The FDA granted an additional indication for Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus (Vistakon) contact lenses, approving them for up to six consecutive nights/seven days of extended wear. Acuvue Oasys is made from senofilcon A, a new silicone hydrogel material.

The incidence of visual acuity loss due to microbial keratitis among users of silicone hydrogel contact lenses was low, according to a study in the December issue of Ophthalmology. The overall rate of presumed microbial keratitis with up to a 30-night wearing schedule was similar to that previously reported for conventional extended-wear soft contact lenses worn for fewer consecutive nights.

The FDA approved Biofinity (CooperVision) silicone hydrogel contact lenses for daily wear. Biofinity lenses are made of comfilcon A. CooperVision is currently pursuing FDA clearance for overnight wear. Biofinity is scheduled to be available in the United States in July 2006.

Increased production of melanosomes in the dermis is the mechanism that causes skin hyperpigmentation in patients taking prostaglandin-analogs, says a study in Novembers Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers examined eyelid biopsy specimens and found a marked increase in the number of melanin granules in bimatoprost-treated patients vs. control subjects.