CooperVision, Inc. has introduced Biomedics EP, a two-week disposable lens designed specifically to meet the visual needs of the growing category of emerging presbyopes. CooperVision says Biomedics EP is a better alternative to monovision because the lens provides superior binocular visual acuity at far, intermediate and near distances.

CooperVision also says that Biomedics EP lenses are easy to fit and are designed for patients who have less than +1.50D add. You need only the patient's manifest refraction information to fit the lens, according to the manufacturer; there's no need to compensate for add power or to determine eye dominance.

The design features a center spherical distance zone with a progressive aspheric zone that provides excellent intermediate and near vision, according to CooperVision.

Parameters include sphere powers of +4.00D to -6.00D in 0.25D steps, an 8.7mm base curve and 14.4mm diameter. The lenses are manufactured in omafilcon A, which has a water content of 60 percent. Biomedics EP is part of the PC Hydrogel family of contact lenses. Call (800) 538-7824 or visit www.coopervision.com .

Alcon Laboratories, Inc. has released its new Pataday (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.2%) for treating ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Pataday contains the same active medication as Alcon's Patanol (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%), but in a stronger dose that patients instill once per day rather than the twice per day dosing of Patanol.

Studies have shown that the increased concentration of olopatadine retains both the safety and comfort profile of Patanol while remaining effective for a longer duration of action, according to Alcon. The once daily dosing is also much more convenient for ocular allergy sufferers, according to the company.

As with Patanol, patients should wait at least 10 minutes after instilling Pataday before applying soft contact lenses, provided that the eye isn't red. Call (800) 451-3937 or visit www.alconlabs.com .

Allergan, Inc., recently launched Optive Lubricant Eye Drops, a next-generation artificial tear with a dual-action formula that works both on the ocular surface and at the cellular level to provide long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms, according to the manufacturer.

Optive relieves the symptoms of dry eye in two ways. It first provides a lubricating and hydrating protective shield on the surface of the eye; it then penetrates below the surface to provide osmoprotection to the corneal epithelial cells from the excessive salt levels that occur in the tear film as a result of dry eye syndrome, according to the manufacturer.

Optive is available in a multi-use bottle and preserved with Purite. Allergan says that after use, Purite ultimately dissolves into natural tear components without resulting in ocular surface cellular damage. Studies also show that Purite has no cytotoxic, allergenic or irritating effects, and in the bottle Purite meets FDA standards for killing harmful bacteria and fungi, according to the manufacturer.

Optive is available as an over-the-counter eyecare product. Call (800) 433-8871 or visit www.allergan.com .

Heidelberg Engineering has added new software features for its Heidelberg Retina Angiograph II (HRA2) imaging device. New features include wide field imaging to provide real-time panoramic views of the retina; 55 degree lens, an upgrade from the existing 30 degree lens; automatic real-time (ART) software, a new method of on-line image processing that produces a higher quality composite image and can smooth pan-retinal images; and enhanced autofluorescence imaging, to produce crisper images, according to Heidelberg. These new features are available on new equipment or as a software upgrade package for existing equipment.

Heidelberg also recently released its HRT Retina Module Premium Edition, a new software that features advanced capabilities to precisely evaluate retina thickness and to help detect macular edema, according to the manufacturer. The new module fits all existing HRT units, and no additional hardware is required at installation, according to Heidelberg. Call (800) 931-2230 or visit www.heidelbergengineering.com .

Cynacon/OcuSoft has introduced OcuSoft Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength Eyelid Cleanser. It features a low-level preservative combined with a moisturizer and is recommended for patients who have moderate to severe eyelid conditions, according to the manufacturer.

In a time-kill study, OcuSoft Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength was independently tested against a variety of pathogens including S epidermidis, a leading cause of post-operative endophthalmitis. These studies demonstrated that OcuSoft Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength effected a 5.5 log reduction vs. a 3.5 log reduction of a competitor. According to OcuSoft, the new lid scrub was also categorized as an entire ratings category milder than its competitor.

OcuSoft Lid Scrub Plus Extra Strength is available in both Pre-Moistened Pads or as a Foam Pump Dispenser. The manufacturer recommends the product for prepping eyelids prior to surgery or for patients who have severe blepharitis and other eyelid conditions, recommending that such patients use it every day for 10 to 14 days and then switch to the Original Formula. Call (800) 233-5469 or visit www.ocusoft.com .

Sauflon USA has introduced to the U.S. market its Patient Direct program, which allows practitioners to derive profitable contact lens solution sales without the need to inventory product in their practice, according to Sauflon.

You provide patients with a Sauflon starter kit and a preprinted Patient Direct Membership card with their contact lens supplies. Patients then purchase their retail size solution through the Patient Direct Web site, toll-free order line or through a re-order card included with their shipments. Sauflon says that all profits are returned to the prescribing practice. Call (800) 682-3240 or visit www.sauflonusa.com .

CIRCLE #6 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Origin Laboratories, LLC has introduced Purosol Optical, an enzyme-based cleaning product that the company engineered to work on the molecular level to break the bonds that dust, dirt and grime use to grip lens surfaces.

Purosol Optical is specifically designed to protect high-end, multi-coated lenses and other optical devices including eyewear, cameras, microscopes, telescopes, binoculars and even CD and DVD surfaces. The manufacturer states that unlike other off-the-shelf cleaners that are made up primarily of alcohol, ammonia, harsh solvents and colored dye, the Purosol line of products is organic and environmentally safe. It's non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, contains no CFCs, no detergents and no solvents of any kind that can gradually strip away anti-glare coatings of eyeglass lenses.

Purosol Optical also neutralizes the molecular charges on the lens surface that normally attract dust and dirt particles, thereby extending the life of the cleaning, according to Origin Labs. Call (626) 568-1100 or visit www.purosol.com .