Optometry news updates May 2021

Bausch + Lomb and Novaliq GmbH announced statistically significant topline data from the first phase 3 trial (GOBI trial) evaluating the investigational drug NOV03 (perfluorohexyloctane) as a first-in-class eye drop with a novel mechanism of action to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

The GOBI trial met its primary end points, including:

• Change from baseline in total corneal fluorescein staining achieved statistical significance at day 15 (p= 0.001, secondary end point), with continued results through day 57 (primary endpoint) compared to control (p< 0.001)

• Change from baseline in dryness score achieved statistical significance at day 15 (p=0.009, secondary end point), with continued results through day 57 (primary endpoint) compared to control (p< 0.001) as rated on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0-100 (0=no discomfort; 100=maximum discomfort)

The GOBI trial also met all of its secondary end points, showing statistically significant improvements in the signs and symptoms of DED associated with MGD that were studied.

The phase 3 program for NOV03 includes an ongoing second phase 3, multi-center, randomized, double-masked, saline-controlled trial (MOJAVE study) and a multi-center, open-label, single-arm 12-month safety extension trial (KALAHARI study). Topline results from MOJAVE, if positive, will allow for a filing to the FDA in 2022.

Johnson & Johnson Vision (JJV) received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for Acuvue Theravision with Ketotifen, the first and only vision correction contact lens that relieves allergic eye itch. The lens contains ketotifen, an H1 histamine receptor antagonist for the prevention of itch associated with eye allergies. Acuvue Theravision with Ketotifen may help patients who wish to continue wearing contact lenses during the allergy season.

Essilor debuts Crizal Rock lenses, which are 3 times more scratch-resistant than entry-level Crizal products and 2 times easier to clean than its competitors, according to the company. About 77 percent of eyeglass wearers wipe their lenses with t-shirts, tissues, or towels at least once a week, according to Essilor.

Crizal Rock lenses are available now in all Essilor lens designs, including Varilux and Eyezen.

CooperVision, Optometry Giving Sight, and Special Olympics joined to support the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes program, which aims to strengthen vision care inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organizations have committed $300,000 through 2023 to provide Special Olympics athletes with vision and eye health screenings, prescription eyewear and sports goggles. The companies will also provide education and training for eye care professionals and optometry students so they are better able to meet the needs of this group.

The sponsorship dollars will be used to promote vision care inclusion as part of Special Olympics programming in Kenya starting in 2021 and in the United States in 2022.

Neurolens has launched the neurolens Measurement Device, Gen 2 (nMD2). The nMD2 is an objective, accurate, and repeatable way to measure binocular vision or, more specifically, eye alignment. Employing over 10,000 data points per patient, the eye tracking system can identify eye misalignment as small as 0.1 prism diopters. Diagnostic information from the nMD2 is used to prescribe neurolenses with contoured prism technology, which bring the eyes into alignment, relieving the headaches, neck and shoulder pain, eye strain, dry eye and dizziness that many people experience when using their near vision.

The nMD2 is 80% smaller than the first-generation, and the diagnostic test is 35% faster, according to the company. It employs technology such as USB 3.0 cameras to support faster eye tracking and increased fields of vision, allowing for additional testing capabilities. Measurements from the system are not impacted by the examiner’s level of expertise or the patient’s responsiveness. It can be operated by a technician at any experience level.

The nMD2 will be commercially available on July 1, 2021.

JJV announced a global strategic collaboration with Menicon. As part of the collaboration, Menicon will develop and manufacture contact lenses to help manage the progression of myopia in children. JJV will expandavailability of these lenses around the world.

The collaboration with Menicon joins research partnership with the Singapore National Eye Centre and the Singapore Eye Research Institute.

Zeiss Vision Care US’s Zeiss UVClean technology, an ultraviolet (UV)-C disinfecting device designed primarily for eye care professionals, has earned Red Dot Awards for industrial design and innovative product and a Consumer Electronic Show 2021 Innovation Award.

Zeiss partnered with Voxelight LLC and Trig to develop UVClean, which uses 4 germicidal UVC bulbs to cover each pair of eyeglasses in UV light. The unit disinfects 6 to 10 frames in 40 seconds and kills up to 99.5% of common viruses and bacteria on the surface of eyeglasses, according to the company.

The design and manufacture of UVClean was in response to poor frame disinfectant choices Soap and water cleaning is slow and labor intensive, and frames may not be sufficiently dry for patients’ immediate use. Alcohol-based solutions or hydrogen peroxide can potentially damage frames over time and have an unpleasant smell. Industrial and consumer UVC boxes are costly, bulky, or do not fit in a dispensing area.