New Contact Lenses to Look Out for in 2023 - Features and Technology

The Latest Contact Lenses to Look Out for in 2023

Contact lens technology is continuously evolving to improve comfort, vision, and health. With so many options now available, what new contact lenses should you look out for in 2023? This guide covers the most exciting new contact lens developments and features expected this year.

Daily Disposables

Daily disposable contact lenses remain a popular choice for their convenience and hygiene. Newer daily disposable lenses coming in 2023 offer advanced comfort through silicone hydrogel materials and improved optics.

Bausch + Lomb's Ultra One Day lenses use moisture-rich silicone hydrogel for breathability. Alcon's Precision1 lens incorporates a smooth, wetting agent for crisp, clear vision all day. Expect more dailies in 2023 focused on comfort and optical performance.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses correct both distance and near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses. In 2023, look for new multifocal lenses with improved ease of fit and visual performance:

• CooperVision Proclear Multifocal - Designed to be easy to fit with reliable near-intermediate vision.
• Johnson & Johnson ACUVUE OASYS MULTIFOCAL - Provides a wide intermediate zone for computer use.
• Bausch + Lomb ULTRA MULTIFOCAL - Minimizes halo effects for clear night vision.

Extended Wear Lenses

While not for everyone, extended wear lenses allow continuous overnight use for up to 30 nights. New options in 2023 promise high breathability for healthy extended wear:

• ACUVUE VITA - Uses a ultra-thin, silicone hydrogel material.
• MyDay - Incorporates an embedded moisture agent for comfort.
• BIOFINITY - Allows up to 6 nights of continuous wear.

Orthokeratology Lenses

These rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses gently reshape the cornea to temporarily correct vision during sleep. In 2023, orthokeratology lenses like Paragon CRT® and Visioneering Technologies NaturalVue® Multifocal promise faster and more precise results.

Color Contact Lenses

Colored contact lenses remain highly popular for enhancing the appearance of eye color. New for 2023 are color contacts designed for sensitive eyes and improved comfort:

• DAILIES AquaComfort Plus - Daily disposables infused with hydrating agents.
• Air Optix Colors - Offers a smooth surface and resistance to deposits.
• ACUVUE Define - Uses HydraLuxe technology for moisture retention.

Presbyopia-Correcting Lenses

Presbyopia-correcting contact lenses address age-related near vision blurriness. Exciting new lenses in 2023 like ACUVUE Abiliti and VTI Vision ARIA promise wider fields of clear vision for seamless transitions between distances.

Myopia Management Lenses

Myopia management lenses aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. In 2023, look for new FDA-approved myopia-controlling lenses like CooperVision's Brilliant Futures® Myopia Management and Visioneering Technologies' NaturalVue® Multifocal 1 Day.

Dry Eye Lenses

Dry eye conditions can make wearing contacts uncomfortable. But newer lenses in 2023 will integrate moisture-retaining technologies to stay hydrated on the eyes all day. Options include 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST MULTIFOCAL and Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism lenses.

Blue Light Filtering

Overexposure to blue light from screens may contribute to digital eye strain. Expect more daily disposables in 2023 to offer built-in blue light filtering, like ACUVUE® VITA® and HydraLuxeTM Technology lenses with BLKTM filter.

Light-Adaptive Lenses

These innovative lenses contain filters that automatically darken or lighten to match changing light conditions. Look soon for the commercial launch of SensorlensTM adaptive contact lenses by Johnson & Johnson.

3D-Printed Lenses

3D-printing allows for more customized and precise lens fitting aligned to each eye's unique topography. While still being tested, 3D-printed contacts could become commercially available in 2023.

Ordering New Contact Lenses Online

Thanks to the convenience of online stores, you can now easily order and try the latest contact lenses as soon as they become available in 2023. Here are some tips for safely purchasing contacts online:

• Have your updated prescription handy from your eye doctor.
• Only order from verified online sellers like 1800Contacts or Lens.com.
• Compare prices between retailers to find the best deals.
• Start with a small trial pack to test out new lenses before committing.
• Be sure you can return unopened boxes if the fit or comfort isn't right.
• Check expiration dates to get the maximum use before lenses need replacing.
• Know your brands, powers, replacement schedule, and ordering specifics.
• Schedule timely follow-up exams to update prescriptions and monitoring.

Key Features to Look for in New Contact Lenses

When considering new contact lenses in 2023, keep these key features in mind:

• Comfort - Silicone hydrogel materials, wetting agents, and coatings allow comfortable all-day wear.
• Breathability - High oxygen transmission keeps eyes white and healthy.
• Durability - Robust lens materials and coatings resist deposits and tearing.
• Optics - Precision designs, edge treatments, and coatings optimize visual sharpness.
• Wettability - Moisture-retaining properties prevent dryness and friction.
• Fit - Advanced parameters and 3D printing offer customized, stable fitting.

Caring for Your New Contact Lenses

To get the best performance and longevity from new contact lenses:

• Always wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
• Follow the recommended replacement schedule.
• Use fresh solution each time you store lenses.
• Disinfect lenses overnight or for at least 6 hours daily.
• Rub and rinse lenses after removal to clean away debris.
• Avoid contact lens overwear beyond prescribed times.
• Give eyes a break periodically by wearing glasses.

Also be sure to schedule regular eye exams to monitor prescription changes, eye health, and fit of new contact lenses.

The Future of Contact Lenses

Beyond 2023, contact lens innovation will likely continue advancing in promising directions:

• Drug delivery - Lenses releasing glaucoma or anti-inflammatory medications over time.
• Augmented reality - Contacts pairing with AR glasses for enhanced visual overlays.
• Continuous monitoring - Lenses tracking glucose levels, visual focus, UV exposure, and more.
• Further customization - 3D-printing and in-eye measurement enabling made-to-order lenses.

While still emerging technologies, embedded electronics and nanotechnology could one day enable contact lenses to act as mini computers on our eyes!

The Bottom Line

From daily disposables to presbyopia-correcting and myopia-controlling lenses, exciting new contact lens options and features are on the horizon in 2023. Keep current with the latest advancements to find lenses best suited to your vision, comfort, and lifestyle needs. With proper care and regular eye exams, new contact lenses can become an integral part of maintaining clear and healthy vision.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.