Contact lenses to treat eye sensitivity soon

AMMAN – Experimental contact lenses not only improve vision, but also avoid the itching caused by allergies, with the completion of two recent studies, according to a new report.

Lenses containing antihistamines, developed and tested by Johnson & Johnson, have significantly alleviated the symptoms of eye allergies, researchers wrote in Corneal magazine.

"These are very encouraging results," said Bryan Pal, clinical sciences director of the Johnson & Johnson Care Vision Center, co-author of the study. "More than 20% of people are allergic to the eyes and 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." (Reuters)