On April 10, 2018, the FDA cleared the first contact lens to incorporate an additive that automatically darkens the lens when exposed to bright light: the Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
The contact lenses contain a photochromic additive that reacts to UV light that they are exposed to and also filters blue light and blocks UV rays, according to announcements from the FDA and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
The contact lenses get dark when exposed to bright light; otherwise they remain clear in regular lighting or in dark conditions.
The soft contact lenses are daily wear for up to 14 days to correct the vision of those with non-diseased eyes who are nearsighted or farsighted and may be worn by those with certain degrees of astigmatism, according to the FDA.
The lens material is the same as in Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses according to Dave Turner, PhD, head of research and development in the contact lens platform at Johnson & Johnson Vision. He explained the dye is chemically bound throughout the lens, and the power range information will be available at launch in the first half of 2019.
To be sure they work and are safe, the FDA reviewed scientific evidence that included a clinical study that evaluated daytime and nighttime driving performance of 24 patients while wearing the contact lenses.