lenses are designed for low-income people who cannot afford to spend more. If they have other money, they will definitely switch to planned replacement contact lenses - health is more expensive. Again, our production base is becoming obsolete. Ten years ago we bought new Gfeller machines. Now they are already morally obsolete, and physically wear out. Maybe five more years. And then what? Then there will be contact lenses from Bausch & Lomb, Johnson & Johnson and other major Western manufacturers everywhere.
Ural Yanturin: Our contact lenses hold their shape well and are easy to handle when putting them on and taking them off, which appeals to some patients. But the future, of course, belongs to planned replacement contact lenses, so we understand that sooner or later the production of traditional contact lenses will be forced to switch to the production of special contact lenses, as happened in the West.
Veko: How to survive with such bleak prospects?
Sergey Goloshchapov: That's why you have to deal not only with contact lenses, but also with other areas of the optical business - for example, glasses, laser correction.
. . .
So, as follows from the statements of most of our interlocutors, the prospects for the domestic production of traditional contact lenses are not very bright. The market is becoming more and more filled with low-cost elective replacement contact lenses produced by large Western companies, there is a growing awareness of the population that elective replacement contact lenses are safer for eye health than conventional contact lenses with low moisture content. Accordingly, sales of foreign-made contact lenses are growing. However, sales of Russian companies are also growing at the same time. Thus, most of our interlocutors noted an increase in sales of contact lenses of their own production over the past year - an average of 10-15%. In principle, this is explained by the fact that so far the market for contact vision correction is growing in the country and its filling is due to the products of both Western companies and Russian ones. This allows our manufacturers to stay afloat, and in the case of Concor, for example, even expand production and release new brands of contact lenses, as demand exceeds supply.
As for the future, as follows from the words of our interlocutors, it is still rather vague. As can be seen from the answers to the questions, the forecasts are disappointing: either a reduction in production, or a complete re-profiling or even leaving the market for contact vision correction. Only Concor is the most optimistic in this regard, as the largest production.
Russian manufacturers of contact lenses
Octopus
Production and innovation company "Octopus" is one of the largest enterprises in the Volga region that produces high-quality soft and hard contact lenses. Contact lenses are made from the material of the company "Contamac" (Great Britain) by turning on the machines of the company "Gfeller" (Switzerland) using computer facilities management. Here, the quality control of each manufactured contact lens is carried out.
The company was formed in 1993; thus, this year she turns 11 years old. In 1994, the company acquired the production equipment of Gfeller (Switzerland), and a little later, with the help of specialists from Lamda Polytech Ltd. production has been upgraded. The range of manufactured contact lenses has also expanded: now Octopus produces soft contact lenses with 38- and 55% moisture content Elite 38 and Elite 55 from imported materials from Contamac, as well as hard and hard gas-permeable contact lenses. In addition to colorless contact lenses, Octopus manufactures cosmetic contact lenses using Lamda Polytech Limited equipment.
Optimedservice
The Scientific Medical Association (NMA) "Optimedservice" was established in 1993 and today occupies a leading position in the ophthalmological market of the Ural region. Since 1994, the company has been producing soft contact lenses under the brand name "" on a computerized production line from City Crown (Great Britain). One type of lens is produced: "Optimed-38" with 38% moisture content.
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The firm "Concor" appeared in 1991. Initially, the production of contact lenses was carried out on domestic equipment. However, it did not provide the quality of contact lenses sufficient to create competitive products, and in 1993 it was decided to purchase from Lamda Polytech Ltd. refurbished Chase machines. This was a qualitative step forward, and products from Concor began to gain popularity among contactologists.
Today the company produces soft contact lenses under the brand name "Concor" - from the materials "Hypolan-2", "Benz-38 tint", "LM-70VP". Traditional soft contact lenses with 55% moisture content are in the process of registration.
According to the research conducted by the company, currently Concor products occupy 25% of the Russian market, another 25% is the share of other domestic manufacturers, and 50% are Western-made products, half of which are Bausch & Lomb.
opticon
The company "Opticon" was founded in 1991 by employees of NPO "Medoborudovaniye", who had great experience in the production of the first domestic soft contact lenses from the Hypolan material (as well as in the development and creation of this material itself). In addition to Gipolan, the company tried to make contact lenses from materials from Lamda Polytech Ltd. and Vista, but ended up choosing Benz and LM materials.
The firm "Opticon" produces soft contact lenses under the trademarks "Opticon 38" and "Opticon 72". The former are made from Benz 38 material, the latter from LM-70; Colored versions of these lenses are also offered.
Vadim Davydov, Veko No. 5 (79), 2004
The main share of the optics market in Russia is made up of products of foreign manufacturers, and this fact is quite understandable. Global companies producing ophthalmic products were founded a long time ago (for example, Johnson & Johnson traces its history back to 1886, Bausch & Lomb - from 1853) and managed to gain vast experience.
Domestic manufacturers began work only in 1991. The pioneer in this area is the Vologda company KonCor (short for CONTACT CORRECTION). In total, there are four companies on the market, including the one named: Ufa-based Optimedservice, Octopus (Samara), Doctor Optic (Moscow), which manufactures products under the Svetlenz brand. To date, the percentage of contact lenses from Russian manufacturers is approximately 10-15% of total number products sold in this segment.
"ConCor" (Vologda)
It is the leader in the production of domestic contact lenses. The work uses imported raw materials (English and American polymers of the highest quality), optical products are turned on high-precision equipment (USA). The ConCor line includes lenses for the correction of several types of visual impairments.
Clear corrective contact lenses
1. Rigid gas-permeable models for the correction of astigmatism and presbyopia, as well as orthokeratology night models for patients with a high degree of myopia. The polymers used in the development of these optics have high ability oxygen permeability and keep their shape well.
2. Soft toric design lenses for astigmatism. They have a spherical shape and two optical zones.
3. Keratoconus models. Keratoconus is a deformation of the cornea, due to which visual system crashes start. A specially designed design helps restore sharpness and quality of vision.
All products are made only to order according to the individual parameters of the patient, and the refraction range is from +30 to -30 diopters. Such values are very rare among contact lenses, so "ConCor" is a real salvation for users with severe visual impairment.
Colors Aqua and Violet
Painted models
This type of optics is available in four categories. Lenses are also made to order and can have diopters of the same range. You can order "zero" optical products, that is, use them only for decorative purposes (to change eye color):
- tint models give the eyes a brighter color, while not blocking the natural;
- iridescent lenses have a pattern that mimics the natural pattern of the iris, which makes them look completely natural;
- iridescent Colors are able to cover the most dark eyes. The palette contains more than 30 shades;
- cosmetic optical products are designed to hide congenital eye defects or injuries.
The optics of the domestic manufacturer "ConCor" has a quarterly and traditional wearing modes. Lenses are issued in a glass bottle in quantity of one piece. The production time for a pair is 30-40 days. In addition to Russia, products are also available for purchase in the CIS countries.
"Optimedservice" (Ufa)
Domestic manufacturer of soft contact lenses for the correction of myopia of the traditional wearing period with a moisture content of 38%. Ophthalmic products are manufactured on the City Crown (Great Britain) production line and are of high quality. "Optimedservice" also represents several categories of related products. In addition to contact lenses, these include OPTIMED universal eye solutions, moisturizers that Russian consumers leave positive reviews about. The range also includes vitamin complex for eyes with lutein and blueberries. For eye clinics, the company produces ophthalmosurgical equipment - devices for performing operations and Consumables- for example, intraocular implants to replace the lens. Medical specialists highly appreciate the products of this enterprise.
Center for vision correction "Octopus" (Samara)
The company was founded in 1993 in Samara and is the largest vision correction center in Russia. In addition to providing services, it also supplies high-diopter products up to plus or minus 25 D. In addition, Octopus produces its own brand of optics, Elite. Lenses are produced by turning on Gfeller equipment (Switzerland) from Contamac material. Another area of activity is cosmetic optical products that hide various eye defects.
"Doctor Optic" (Moscow)
Laboratory for the production of tinted contact lenses for bright eyes. The Svetlenz 55 model of the traditional replacement period is very popular among consumers. Products have a high moisture content (55%), so the eyes feel great in them all day. Affordable price and various shades (aqua, blue, olive, blue, green, brown, violet), the ability to correct myopia up to minus 10 diopters - these parameters are especially important for consumers. In addition, the company's assortment includes cosmetic lenses designed to mask various eye defects.
Svetlenz 55, colors Green and Blue
Domestic manufacturers of contact lenses represent high-quality products that are in great demand in the domestic market and in neighboring countries: Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and others. Low cost, long service life, the ability to purchase optics that will be made exactly to the parameters of the eyes - these conditions make Russian contact lenses so attractive.
You can buy these products in large online stores with delivery. Call the hotline on the site and ask the operators for details. wish good vision and happy shopping!
