Contact lenses for eye sensitivity

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – In a new report, experimental contact lenses designed not only to improve vision, but also to prevent itching caused by allergies, may soon be used twice recently.

Lenses containing antihistamines, developed and tested by Johnson & Johnson, have dramatically reduced the symptoms of eye allergies, researchers wrote in the journal Cornea.

"These results are very encouraging," said Bryan Pal, director of clinical sciences at the Johnson & Johnson Eye Care Center, co-author of the study. "More than 20% of allergy sufferers will have a significant impact on their lives."

Randomized trials, funded by Johnson & Johnson, tested the efficacy and safety of slowly releasing lenses for anti-allergic Ketotifen. The trials included 244 volunteers aged 12 to 16 years.

Some volunteers wearing antihistamine lenses did not feel itchy, while others reported itching, but this was possible, Pal said.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to write about this technology."

Dr. Christopher Starr welcomed the new discoveries. "These are new and interesting results on many levels … I treat a lot of patients with seasonal allergies in New York," said Starr, an ophthalmologist and professor.

"I also suffer from itchy eyes and from the first moment I will use this product … in light of these positive data," he said, adding that he did not know when the new goals would be sold.