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FDA approves first transitional contacts that darken in sunlight

FDA approves first transitional contacts that darken in sunlight
Posted at 10:17 AM, Apr 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-18 12:35:22-04

Transitional contact lenses have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Contacts tend to make people more sensitive to strong lighting, and the light-reactive lenses may help with that. The FDA approved photochromic soft contact lenses last week — they automatically darken when exposed to bright lights.

“This contact lens is the first of its kind to incorporate the same technology that is used in eyeglasses that automatically darken in the sun,” said Malvina Eydelman, director of the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Read the FDA's full statement here

The FDA granted clearance for Johnson & Johnson's Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology, which adapt to UV light exposure. They automatically return to a regular tint in normal light or dark lighting conditions.

The lenses may be worn for up to 14 days.