The acquisition gave them access to a proprietary lens material that became critical in the launching of a new family of lenses. In the mid 1980’s Vistakon acquired a European company that had developed a unique technology to mold lenses. In 1987 Vistakon revolutionized the eye care industry and introduced the concept of disposable lenses with their launch of the Acuvue® lens. The lenses were well received by consumers and eye doctors alike. Within 7 years the Acuvue® lens, in combination with its Surevue® sister lens, represented almost 67% of all of the lenses prescribed in the United States. To continue to consolidate its market position Vistakon® then introduced the 1-Day Acuvue® lens, the world’s first daily disposable lens. After many years of lens manufacturing in an industry that was accustomed to using conventional 55-58% water content hydrogel materials, Vistakon took a different route and launched a new family of lenses using a silicone hydrogel polymer that delivered 5-6 times more oxygen to the wearer’s cornea. This dramatic shift within Vistakon’s market strategy also included the launch of lenses for the correction of astigmatism and presbyopia. Research and development efforts at Vistakon® continue to focus on making silicone hydrogel lenses even more comfortable using various coating technologies that condition the lenses to feel and behave very much like one’s natural tear film therefore making the lenses almost invisible to the wearer, from a sensory perspective. Vistakon® is a global company and one of four major lens manufacturers worldwide.
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