CooperVision Unveils Biofinity Energys™ Contact Lenses Specifically Designed for Today’s Digital World
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Eye Tiredness and Dryness Affecting Millions as Digital Device Use
Skyrockets -
Vast Majority of Millennials Reporting Symptoms with Growing Digital
Screen Time -
New Contact Lens Incorporates Breakthrough Optics Technology Plus
Moisture-Retaining Material; Researchers Created Product from the
Ground Up for Digital Lifestyles
PLEASANTON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#contactlens—CooperVision,
Inc. today announced the introduction of Biofinity Energys™
with Digital Zone Optics™ lens design, pioneering contact
lenses specifically created from the ground up for millions of digital
device users. Combining breakthrough optical properties, a
moisture-retaining material and a smooth, naturally wettable surface for
long-lasting comfort, the patent-pending contact lenses are being rolled
out in the United States on a phased basis beginning in July, and will
enter select European markets later this year.
Seven in ten adults experience discomfort that comes with long hours of
digital device use1, yet the widespread condition is often
dismissed as “normal” by a population that has become accustomed to a
digital lifestyle4,6,7. Discomfort is most commonly felt
after two or more hours in front of a digital screen, characterized by
tiredness, dryness, and redness. Extended exposure to bright light,
screen glare and longer periods of device use can contribute to the
issue. This type of use can also create varying degrees of physical
discomfort, and may also contribute to productivity loss, sluggishness
and stress.
The issue doesn’t discriminate by age. More than a third of Millennials
spend nine or more hours each day on digital devices1. Not
surprisingly, 68 percent1 to 88 percent2 of
Millennials report eye tiredness and dryness symptoms. More information
is available at FightEyeFatigue.com.
CooperVision® Biofinity Energys™ contact lenses
are designed for all-day wear, helping people’s eyes better adapt so
they can seamlessly and continuously shift focus between digital devices
and offline activities. After one week of wear, eight out of ten digital
device users agreed that Biofinity Energys™ lenses made their
eyes feel less tired.3
Two elements are at the heart of the lens’ performance and optimization
for digital device users:
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Digital Zone Optics™ lens
design, the breakthrough that integrates multiple front-surface
aspheric curves across the entire optical zone. This simulates what’s
known as positive power in the center of the lens, helping reduce
strain on the eyes’ ciliary muscle as a person moves their gaze from
on-screen to off-screen and back with less effort. -
Aquaform®
Technology, which attracts and binds water throughout the lens
material to retain moisture even during times of reduced blinking,
which is common with device use. This helps alleviate dry eyes,
providing the hydration, breathability, and softness that healthy eyes
deserve.
The lenses also incorporate a smooth, naturally wettable surface design
with a special rounded edge. This reduces interaction between the lens
and the inside of the eyelids, improving long-lasting wearing comfort.
“With the reliance on smartphones, tablets, laptops, in-car displays and
more every day, we know that trying to change people’s behaviors —
essentially asking them to scale back their device use or change how
they interact with screens — has limited value. CooperVision committed
itself to finding a better solution – one that could make a meaningful
difference in people’s everyday lives,” said Dr.
Gary Orsborn, Vice President of Global Professional & Clinical
Affairs for CooperVision. “As a contact lens specifically designed for
millions of digital device users, Biofinity Energys™ paves
the way for meeting their demanding needs in a wholly new manner. Our
research and development team broke new ground, discovering a way to
address both optical and comfort aspects in a contact lens created to be
worn throughout the day.”
More than 90 percent of adults use digital devices more than two hours a
day1 and nearly 60 percent of adults use digital devices for
greater than five hours per day.4 One study conducted at Indiana
University found that greater than 75 percent of individuals using
such devices report eye tiredness and dryness at least once per week or
more, and 35 percent once per day or more5.
Despite the high usage, 90 percent of people do not talk with their eye
care practitioner about their interaction with digital devices,
according to a
study by The Vision Council4. Since symptoms relating to
device use have not historically been addressed in patients’ annual eye
exams, the problem unfortunately has been considered an inescapable part
of modern life.
“There’s no reason for eye tiredness and dryness to be the ‘new normal’
for the millions of contact lens wearers who are looking at screens
throughout the day,” continued Dr. Orsborn. “We’re going to be working
in close partnership with eye care practitioners to raise awareness
among patients about the effects of digital device use, as well as
through outreach to the consumer electronics industry. CooperVision’s
purpose is to help improve the way people see each day, and there’s more
opportunity than ever before to help so many individuals lead a better
life while still enjoying their digital devices.”
Biofinity Energys™ lenses are designed to be replaced
monthly, and require similar care and handling as other soft contact
lenses to ensure a healthier wearing experience. Consumers should
consult with their eye care professional before wearing this or any
other lens.
For more information, please visit CooperVision.com.
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a unit of The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE:COO), is one of
the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company
produces a full array of monthly, two-week and daily disposable contact
lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a
strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as
astigmatism and presbyopia; and offers the most complete collection of
spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a
combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the
company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating
real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About The Cooper Companies
The Cooper Companies, Inc. (“Cooper”) is a global medical device company
publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper is dedicated to being A
Quality of Life Company™ with a focus on delivering shareholder value.
Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and
CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision
care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality
products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner
support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of families
with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on
women’s health, fertility and diagnostics. Headquartered in Pleasanton,
CA, Cooper has approximately 10,000 employees with products sold in over
100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
1 The Vision Council. Hindsight is 20/20: Protecting Your
Eyes from Digital Devices – 2015 Digital Eye Strain Report.
2 YouGov European Eye Fatigue Study, April 2016.
3 Data on file.
4 The Vision Council. Eyes Overexposed: The Digital Device
Dilemma – 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report.
5 “Symptoms associated with eye fatigue in soft contact lens
wearers.” Authors: D. Meyer, S. Huenink, M. Rickert, P. Chamberlain, and
P. Kollbaum. Presented at the American Academy of Optometry Annual
Meeting, October 2015, New Orleans, La., USA.
6 “Doctor, My Eyes… Are Tired!” Review of Optometry,
May 15, 2016.
7 The Vision Council. DigitEYEzed: The Daily Impact of
Digital Screens on the Eye Health of Americans – 2014 Digital Eye Strain
Report.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Mike McDougall,
McDougall Communications for CooperVision, Inc.
mike@mcdougallpr.com
or +1-585-545-1815 (mobile)
