Etafilcon A Contact Lenses

Etafilcon A is a dependable, time-tested hydrogel material celebrated for its gentle feel on the eye. It is highly flexible and adapts easily to the eye's surface, making it an excellent choice for sensitive eyes.

Etafilcon A is a hydrogel material used in contact lens manufacturing that contains polyvinylpyrrolidone, a wetting agent that mimics the natural tear film to help lubricate and protect the eye's surface. It has high biocompatibility with the human eye, meaning it does not trigger a negative immune response, and large studies have shown very low inflammatory event rates with lenses made from this material. Daily disposable lenses made from Etafilcon A are also associated with a lower risk of microbial keratitis compared to daily disposables made from other lens materials.

Key features of Etafilcon A contact lenses:

• Contains polyvinylpyrrolidone to mimic the natural tear film and maintain surface moisture
• High biocompatibility with the human eye with low inflammatory event rates
• High water content supports oxygen transmission to the cornea during wear
• Thicker lens composition makes them easier to handle during insertion, removal, and cleaning
• High water content lenses may absorb moisture from the tear film, which can reduce comfort for wearers with dry eyes
• Not ideal for wearers who prefer a lens they cannot feel on the eye due to the thicker composition

Etafilcon A remains the most widely used hydrogel lens material and has been used in frequent replacement contact lenses for over 30 years. The most popular lenses made from Etafilcon A are part of the Acuvue family by Johnson & Johnson, all of which are daily disposables that provide a fresh lens feel every day and carry high UV protection.

Popular Etafilcon A lenses from Johnson & Johnson:

• Acuvue 2 - biweekly hydrogel lens with UV protection
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist - daily disposable for sensitive eyes
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism - daily disposable toric lens
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal - daily disposable multifocal lens
• 1-Day Acuvue Define - daily disposable with a subtle limbal ring design

Etafilcon A lenses are soft contact lenses and follow the standard insertion and removal process for soft lenses. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.

To insert:

• Wash hands with mild soap and dry with a lint-free towel
• Scoop the lens out of the case with the index finger of your dominant hand
• Rinse with a soft lens cleaning solution and check it is not inside out
• Inspect for tears or debris before placing on your eye
• Pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your dominant hand
• Look upward and place the lens gently on your eye, then blink to center it
• Repeat with the other lens

To remove:

• Hold your eyelids open with one hand
• Gently pinch the lens between your index finger and thumb
• Carefully lift the lens off your eye and repeat with the other lens