Johnson & Johnson has landed FDA clearance for a new contact lens technology developed to combat childhood myopia called Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses.  

The tool uses fitting software that can accurately assess the corneal topography, refraction error and other measurements. According to J&J, the provider-facing software was developed to be user-friendly and help the clinician measure the corneal shape accurately.

The lenses are then designed using these measurements to help reshape the user's cornea when used overnight. The lens will come in two different designs named Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses and Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses for Astigmatism.

“The FDA approval of Abiliti Overnight marks an important milestone in our commitment to help change the trajectory of eye health and reshape the future of children with myopia,” Dr. Xiao-Yu Song, global head of research & development at Johnson & Johnson Vision^, said in a statement.

“We look forward to supporting parents and eye care professionals in their care of children with comprehensive resources, starting with Abiliti Overnight Therapeutic Lenses, and continuing with additional products and services to address the progression of myopia.”

WHY IT MATTERS

Often called "nearsightedness" Myopia is a refractive error that is common all over the world. According to the American Optometric Association, Myopia impacts roughly 30% of the U.S. population. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition tends to run and families and can develop rapidly or gradually over time.

The condition can cause eye strain, and can lead to other eye problems. Severe nearsightedness increases a person's risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy, according to Mayo Clinic.

J&J is pitching this as a new way to help manage the condition.

THE LARGER TREND

The eye health space is beginning to go digital. In April, Singapore-based eye wellness app developer Plano partnered with U.S.-based myopia education platform Review of Myopia Management with the aim of providing educational content for eye care professionals.

An Israel-based startup specializing in AI vision care, NovaSight, landed $8 million in 2020. In 2021 the company announced a clinical trial for its CureSight system, with the goal of achieving Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance.