Selection and production of hard contact lenses. Manufacturing of contact lenses: technology, methods

Contact lenses are a medical product that allows for the correction of various abnormalities resulting from eye diseases. Most often, you can find products on sale that are made with people in mind who suffer from myopia (myopia), that is, those who have difficulty seeing at a distance. For patients with farsightedness (hyperopia) there are also models, it’s just that there are much fewer people with such a vision defect. Yes, and myopic people actually have to large quantity spend time wearing glasses/lenses so as not to experience inconvenience in everyday life. There are also options for correcting astigmatism.

You can select lenses for yourself only after visiting a specialist who will conduct a full examination and write out a prescription. Even if you have been a user for many years, before changing one brand to another, do not be lazy to visit an ophthalmologist. Contact lenses from different manufacturers and different lines differ in “design” from each other. This concept usually includes parameters of the shape of the front and back surfaces, diameter, thickness at the center, base radius, and so on. It is also wrong to select lenses according to your glasses prescription, since their optical powers are different. Our rating will tell you about the best contact lenses in their categories.

The best daily contact lenses

IN currently Daily contact lenses are considered the safest. They are made from the most permeable and comfortable materials. Such lenses are sold at retail in boxes of 10 to 180 lenses. Every day the user puts on a fresh pair in the morning and throws it away in the evening. This guarantees better protection of the eyes from infection and simplifies the wearing process, as the need for care is eliminated. Usage daily lenses significantly reduces the risk of complications thanks to more comfortable and modern materials.

4 Dailies (Alcon) Total1 (30 lenses)

The most comfortable feeling
Country: USA
Average price: 1,590 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5

High-quality and expensive silicone hydrogel lenses, extremely comfortable for constant wear. They correct both myopia up to -12 and farsightedness up to +6. The model has excellent oxygen permeability of 156 Dk/t, which will provide oxygen flow to the eyes at almost the same level as in conventional glasses. With a moisture content of 80%, the lenses become comfortable for those suffering from dry eye syndrome. Judging by the reviews, some customers find the very thin lens material uncomfortable, but this is a matter of habit. A significant disadvantage can be called high cost– these are the most expensive lenses in the section. However, with such characteristics, such a price is not surprising.

Advantages:

• high level of moisture content;
• are not felt when wearing.

Flaws:

• very high price.

3 CooperVision Proclear 1 Day (30 lenses)

Good level of moisture retention
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 1,199.
Rating (2018): 4.6

A good one-day lens is Proclear 1 Day from CooperVision. Each lens is molded from hydrogel material and has an excellent moisture content of 60%, which is very convenient due to its good ability to retain moisture. They are perfect for people who often suffer from a feeling of “sandiness” or redness in their eyes while wearing lenses. The retention of water molecules occurs through the use of patented technology – PC Technology™. These lenses are recognized by experts as providing increased comfort for those wearers who previously often experienced discomfort caused by dryness. Even after many hours spent in them, hydration remains at 96%.

Advantages:

• correct myopia and farsightedness;
• high level of moisture content;
• no need to buy storage solution.

Flaws:

• price.

2 Acuvue 1-Day Moist (30 lenses)

Astigmatic
Country: USA/Ireland
Average price: RUB 1,406.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Acuvue 1-Day Moist daily contact lenses are designed for 15 days, available in quantities of 30 pieces per package. These lenses are suitable not only for people with farsightedness or nearsightedness, but also with astigmatism. Throughout the day, they provide not only vision correction, but also wearing comfort. Lens hydration level – 58%. Thanks to a special formula that retains moisture inside, your eyes do not experience fatigue or irritation from morning to evening. Flexibility and thinness allow more oxygen to be carried through. These lenses are perfect for people with sensitive corneas and allergies.

Advantages:

• correct astigmatism;
• are not felt before the eyes;
• invisible;
• comfortable to wear;
• do not require maintenance.

Flaws:

• price.

1 Acuvue 1-Day TruEye (30 lenses)

The best breathable lenses
Country: USA/Ireland
Average price: 1,330 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Acuvue 1-Day TruEye contact lenses are the best breathable lenses in this category. Made from a modern material, silicone hydrogel, they provide the eyes with up to 100% oxygen when worn, almost the same as they receive without them. Their softness and imperceptibility provide comfort throughout the day. Moisturizing components allow you to forget about dryness and redness. Acuvue 1-Day TruEye also boasts maximum possible level UV protection. Daily lenses are sold in packs of 30 pieces. Thanks to this, they are more convenient and hygienic, because they do not need to be stored in solution or cleaned.

Advantages:

• high level of hydration;
• good protection against UV rays;
• no need for maintenance or storage.

Flaws:

• price.

The best contact lenses for a month

Monthly contact lenses are slightly inferior to daily ones. Their service life is longer, but the responsibility for care increases. It is important to clean your lenses on time and use a high-quality lens “preservation” solution at night. If a pair designed for 30 days is worn longer than the prescribed time, pain, burning and itching in the eyes are likely to occur. Even with proper care. It is better not to experiment and wear lenses according to their expiration date.

4 Bausch & Lomb PureVision (6 lenses)

Country: USA
Average price: 1,100 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5

Quite popular silicone hydrogel lenses with a long history. The range offers optical power from -12 to +6 - quite standard. The good news is that there are two radii of curvature - 8.3 and 8.6, so the lenses are suitable for people with with different eyes. The moisture content is small - only 36%, but due to their good oxygen permeability of 112 Dk/t, they feel comfortable on the eyes, do not dry out or rub the cornea. In reviews, customers write that the lenses are very comfortable and breathable, despite the characteristics. At the same time, one box of lenses for three months will cost less than 1,500 rubles, which is very economical.

Advantages:

• two radii of curvature;
• high oxygen permeability;
• good feedback.

Flaws:

• low moisture content.

3 CooperVision Biofinity (6 lenses)

Flexible wearing mode
A country: USA/UK
Average price: 2,340 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Biofinity - monthly contact lenses from CooperVision can be used, like the previous ones, not only in daytime mode, but also in flexible mode. This allows them to be worn at any time of the day, depending on what each specific user needs. They are made from the same silicone hydrogel, which has excellent characteristics. The lenses correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, while providing comfort, even if used for up to seven days in a row. Sufficient hydration and oxygen permeation are ensured thanks to Aquaform® Comfort Science™ technology.

Advantages:

• flexible wearing mode;
• material with natural moisture;
• You don’t need to use special drops;
• high oxygen permeability.

Flaws:

• high price.

2 Maxima 55 UV (6 lenses)

Best affordability
Country: UK
Average price: 931 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Maxima 55 UV contact lenses have the best affordability. Offers for their sale start at a price of 750 rubles. They provide good vision by correcting farsightedness and nearsightedness. Have protection from ultraviolet rays and easy to use. Despite the UV protection, you cannot refuse full-fledged sunglasses. The lenses are processed using special technology, so they are produced in a thinner profile. This guarantees better oxygen permeability to the ocular cornea. The smooth surface makes the wearing process comfortable, preventing dryness and redness. Contact lenses are lightly colored so that they are easy to see in the solution.

Advantages:

• thin profile;
• UV protection;
• ease of use;
• price.

Flaws:

• need for care;
• purchasing a storage solution.

1 Air Optix (Alcon) Aqua (6 lenses)

Better oxygen permeability
Country: Switzerland
Average price: 1,350 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Worldwide famous manufacturer, Alcon company, introduces monthly contact lenses - Air Optix Aqua. They are made from Lotrafilcon B, which is based on the proven silicone hydrogel material. This material is characterized by increased hydrophilicity and better oxygen permeability. These lenses are perfect for people with hypersensitivity eyes, as they provide an optimal level of hydration. Their surface is treated special composition, increasing the feeling of comfort while wearing. Due to the special treatment of the lenses, high protection is provided against lipid and protein deposits, as well as against ingress decorative cosmetics, dust and other contaminants.

Advantages:

• fivefold increased oxygen permeability;
• protection against deposits and contamination;
• Suitable for flexible and extended wear.

Flaws:

• discomfort may occur during night use.

The best colored contact lenses

Colored contact lenses can be either with or without diopters. Their difference from classic models is in the color of the lenses. It, in turn, comes in different intensities, densities and may contain different designs or patterns. Depending on this, such lenses are divided into tint, actual color and carnival.

Colored lenses work well with brown and green natural shades. They have a more intense color and a special reflective layer that does not allow the dark color of the eyes to break through from under the lens. Carnival lenses have a pattern that is completely different from the natural one - for example, a spiral or a web. They are used at parties and similar events where shocking rather than naturalness is more important.

4 Ophthalmix Butterfly Tri-tone (2 lenses)

Bright and exotic colors
Country Russia
Average price: 800 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.4

Domestic colored lenses that have taken a worthy position in the budget segment. They create a bright, unusual shade with any “native” eye color. Each lens has three tones applied to create a natural iris pattern. Of course, there is no talk of naturalness - Ophthalmix, as a budget brand, is not capable of it. But this is not critical, since the exoticism and brightness of the look compensates for this. As for the characteristics, 15.8 Dk/t and a moisture content of 42% create a comfortable “union”, so the lenses can easily be worn all day, and your eyes will begin to get tired only in the evening. Optical power varies from 0 to -7.

Advantages:

• bright shades of lenses;
• low cost;
• can be worn for three months.

Flaws:

• unnatural colors;
• low oxygen permeability.

3 Air Optix (Alcon) Colors (2 lenses)

The first "breathable" colored lenses
Country: USA
Average price: 1,188 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Air Optix Colors from the American company Alcon are colored contact lenses, one of the first “breathable”. Their material is silicone hydrogel (Lotrafilcon B), which provides extraordinary convenience during use. Handsome and natural color they have thanks to a special technology of applying pigment inside the lens in three layers. Due to this, the shade on the natural overlap looks natural. The inner ring of pigment adds depth to the look, the middle one gives the main color, and the outer one emphasizes expressiveness. High rate oxygen permeability and a polished smooth surface guarantee cleanliness to the lenses, and the preservation of health and a feeling of comfort to the eye.

Advantages:

• high oxygen permeability;
• correction of myopia and farsightedness;
• plasma surface treatment;

Flaws:

• Daytime wear only.

2 ADRIA Glamorous (2 lenses)

Wide color palette
Country: Korea
Average price: RUB 1,036.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Adria Glamorous - colored contact lenses with the widest color palette, including 9 various shades. Many users note that these lenses visually enlarge their eyes, but do not look artificial. They also perfectly cover brown and green natural shades. Complex patterns make the look unusual, deep and expressive. Good protection from ultraviolet radiation, optimal performance oxygen permeability and moisture content maintain eye health. The lenses correct myopia and farsightedness. They can be used at night and for active sports activities.

Advantages:

• wide color palette;
• cover dark shades;
• visually enlarge the eyes;
• UV protection.

Flaws:

• not identified.

1 OKVision Fusion (2 lenses)

Better color depth and brightness
Country: USA
Average price: 850 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

OKVision Fusion contact lenses have the best color depth and brightness among similar models. This is ensured by using unique technology layer-by-layer application of coloring matter to the inner surface. Thanks to this method, the natural depth of the look is preserved, and even dark eye color is guaranteed to be covered. In addition to changing the shade, the lenses make it possible to correct farsightedness or nearsightedness. The high moisture content gives the user comfort, relieving the eyes from dryness, fatigue and redness. Lenses are divided into two-tone regular and mixed. effect and three-tone.

Advantages:

• high-quality coverage of the native eye color;
• look natural;
• optimal oxygen permeability;
• are not felt when wearing.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Best Astigmatic Contact Lenses

To correct astigmatism, there are special toric contact lenses. They have a special design, thanks to which they correct astigmatism. This type of visual impairment is characterized by the fact that it does not allow the rays entering the eye to converge, as a result of which the person lacks the clarity of the visible image. Such lenses must have a cylinder.

3 Bausch & Lomb SofLens 66 Toric (6 lenses)

High moisture content (66%)
Country: USA/Ireland
Average price: RUB 1,321.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Bausch & Lomb SofLens 66 Toric astigmatic contact lenses have quite high content moisture (66%), which is retained inside the lens, providing comfort from morning to evening. The special non-ionic material used in the manufacture reduces protein deposits. The lenses are easy to put on due to their special strength. They are also difficult to damage or tear, but at the same time they are lightweight and not felt by the user. Visual acuity is improved by the unique dual-radius rear surface design. The rounded edges of the lenses ensure free sliding. The casting process used in manufacturing is computerized. This allows the lenses to have the widest possible range.

Advantages:

• correction of astigmatism;
• high moisture content;
• convenience and accuracy of fit;
• reduction of accumulations on the surface;
• strength.

Flaws:

• price.

2 Air Optix (Alcon) For Astigmatism (3 lenses)

Best price
Country: USA
Average price: 960 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Astigmatic contact lenses. Alcon's Air Optix For Astigmatism offers the best value among the competition. Their manufacturing material is based on silicone hydrogel, which has amazed world scientists with its excellent characteristics. These lenses are designed specifically for people with astigmatism. They allow oxygen to pass through perfectly, provide clear vision and provide ease of use and comfortable wearing throughout the day. The lenses are processed using a special patented technology, which is responsible for reducing protein deposits on the surface.

Advantages:

• correction of astigmatism;
• surface cleanliness for a long time;
• comfort while wearing;
• ease of use and precision fit;
• price.

Flaws:

• not identified.

1 Acuvue OASYS for Astigmatism with Hydraclear Plus (6 lenses)

Two-week scheduled replacement
Country: USA/Ireland
Average price: 1,190 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Acuvue's OASYS for Astigmatism with Hydraclear Plus contact lenses are safer for your eye health with a two-week replacement schedule. As we know, the shorter the period of wearing, the greater the chances of avoiding infection and discomfort. These lenses have a very smooth surface, which has a positive effect on the process of eyelid movement. Such lenses are practically not felt on the eyes. Made from silicone hydrogel-based material, they provide almost one hundred percent oxygen penetration to the iris, so you can forget about redness, burning and irritation of the mucous membrane. HYDRACLEAR ® PLUS is a technology responsible for moisturizing the eye throughout the day. Ultraviolet radiation is blocked by lenses, protecting the retina and lens.

Advantages:

• correction of farsightedness, myopia and astigmatism;
• two-week scheduled replacement;
• protection against fatigue.

Flaws:

• not identified.

The best contact lenses for three months

Long-term quarterly lenses are the best option in terms of price and convenience. The user does not have to look for a new pair of lenses for a long time and spend the budget on their purchase. They are more durable and generally of high quality. Therefore, the lens material may be thicker than that of monthly and, especially, one-day models. Therefore, some users who are not used to it may feel discomfort. Three-month lenses require careful care and periodic washing.

3 CooperVision Biomedics 38 (6 lenses)

Three pairs in a box
Country: USA
Average price: 900 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

A very popular contact lens model that has been on the market for many years. Despite not the best characteristics, these hydrogel lenses are almost not felt on the cornea and do not interfere in any way. Naturally, if you do not violate the wearing regime. Optical power varies from -0.5 to -10. The moisture content in the model is 38% at Dk/t 23.5, which is why it is not recommended to wear a pair for more than 8 hours without a break. But many users are happy to note that the lenses do not dry out or break. ahead of schedule– the material is quite thick and dense. With proper care, there should be no problems with irritation or damaged lenses. In addition, for a modest price you will receive not 4 lenses in a box, as with most manufacturers, but 6 at once, which will allow you to avoid going to stores for 9 months.

Advantages:

• good feedback;
• dense and reliable material;
• six lenses in a box.

Flaws:

• large thickness;
• not for sensitive eyes.

2 OKVision Season (2 lenses)

Excellent lens performance
Country: USA
Average price: 500 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Hydrogel lenses with high performance and excellent wearing comfort. The model can offer a moisture content of 45% and an oxygen permeability of 27.5 Dk/t. Due to this, contact lenses do not dry out and allow enough oxygen to pass through to the cornea to make them comfortable to wear. In reviews, many buyers write that they are comfortable to wear and do not interfere. On sale you can find optical power options from +12.5 to -15. But there is only one radius of curvature, so the set will not fit every eye. Unfortunately, the box contains only one pair of lenses, which at a price of 400-500 rubles (compared to other options) is quite expensive.

Advantages:

• high moisture content and oxygen permeability;
• large selection of optical powers;
• comfortable to wear.

Flaws:

• high price;
• only two pairs included.

1 Bausch & Lomb Optima FW (4 lenses)

Amazing lens durability
Country: USA
Average price: 700 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

Hydrogel lenses from a well-known company, designed for long-term wearing with comfort. They have a low moisture content - only 38.6%. But for hydrogel this is absolutely normal. Comfortable oxygen permeability – 24 Dk/t. Buyers write in reviews that the lenses are much more durable than stated - with high-quality care and a good storage solution, one pair instead of three months can last six months or even a year! Naturally, we do not recommend experiments, but such quality is already an indicator. There are three radii of curvature available - 8.4, 8.7 and 9. The inconvenient thing is that there are few diopters in the model range - from +4 to -9. In addition, sensitive eyes may not have enough oxygen through the lens.

Advantages:

• durability;
• high quality material;
• three radii of curvature.

Flaws:

• few diopters;
• not for sensitive eyes.

The best contact lenses for six months

Semi-annual long-wear lenses are indispensable when the user does not have the opportunity to constantly buy new sets. They are convenient due to their durability and strength - such models are convenient to take with you on long business trips, on shifts or to other places where there are not very many ophthalmology stores. In addition, they are the most cost-effective.

Naturally, such models are not as convenient as daily lenses - they need to be very well looked after and promptly washed to remove protein deposits. You also need to get used to them - durable hydrogel is not suitable for everyone.

2 Interojo Morning Q55 vial (1 lens)

Low price per pair
Country: South Korea
Average price: 350 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Semi-annual dense lenses created using aspherical design using PolyVue technology. They are as comfortable as possible for constant wearing and are durable enough to withstand six months of “work.” The model offers optical power from -20 to +12. There are also two radii of curvature - 8.6 and 8.8, which allows you to choose the lens to suit your eye. Moisture content of 55% and oxygen permeability of 24 Dk/t provide quite comfortable wearing throughout the day. But in the reviews, some users write that in the evening their eyes begin to get tired, and the problem needs to be solved with drops. The lenses are quite cheap - a pair for six months will cost only 700 rubles.

Advantages:

• two radii of curvature;
• low price.

Flaws:

• Your eyes may get tired from wearing it.

1 OKVision Infinity (1 lens)

Good value for money
Country: USA
Average price: 370 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

High-quality and quite popular long-wear lenses for a variety of users. They are comfortable to wear and accessible. The characteristics of the model are 55% moisture in the composition and oxygen permeability of 32.5 Dk/t. Users note that the lenses are thick and hard, as they are made of hydrogel thermopolymer, but do not cause discomfort when worn. The optical power of the model varies from -20 to +20. The radius of curvature is 8.4 and 8.7, which makes the lenses universal and very comfortable for non-standard eyes. There are also the same lenses, but colored and acting as tint lenses. But they have a very bright color that will not suit every eye.

Advantages:

• two radii of curvature;
• many optical power options;
• low price.

Flaws:

• The lenses are thick and not suitable for everyone.

Contact lenses are becoming more and more popular every year both around the world and in Russia: the percentage of selection of contact lenses of complex design - toric and multifocal - is increasing, and the age range of contact correction users is expanding.

The contact correction market in Russia is comparable to the world market – dominant position are occupied by the four largest companies: almost half of the volume (more than 40%) is made up of Johnson & Johnson products.

The share of CIBA Vision and Cooper Vision (with Ocular Sciences joining it) is approximately 15-18% each. Bausch & Lomb - only about 10%. All other companies, including the Russian manufacturer, account for less than 20% of contact lens supplies.

Largest contact lens companies

Johnson & Johnson is an American company founded in 1886. It is the largest manufacturer of medicines, body care products, and contact lenses.

Johnson & Johnson products are sold in more than 175 countries. Well-known trademarks of the company are: Clean&Clear, Johnson’s baby, Johnson’s pH5.5, Nizoral, Reach.

In 1987, Johnson & Johnson introduced Acuvue contact lenses for seven-day wear. To date, more than 2 billion contact lenses have been produced under the Acuvue brand.

Most contact Acuvue lenses, arriving at Russian market, are produced in Ireland at the largest plant in Limerick.

Famous brands: 1-DAY ACUVUE, ACUVUE OASYS Moist, ACUVUE OASYS Trueye, ACUVUE 2 COLORS, ACUVUE OASYS for ASTIGMATISM and ACUVUE Bifocal and others.

New: Johnson & Johnson announced the creation of Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia lenses to correct age-related farsightedness.

CIBA Vision is the ophthalmology division of the multinational pharmaceutical corporation Novartis. The company's head office is located in Basel (Switzerland). The company operates in 140 countries.

CIBA Vision is one of the world leaders in the production and sale of soft contact lenses, contact lens care products, and ophthalmic drugs.

Famous brands: AIR OPTIX, Focus Dailies. In 2001, CibaVision merged with Wesley Jessen, a world leader in colored lenses, to add FreshLook colored contact lenses to its product line.

The CIBA Vision company also produces the most famous, one of the best, brand of contact lens solutions Solo Care.

One of the company's latest developments is premium lenses Air Optix Night&Day Aqua - silicone hydrogel contact lenses with a built-in Aqua Moist moisturizing system. Lenses that can be worn around the clock for up to 30 days.

CooperVision is an American company founded in 1958 in Rochester, New York. During this time, it included several large companies producing contact lenses, which allowed it to enter the global market.

Cooper Vision's contact lens manufacturing facilities are located in Hampshire (England), Rochester and Huntington Beach (USA), with the company's headquarters located in Irvine, California (USA). Soft spherical and toric contact lenses are produced in the USA, and soft contact lenses for routine replacement are produced in England.

Cooper Vision is a leader in the development of soft contact lenses for routine replacement based on the unique tetrafilcon material.

Famous brands: Biomedics 55, Proclear, Crazy.

New: In 2010, the release of Biofinity Toric lenses was announced in the range of spheres from +6 to -8 D with four cylinders for astigmatism correction.

Bausch & Lomb is another of the largest contact lens companies.

The company was founded in 1853 in America by an emigrant from Germany J. Bausch and his friend H. Lomb. The newly formed company began to specialize in the production of high-precision and special optics: microscopes, binoculars, telescopes, night vision devices. 1971 - Bausch & Lomb became the first company to receive FDA approval to sell soft contact lenses.

In addition to products for contact vision correction, Bausch & Lomb produces wide range ophthalmic pharmaceutical products, as well as surgical equipment and instruments, previously produced under the Stortz and Chiron brands.

Bausch & Lomb has production and sales facilities in 25 countries.

Well-known brands: PureVision, SofLens, Optima, 1 Day Biotrue.

New items: SofLens® daily disposable aspherical contact lenses with an anti-reflective component. Recommended for patients prone to allergic reactions.

In the last few years, several Korean companies have appeared on the contact correction market, such as OKVision, Bescon, G&G Contact Lens. The most popular among their products are colored contact lenses due to their bright colors and affordable prices.

Russian manufacturers of contact lenses

Russian companies producing contact lenses and care products occupy a very modest place in the contact correction market, which is explained by their predominant focus on traditional contact lenses, while throughout the world there is a transition from traditional lenses to frequent replacement lenses and daily contact lenses. However, the products of domestic manufacturers are certainly in demand:

Firstly, the price of domestic lenses is quite low.

Secondly, Russian companies offer lenses of large diopters from -20 to +20; lenses of such large refractions are simply not available in the product line of Western companies.

Thirdly, product quality control in Russian companies is more stringent, which makes it possible to timely identify and eliminate defective products and ultimately obtain high-quality contact lenses.

Concor is the largest domestic company producing contact lenses. The company appeared in 1991 in the city of Vologda. Today the company supplies products in more than 400 cities Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Bulgaria.

Today the company produces soft contact lenses from imported and domestic materials, including silicone hydrogel, tint and color.

A three-stage quality control system is used, which allows us to produce high-quality lenses in accordance with the specified parameters. In 2009, soft contact lenses from Concor were recognized as a winner of the “100 Best Products of Russia” program.

Octopus - the company was founded in 1993 in Samara. It produces soft contact lenses "Elite" using the turning method from material from the company "Contamac" (Great Britain) on equipment from the company "Gfeller" (Switzerland) using computer tools management, as well as rigid gas-permeable contact lenses.

Octopus is a supplier of high diopter soft contact lenses up to +/-25 Diopters. In addition, the Octopus company produces cosmetic contact lenses to eliminate various defects - absence of a pupil, iris, etc.

Optimedservice is a scientific and medical association created in 1993 in Bashkortostan, which occupies a stable position in the ophthalmological market of the Ural region. Since 1994, the company has been producing soft contact lenses under the Optimed brand on a computerized production line from City Crown (UK).

One type of Optimed lenses is produced - traditional lenses with a wear period of 6 months and with a 38% moisture content. The company also produces a line of contact lens care products under the Optimed and ProActive brands.

Doctor Optik is a Russian company (Moscow) producing tinted contact lenses of the Svetlenz series. Among these products there are both regular tint contact lenses “Svetlenz 55” recommended for light eyes, as well as cosmetic lenses “Svetlenz Carnival”, designed to disguise all kinds of eye defects.

Depending on the material used, contact lenses are divided into:

• on hard: gas-permeable and gas-tight;
• on soft: silicone hydrogel and hydrogel.

Wearing period

Lenses can be worn:

• 1 day. These products are the most hygienic and easy to use. After use, the lenses are discarded; no additional cleaning products are required.
• 2 weeks. Vision correction products have increased content moisturizing agents, good oxygen permeability.
• 1 month. This type of lens can be left on overnight due to its good breathability. Doctors recommend wearing products in this mode up to 7 days.
• 3 months. These vision correction products have good mechanical strength. Ideal for those who are just starting to wear them.
• More than a year. Such products require careful care.

Wearing mode

This term refers to the period during which vision correction devices can be worn without removing them.

It is customary to highlight following modes:

• day- put on in the morning and take off at night;
• prolonged- duration of wearing up to 7 days, do not take off at night;
• flexible- continuous wearing up to 2 days;
• continuous- constant wearing up to 30 days.

All the best manufacturers

There are the following contact lens manufacturers.

Johnson & Johnson

In the distance 1886 three brothers, Robert, James and Edward Johnson, founded Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in the city New Brunswick, New Jersey. Initially, the company produced products intended to maintain personal hygiene.

Attention! Johnson & Johnson became the first to start selling first aid kits for emergency medical care.

The company is constantly growing and developing, opening new branches all over the world. IN 60s of XX century Johnson & Johnson acquires a number of pharmaceutical companies, thanks to which occupies a prominent place in the pharmaceutical market. One of the advances was Tylenol, an aspirin-free pain reliever that is available by prescription. One year later after discovery, 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 package, manufacturer - Johnson & Johnson.

IN 1987 Vision Care, a division of J&J, introduces the world's first soft contact lenses for elective replacement ACUVUE. Later eight years the company presents first in the world contact lenses for daily replacement 1 DAY ACUVUE.

ACUVUE products are used:

• at myopia 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 might also be interested in:

Adria

Adria contact lenses are released Korean company Interojo. The company was founded in 2000. Her motto: “Lenses for the young.” The company is developing, receiving certificates for the production of contact lenses from the latest materials.

Adria produces the following lines of colored lenses:

Lenses for vision correction are also available:

• daily;
• monthly;
• quarterly.

Reference! Adria products are not only quality and comfort, but also attractive design, a feeling of youth, the opportunity to surprise with new images.

Alcon/CIBA Vision

Alcon is a fairly young company created in 1945 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The founders of the company were Robert Alexander and William Conner. The name of the company included the first syllables of their surnames - Alkon. After 2 years Alexander and Conner register the Alcon Laboratories company, specializing in the production of pharmaceuticals.

In 1950 Alcon presents drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated infectious diseases eyes, as well as to relieve itching and redness. It was this company that was the first to patent dosing device for eye drops ,DROP-TAINER, which is still in use today.

In the 80s of the last century company founded William Conner Research Center, helping Alcon significantly increase its research into the treatment 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 Alcon and CIBA VISION are merging, allowing these companies to join forces. DAILIES TOTAL1 contact lenses are being released.

The company produces the following means vision correction:

• one-day: Dailes Total 1 series, Dailes Total Aquacomfort Plus, Dailes Total Aquacomfort Plus Astigmatism;
• planned replacement: Air Optix series (multifocal, for astigmatism, for round-the-clock wear, color);
• colored: Freshlook series.

Bausch+Lomb

Bausch + Lomb - one of the oldest companies in the USA, which manufactures optics. Was created John Jacob Bausch, a German emigrant, and his friend Henry Lombom in Rochester, New York. In the first years, the company was engaged in the production of rubber frames for glasses, and later - microscopes, binoculars, camera shutters, and sights.

At the beginning of the last century Bausch + Lomb were the first to produce high quality optics.

The company is also the developer of the now famous Ray-Ban sunglasses.

The same company produced lenses for spacecraft cameras, with the help of which the first photographs of the Moon were created.

By the middle of the 20th century Bausch + Lomb has taken a step forward: it has acquired the rights to produce and distribute soft hydrogel contact lenses. By the age of 80 the company finally focused on the production of vision correction products, having sold out all its other production facilities.

Currently, Bausch + Lomb's work is represented in the following areas:

• VisionCare— vision correction products (several types) and solutions.
• Pharmaceutical— block of pharmaceutical ophthalmic products.
• Surgical— surgical equipment and instruments.

The company does not stand still and is constantly developing: new pharmaceuticals, equipment, and soft contact lenses are being developed.

Bausch + Lomb produces the following vision correction products:

• one-day: Biotrue ONEday, SofLens Daily Disposable ;
• planned replacement: Ultra, PureVision (2 HD, Mulifocal, Toric, for Astigmatism), Soflens (59, Toric), Optima FW;
• colored: Soflens Natural Colors.

Ophthalmix

The manufacturer is medical group Oftaderm, based in 1996. Started her work as official representative global manufacturers of contact lenses and care products. Currently, the company has its own brand - Ophthalmix.

Oftaderm strives to improve the quality of its products in order to best meet customer needs.

The following lenses are known under the Ophthalmix brand:

• For vision correction: Profi, 55 UV, OneDay, Clear;
• color, one-, two- and three-tone: Gold, Butterfly One Month, Crazy;
• tint: Colors Soft.

Maxima Optics

Maxima Optics is an international 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 to develop high-quality ophthalmic products from modern materials, which 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);
• correction means monthly replacements: Maxima 55 Comfort Plus, Si Hy Plus;
• lenses quarterly replacements: Maxima 38 FW (55 FW).

CooperVision

The year the company was founded is considered 1980 . Within a decade Since its founding, CooperVision has acquired a number of companies involved in the production of vision correction products. 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 company in the world for the production of soft contact lenses.

CooperVision produces the following series of lenses:

• MyDay— one-day.
• Clarity- silicone hydrolic on 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 an optimal ratio prices and quality.

Useful video

Watch the video about the rules for choosing contact lenses.

Conclusion: popular brands

Currently the most popular company is Johnson & Johnson- lenses trademark Acuvue most often prescribed by ophthalmologists. Next comes the brand Alcon, which produces various eye drops and lens solutions. On the third place American brand is located Bausch+Lomb. We especially love products from the Soflens, Optima, and PureVision series.

IN Lately Contact lenses are becoming the main means of vision correction.

It’s understandable, it’s convenient, it provides full review(and not cut off at the periphery like glasses), they do not need to be adjusted (at least not as often as glasses), and in general lead an active lifestyle.

Year after year, lenses become more and more comfortable and safe, and lenses released just 10 years ago cannot be compared with what is produced now. But, as happens with any product of progress, we often do not know how they are produced. Let's briefly look at production methods, but for a better understanding of the technical process, let's look at the types of contact lenses that exist.

Types of contact lenses

In general, contact lenses are divided into two groups (according to the degree of hardness):

- Soft;
- Tough.

Hard contact lenses

Rigid lenses were invented back in 1888 (by Swiss ophthalmologist Adolf Fick, although drawings of nothing similar were found by Leonardo da Vinci, but the first “working” prototypes were created by Fick). They are used for vision correction in severe cases (such as astigmatism), as well as orthokeratology (changing the shape of the cornea using a special lens).

Due to their rigidity and shape, the use of these lenses can maximize visual acuity. The main disadvantage is that hard lenses are much more likely to cause eye irritation than soft ones.

Soft contact lenses

Soft lenses were invented in 1960 (by Otto Wichterl and Dragoslav Lim, from Czechoslavakia), and since then 90% of contact lens wearers on the planet have switched to them. They were called “soft” because of the main polymer in their composition. It has an unusual ability to absorb water (up to 38% of its weight) and when saturated it becomes very soft and elastic. Subsequently, this polymer was improved.

And now soft lenses are divided into 3 classes (based on the name of the polymer included in their composition):

— Hydrogel (invented in the 1970s);
— Silicone hydrogel (invented in 1999);
— Water-gradient (presented in 2016);

Silicone hydrogel lenses, in addition to their high elasticity, have become permeable to oxygen (although it would be more correct to say that the cornea receives the necessary oxygen through the liquid of the lens; in any case, this was a “breakthrough” for soft lenses).

Doesn't have its own blood vessels, and the provision of oxygen and nutrients comes from the regional vascular network(in the case of oxygen, also partially from the environment), which is located along the periphery of the cornea (in the so-called limbus region). And the main problem with lenses is the creation oxygen starvation cornea (in scientific terms - hypoxia), because the lens just covers the cornea, which does not receive the oxygen it needs in the right amount. Hypoxia stimulates the production of special substances, which in turn cause the growth of old and the appearance of new vessels, which will have to compensate for the lack of oxygen (neovascularization).

However, along with new vessels, dense fibrous tissue will grow on the cornea. It allows the body to heal damage faster. But this fibrous tissue is not transparent. And this can subsequently manifest itself as visual interference (an incomprehensible veil before the eyes), deterioration of vision (up to its complete loss). Therefore, doctors recommend that you be careful when choosing lenses, and even more so, they advise you not to leave them on overnight (this was one of the reasons that spurred the creation of daily lenses).

In other matters, silicone hydrogel lenses became the first lenses suitable for continuous use for quite a long time (from 7 days to 30 days), this is due to the slower evaporation of water from the surface of the lens, and the cornea remains moisturized longer.

The next step in the development of soft lenses was water-gradient lenses. The researchers set the task of combining the high permeability of the lens to oxygen and its high moisture content. And they succeeded. The moisture content of such lenses is 2-3 times higher than that of the best silicone hydrogel analogues, and the thickness is close to a record 80 micrometers (people who previously wore lenses of other types described that water-gradient lenses are almost not felt).

Methods for making contact lenses

The following production methods are currently used in the medical industry::

— Centrifugal molding;
— Turning;
— Casting;
— Pressing;

In addition to the above, production techniques are used that combine some of the above methods.

Centrifugal molding

The very first method of making soft lenses, invented by employees of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Prague in 1960 (in fact, like the soft lenses themselves). The method, however, is still used today. Its essence is simple, it lies in the fact that the required portion of liquid rotating at a certain speed gradually solidifies.

At the first stage, the liquid monomer is placed in a special mold (representing a cylinder with a concave bottom) which then begins to rotate. Under the influence of centrifugal forces, the liquid monomer spreads inside the mold. Due to the fact that there is a certain amount of monomer in the mold, it rotates at a certain speed and all this happens at a certain temperature, the monomer solidifies into in the required form(polymerizes, or simply turns into a solid polymer). Often faster hardening is achieved by using ultraviolet rays.

The hardened polymer preform is removed from the mold and hydrated. In short, this is the process of saturation with water (absorption) to the desired concentration. The main difficulty with hydration is that after hydration the dimensions of the lenses will be different than initially, so a preliminary calculation of the change in the geometric dimensions of the contact lens is carried out.

This is followed by computer photo control (size, shape, quality of polishing, etc.), after which the sterilization stage begins. During the sterilization process, the surface of the lenses is cleaned of all microorganisms that “settled” on the lens during the processing of the original polymer blank. Usually they use the same ultraviolet radiation(occasionally microwave), but they can also use chemicals (something based on hydrogen peroxide), or the old proven method is to heat the lens to 120 degrees and wait a little.

After sterilization, all that remains is for the contact lenses to be tinted in the desired color (if necessary), packaged and labeled. Ready-made packages of contact lenses are stored in airtight containers. constant temperature. But that’s not all, a certain part of the percentage of all finished lenses is sent to the laboratory for more detailed quality control, and if everything is fine, then the entire batch is sold.

Rotomoulded contact lenses have an aspherical back surface (not spherical, but its shape depends mainly on the centrifugal force acting on it during the hardening process in the mold). Centrifugal molding is the cheapest production method. You can get soft contact lenses with a thin outer edge and good performance.

Turning

The method is suitable for the production of both soft and hard lenses(for example with high optical characteristics).

Solidification of the monomer occurs in forms that are not subject to rotation. After solidification, the workpieces are transferred to a computer-controlled lathe, where, using specially developed software, lenses with complex geometric shapes (for example, with several radii of curvature) can be obtained. This requires maintaining constant environmental conditions (temperature +22 degrees, relative humidity 45%).

After turning, to give the surfaces the necessary smoothness, the lenses are sent for polishing. The lenses are then hydrated, chemically cleaned, quality controlled if required to be tinted, and sterilized.

But this method is about 4-5 times more expensive than centrifugal molding.

Casting

Casting (also called “in-mold polymerization”) is a less expensive method than turning. First, a metal matrix mold is cast (unique for each set of lenses), polymer copy molds are cast over it, into which the monomer is later poured. It hardens with the help of ultraviolet rays. The resulting solid polymer is sent for polishing and, depending on the required hardness, it is hydrated. And then, similar to other production methods - tinting, quality control, sterilization, packaging and labeling.

With the invention of silicone hydrogel contact lenses, after casting into a mold, they began to use plasma (the lens is placed in a special liquid through which it is passed electricity certain type) polishing. This allows for increased future wettability of the lens.

Currently, soft contact lenses for routine replacement and approximately half of disposable (one-day) lenses are produced by casting.

Pressing

Occasionally, a production method that is no longer particularly popular, such as pressing, is used. This method is reminiscent of casting, only it is not the liquid monomer that is poured into the mold, but the already hardened polymer “blank” is pressed using specially prepared molds (dry pressing), or the “blank” that has undergone hydration is immediately pressed

Mixed methods

The most common of the mixed methods is the so-called.” Reversible process III.” In it, the front surface of the lens is made by centrifugal molding, and the back surface is made by turning.

All this contributes to the fact that the front surface is extremely smooth (and this is comfortable to wear), and the back surface (adjacent directly to the cornea) has any fairly complex geometric shape.

As a result, contact lenses of the most complex shapes are produced using this method. Also a plus is the good oxygen permeability of the lenses. The disadvantages include a longer manufacturing process (in time) and a higher production cost.

Promising types of contact lenses

Nowadays, it has almost reached the production of prototypes. new type lenses called “Bionic contact lenses”. Of course, this will be the next step in the evolution of contact lenses, because the lenses will include ultra-small electronic circuits. But just like with modern lenses, bionic lenses will be of both a medical nature (vision correction) and an entertainment-professional nature (an electronic display in the eye). In the case of a medical application, it will even be possible to “correct” lens defects with electronics (say, due to inaccurate recording of the topography of the patient’s eye).

But the production of bionic lenses will also require a fundamentally new approach to their production. If production methods have already been worked out with the lenses themselves, then with the electronic filling it is more difficult. At the first stage, electronic circuits are made, assembled from metal plates several nanometers thick (1 millimeter is 1 million nanometers). On the other hand, the LEDs are planned to be only one-third of a millimeter thick, and applying them with tweezers will obviously not be easy, so they are sprayed as “powder” onto the surface of the lens. To accommodate such miniature components, a method called microfabrication or self-organizing assembly is used.

Finally

Unfortunately, the final result is still far away. Now the stage of searching for materials that will not irritate the user’s eye has been completed, and the fact of the direct presence of the emitting LED on the surface of the eye is also being studied. It is also too early to talk about the cost of such a “new product,” but it is clear that the first prototypes will be very expensive.

Hard contact lenses

Modern rigid contact lenses are made from gas-permeable materials containing silicone, which makes them more flexible than earlier gas-permeable PMMA lenses, as well as being permeable. a large number of oxygen through the lens to the cornea. This allows rigid gas permeable contact lenses to provide a significantly more comfortable and healthier wearing experience compared to their gas-permeable predecessors, which are no longer commonly prescribed.

Benefits of hard contact lenses

Compared to soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses provide significantly better vision because, due to their higher rigidity, they retain their shape during blinking and therefore the image remains stable at all times. Soft contact lenses crumple slightly when closing the eyelids, which leads to the fact that the picture seems to “float”.

With proper care, rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be worn for at least 1 year due to the fact that they are resistant to almost all types of deposits, since their surface is less porous and easier to clean than the surface of soft contact lenses. They are also more difficult to damage or tear than soft contact lenses.

Rigid contact lenses are made taking into account the individual parameters of the patient's cornea, so their shape is more congruent with the shape of the cornea, that is, it fits it perfectly. The mobility of a hard contact lens is 2-4 times greater than the mobility of a soft one. All this ensures a much better exchange of tear fluid in the sublens space and a much greater supply of oxygen to the cornea, and therefore a less frequent development of hypoxic (associated with a lack of oxygen) complications.

In addition, there are situations where soft contact lenses cannot be offered to the patient in principle and hard contact lenses are the only option. possible means vision correction for such people.

Hard contact lenses for high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) and hypermetropia (farsightedness)

The range of optical power (diopters) of most modern soft contact lenses does not exceed -12.00 D - +8.00 D. And the properties of the materials of those contact lenses that will provide high-quality vision at higher degrees of myopia and farsightedness ( up to 20.00 D), unfortunately, leave much to be desired, so wearing such soft contact lenses often leads to the development of complications. In addition, you need to understand that the higher the degree of myopia, the thicker the soft contact lens along the periphery, and the higher the degree of hyperopia, the thicker it is in the center, which, taking into account the tighter fit compared to hard contact lenses again leads to the development of hypoxic (associated with a lack of oxygen supply through a thick lens) complications when wearing soft contact lenses.
What can these unfortunate people do? Either be content with incomplete, insufficient correction, depriving yourself of the opportunity to see well and enjoy a full life, or use soft contact lenses, wearing which will almost inevitably lead to the development of complications. They can, of course, be offered spectacle correction, but glasses with such diopters will have very pronounced peripheral aberrations (distortions), which will make their use very uncomfortable, and their aesthetic properties will be very questionable (spectacle lenses will be thick, and the eyes behind them will be will be either very large with high degrees of farsightedness, or very small with myopia).
But in fact there is a choice! Rigid contact lenses typically have more wide range refractions ( -25.00 D to +25.00 D), and due to the use of materials with a high refractive index, they remain quite thin even at large diopters. In addition, due to better exchange of tear fluid in the sublens space, they ensure adequate oxygen supply to the cornea.

Rigid contact lenses for high astigmatism

The optical power of the cylinder of most toric soft contact lenses does not exceed 2.25 D, some of them have restrictions on the axes of the cylinder, which in some cases makes it impossible to provide high-quality vision to patients who need it.
Rigid contact lenses, due to a fundamentally different system for correcting astigmatism, make it possible to cope with this problem.

Hard contact lenses for presbyopia (age-related farsightedness)

To correct vision in patients over 40 years of age, in addition to glasses, special multifocal soft contact lenses can be used. But all multifocal soft lenses presented on the domestic market have limitations on optical power for distance ( -10.00 D to +6.00 D) and cannot be offered to patients with astigmatism, since toric multifocal soft contacts are not represented in our country in principle.
Hard contact lenses do not have such restrictions: they can be selected for patients over 40 years of age, both with high degrees of farsightedness and myopia, and for those who have astigmatism.

Selection of hard contact lenses

So what exactly is selection of hard contact lenses?
This procedure is carried out on the basis of examination data using an autorefractometer and visometry. After these studies are completed, lenses from a diagnostic kit are installed on the patient’s eyes, the “fit” of which is assessed after 20 minutes by a doctor during a slit-lamp examination and fluorescein staining. The visual acuity obtained with hard contact lenses is also checked. As a rule, in most cases, successful fitting requires trying on 1 to 3 diagnostic hard contact lenses in each eye. This is necessary in order to achieve complete perfect compliance of the shape of the inner surface of the hard contact lens with the surface of the cornea, and thereby ensure its correct centering, sufficient mobility and, as a result, ensure comfortable and healthy wearing.

After completing all the described procedures, having decided on the parameters of the hard contact lenses the patient needs, we can send an order for their individual production.

Manufacturing of hard contact lenses

Wanting to offer our patients the best, we collaborate with the German company Wöhlk, which has 60 years of experience in producing premium hard contact lenses. The level of this company is evidenced by the fact that such an optical giant with a worldwide reputation and excellent reputation as Carl Zeiss entrusted it with the production of its soft contact lenses. The Wöhlk plant is located in northern Germany in the town of Schenkirchen, and every product produced there is subject to the most stringent controls and has a guarantee of the highest quality. All orders for hard contact lenses are manufactured using high-precision equipment according to the individual parameters of each specific patient. The waiting time for such an order, including delivery from Germany, is usually 14 working days.

Training and follow-up

If you want to wear hard contact lenses, it is important to understand that they not only provide high quality vision, but also impose significant responsibility. Wearing such lenses requires more frequent visits to the ophthalmologist for a dynamic assessment of the condition of the eyes than when using glasses and soft contact lenses. Yes, and lenses require certain procedures when caring for them. An important factor in the safety of wearing them is compliance with hygiene rules, including when putting them on and taking them off.
That is why in our vision correction offices final stage When dispensing hard contact lenses, we inform our patients in detail about how to wear and care for them correctly.
An indispensable condition is to purchase a starter kit, which includes a set of all necessary funds and accessories for the first time.
When purchasing a starter kit patient education independent skills of putting on and removing hard contact lenses, if they are choosing lenses for the first time, as well as dynamic observation by an ophthalmologist during the entire period of wearing the lenses, for free.