US FAQs

General FAQs

Contact Lens FAQs

Lens Care FAQs


General FAQs

How can I ask a question about a CIBA VISION product or service?

CIBA VISION welcomes your comments and questions. Please use our "Contact Us" page to send an email or find a phone number for the appropriate person or department at CIBA VISION in the United States. You can also call our Atlanta headquarters at 678-415-3937.

Does CIBA VISION comply with all applicable environmental policies?

The Safety, Health and Environment Policy of our parent company states that "the safety and health of our employees, neighbors and customers, and the protection of the environment are major concerns. We do not compromise that for economic or productivity gains. We comply with all Safety, Health and Environment laws and regulations. If we believe that the local laws and regulations are not stringent enough, we apply our own internal guidelines."

How can I find out about employment opportunities at CIBA VISION?

 Click here to learn about job opportunities at CIBA VISION.

Contact Lens FAQs

General Contact Lenses

Does CIBA VISION sell contact lenses directly to the public?

No. Contact lenses are medical devices and in the United States, can only be prescribed and dispensed by a licensed eye care professional. Please see a qualified eye care professional to obtain your lenses.

Can I order a replacement contact lens directly from CIBA VISION?

No. To obtain a replacement lens, please contact your eye care professional.

Does CIBA VISION have an on-line storefront for buying contact lenses?

Contact lenses are medical devices and can only be prescribed and dispensed by a licensed eye care professional. CIBA VISION does offer an online resource for eye care professionals to order contact lenses, called mycibavision.com.

My lens tore while I was handling it. Can I receive a replacement lens?

Contact lenses are regulated medical devices and cannot be dispensed without a current valid prescription. CIBA VISION will honor requests for replacement lenses through your eye care professional at his/her discretion. Please contact your eye care professional for further assistance.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Yes. CIBA VISION offers a variety of contact lenses that provide you with the same visual clarity you enjoy while wearing glasses.
 Click here to learn more about CIBA VISION's toric lens products.

Can lenses get lost behind my eyes?

No. A thin – but strong – membrane, called the conjunctiva, lines the inside of your eyelids and curls back on itself to cover the white part of the eye. Lenses cannot pass through it. Your contact lenses, however, may slide under your eyelids or become displaced. If this occurs, try looking in the direction of the lens to get it to move back to the correct position. If you wear soft contact lenses, they will tend to center automatically on the cornea.

I am considering contact lenses for the first time. Do you offer any rebates or free trials for first time users of your lenses?

CIBA VISION periodically offers many different rebates and programs during the year on our various products. Promotions like this are usually posted on the homepage of this web site, and on our brand-specific sites.

You can also check with your eye care professional for rebates or free trials available in your area.

Can I wear make-up with my contact lenses?

Yes, but try to avoid getting make-up on your lenses. Always insert your lenses before applying your eye color and mascara. If you have sensitive eyes, special make-up for use with contact lenses is available.

Frequent replacement lenses are supposed to be discarded after a certain period of time (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.). Can I continue to wear my lenses if they are still comfortable after the recommended wearing period?

Contact lens materials vary, and lenses should not be worn for longer than the wearing period recommended by your eye care professional. The purpose of replacing contact lenses on a frequent basis is to prevent discomfort, dryness, blurred vision or allergic reaction that can result from a build-up of protein and lipid deposits on the lenses. Check with your eye care practitioner for the lenses and lens replacement frequency most appropriate for you.

How often should I dispose of my contacts?

Only your eye care professional can determine the actual replacement schedule that is right for you. Their recommendation will be based on your tear chemistry, health of the eye, daily activities, and the type of lens chosen for you. The recommended life of contact lenses varies depending on the type of lenses, from 1-day, 1-week, 2-weeks, 1-month, or longer. With any contact lenses, you should follow the prescribed wear and care instructions, including guidelines for replacement.

My eye care professional recommended a different wearing schedule for my contact lenses than what is stated on the box. Which is correct?

It is customary for a manufacturer to include a recommended replacement schedule for its products in the product package inserts, fitting guide booklets and in some cases on the packaging itself. Such recommendations provide a reference point for those eye care professionals who are looking for such information.

Programmed replacement or regular, scheduled replacement of contact lenses promotes a healthier approach to contact lens wear. Replacing lenses on a frequent basis helps to reduce the accumulation of lens deposits and the resulting complications that can occur.

CIBA VISION supports and recommends frequent replacement of contact lenses. Because each patient's eyes are different, only your eye care professional can determine the appropriate lens replacement schedule for you. Your eye care professional can help you with this adjustment period

How quickly can I adapt to my contact lenses?

Soft contact lenses are very comfortable. Most patients adapt within a couple of hours. Some take a little longer, but usually no more than a couple of days.

Can allergies affect contact lens wear?

Sometimes people experience discomfort when they have seasonal allergies, which can be aggravated by wearing contact lenses. You may have to reduce your wearing time or discontinue wearing your lenses until the allergy symptoms have passed. There are several things you can do, however, to help make contact lens wearing more comfortable, including wearing a daily disposable lens like our Focus® DAILIES®, and enjoying the benefits and fresh feel of a new lens everyday. For contact lenses that are worn for more than one day, using a product such as Clear Care® which contains no multi-purpose solution preservatives, plus thoroughly and frequently cleaning your lenses may help reduce your discomfort. Contact your eye care practitioner for more information.

Can I swim in my contact lenses?

CIBA VISION recommends the use of protective goggles while swimming with contact lenses. Contact lenses are porous and may absorb chemicals, microbes or other impurities in the water, which may harm or irritate your eyes and possibly lead to an infection. Additionally, lenses can stick on or easily fall off of the eye and get lost if eyes are opened under water. Swimming in contact lenses, without wearing protective goggles, could lead to an infection in the eyes, which if left untreated, could lead to a scar on your eye, or in rare cases, loss of vision. The same could also happen to swimmers who don't wear contact lenses.

Even if you do wear protective goggles, CIBA VISION recommends that you remove your lenses when you get out of the water and properly clean and disinfect them before wearing them again or sleeping in them. For maximum cleaning, CIBA VISION recommends using a hydrogen peroxide-based lens care solution such as Clear Care®. Wearers of daily disposable lenses should replace the worn lenses with a fresh new pair soon after swimming.

For those who swim regularly, CIBA VISION recommends consulting an eye care professional about the use of daily disposable lenses, such as Focus® DAILIES®. With daily disposables, you throw your lenses away at the end of the day and insert a fresh, new, clean pair everyday. By disposing of your lenses at the end of each day, you are generally decreasing the amount of time your eye is exposed to any harmful materials or impurities absorbed by your contact lenses. However, even if you wear daily disposable lenses, CIBA VISION recommends wearing protective goggles while swimming and never opening eyes underwater without wearing goggles. Soon after swimming, insert a fresh new pair of daily disposable lenses.

Ask your eye care professional for specific advice regarding swimming with lenses.

Can I shower in my contact lenses?

Yes, you can shower in your contact lenses, however, you should use caution because shower water is not free of any microbes or other impurities that may harm your eyes. Close your eyes while rinsing, and if you do get anything in your eye while showering, such as soap or shampoo, CIBA VISION recommends that you remove, clean and disinfect your lenses. In such an incidence, daily disposable lenses again should be replaced with a fresh new pair. If any redness or soreness persists, contact your eye care professional immediately.

Is it OK to play sports while wearing contact lenses?

Wearing soft contact lenses for sports provides a more flexible and stable form of visual correction than spectacles. Contacts do not fog up and do not slide down your nose. Contacts contribute to optimal sports performance, providing better peripheral vision than glasses to help give you better sports results! Additionally, contacts may be worn with regular sunglasses.

How much do contacts cost?

The cost of soft contact lenses varies depending on what type of contact lenses are right for you. For about the same price as a pair of quality glasses, you can get a year's supply of disposable-type contact lenses.

Are there times when you should not wear contact lenses?

Your eye care professional can tell you about situations or environmental conditions that may be inappropriate for contact lens wear. Some examples are:

  • Exposing contact lenses to water during swimming or while in a hot tub may increase the risk of eye infection from microorganisms.
  • Fumes, smoke or vapors should be avoided to reduce the chance of lens contamination.

Who should not wear contact lenses?

You should not wear contacts if you: Have an eye infection or inflammation (redness & swelling). Have an eye disease, eye injury or dryness that interferes with contact lens wear. Have a systemic disease that may be affected by or impact lens wear. Have certain types of allergic conditions. Are using certain medications, such as some eye medications.

Is it safe to share contact lenses with others?

No. Don't share your contact lenses with anyone! Contact lenses, even if worn for cosmetic reasons are medical devices and should only be worn under the supervision of a licensed eye care professional. Sharing contact lenses may spread microorganisms which may result in serious eye health problems.

Are contact lenses safe?

Yes, when used as directed, most people can wear contact lenses without complications. Successful contact lens wear depends on following the recommendations and instructions of your eye care professional. Over time, your eyes can change, often without symptoms or warning signs, which may put you at risk for developing complications. To have healthy eyes and the most efficient and comfortable vision possible, you need quality eye care on a regular basis. Only your eye care professional is educated, trained, and licensed to examine, diagnose, and provide treatment for your eyes

How old do you have to be to wear contact lenses?

Even pre-teens as young as 11 were shown to be responsible enough for contacts, according to a 3-year study by a leading school of Optometry. This age group demonstrated confidence in their ability to follow doctor's instructions on wearing and caring for contact lenses.

Why is it important to get regular eye exams?

According to the American Optometric Association, periodic eye examinations are an important part of routine preventive health care. Many eye and vision conditions present no obvious symptoms. Therefore, individuals are often unaware that a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision and when possible preventing permanent vision loss.

A thorough eye examination yields far more information than you might expect. Not only does it provide your eye care professional with information to diagnose and treat eye conditions, a look into your eyes also provides an open window on your general health.

For information on how often you should have your eyes examined, visit the American Optometric Association's website at www.aoanet.org.

Which type of contact lens is best for me?

Soft contact lenses differ by lifestyle, eye color, and vision correction. There are many varieties of soft contact lenses, but with the help of your eye care professional, you can decide which lenses are right for you.

Also, visit our "What Lens is Best for Me" page for assistance in selecting a lens.

NIGHT & DAY

What are NIGHT & DAYŽ contact lenses?

NIGHT & DAY® are soft contact lenses made of lotrafilcon A, a fluoro-silicone material that contains about 24% water. This new lens material provides a high level of oxygen to your eyes and has been surface treated to wet with your tears. They may be worn for up to 30 nights (one month) of continuous wear based on how your eyes respond to lens wear and your eye care professionals' recommendation.

Visit www.nightandday.com for more information about NIGHT & DAY® lenses.

Can everyone wear NIGHT & DAY® contact lenses for 30 nights of continuous wear?

Not everyone can reach the maximum wear time of 30 continuous nights and days. During the U.S. clinical study, 1000 of the 1300 eyes dispensed completed the full year of lens wear, with 67% wearing the lens between 22 to 30 days.

Your eye care professional may recommend a shorter wearing time depending on your individual needs, and you should always adhere to his/her recommendation. Once lenses are removed, your eyes should have a rest without lens wear for at least one night.

What are the possible side effects of extended wear contact lenses?

While there are many benefits of wearing contacts, sometimes problems can occur and the risk of serious problems is greater when lenses are worn for extended wear. You should carefully discuss the benfits and risks of extended wear lenses with your eye care professional.

There is an increased risk of developing a serious ocular infection such as corneal ulcer. A corneal ulcer may develop and cause eye pain, redness or blurry vision as it progresses. If left untreated, a scar, and, in rare cases, loss of vision may result.

In addition, studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of corneal ulcers for those who wear lenses overnights.

What are the other side effects of extended wear contact lenses?
An inflammation of the cornea called infiltrative keratitis is another potential side effect. During the one-year U.S. study about 5% of the 1300 eyes experienced this type of side effect. Other less serious side effects were conjunctivitis and lid irritation or discomfort while wearing the lenses, including dryness of the eye and mild burning or stinging.

What if I have other questions about NIGHT & DAY® contact lenses?

It is essential to see and talk with your eye care professional about your eye health and to obtain complete information about NIGHT & DAY® lenses. If you have questions, discuss them with your eye care professional.

If you want to read more about NIGHT & DAY® contact lenses, ask your eye care professional for the patient instruction booklet available from CIBA VISION or the package insert written for the product. For more information call 1-800-875-3001 or visit www.nightandday.com.

Color Contact Lenses

Does CIBA VISION offer colored contact lenses?

Yes. CIBA VISION offers several types of colored contact lenses-lenses that change, enhance or illuminate eye color.
 Click here to learn more about CIBA VISION's color contact lens options.

How do I know which color contact lenses are best for me?

Of course, the color is up to you. In general, choose colors that complement your hair and skin tones. You can choose one color or several colors to be worn all day, everyday or simply "Just For Tonight" special occasions. Visit www.freshlookcontacts.com to see the different choices!

What if I don't need vision correction, but want to change my eye color?

CIBA VISION offers a wide variety of color contact lenses without any vision corrections powers. Many people who do not wear glasses or contact lenses wear our lenses just to change their eye color. However, contact lenses, even if worn for only cosmetic reasons are still medical devices and should only be worn under the prescription, care and supervision of a licensed eye care professional.

Bifocal/Progressive Lenses

Are there contact lenses for bifocal wearers?

Yes. CIBA VISION markets contact lenses that provide good vision at near, intermediate and far distances without the hassles of bifocals or reading glasses. These lenses allow you to focus smoothly and clearly at all distances, without the jumps and distortions bifocals typically provide. Without causing lines or segmented vision zones, contact lenses eliminate the need for awkward, unnatural head movements, providing clear, comfortable vision at all distances.

O2OPTIX Custom Lenses

Are O2OPTIX Custom lenses made of the same material as O2OPTIX?

O2OPTIX Custom and O2OPTIX® are both made of a silicone hydrogel material, but with different formulations. O2OPTIX Custom lenses are made of a new silicone hydrogel formulation, sifilcon A, which is conducive to the high-precision lathing that custom lenses require. O2OPTIX® is made of a formulation called lotrafilcon B. Because O2OPTIX® and O2OPTIX Custom are made of different materials and use different manufacturing technologies, their wear and replacement schedules are different.

What is the wear and replacement schedule for O2OPTIX Custom?

O2OPTIX Custom lenses are approved for daily wear, and are recommended for quarterly replacement. Compared to low Dk/t conventional lenses, made out of traditional non-silicone hydrogel material, which are replaced annually, more frequent replacement of O2OPTIX Custom helps promote better hygiene.

CIBA VISION. Data on file. 2005.

Is it really available in all parameters? Base curves? Diameters?

O2OPTIX Custom lenses are available in sphere powers from +20.00D to -20.00D in 0.25D steps. They can come with a 13.2 mm diameter in base curves of 7.4, 7.7, 8.0 or 8.3; and a 14.0 mm diameter in base curves of 7.8, 8.1, 8.4, 9.7 or 9.0; or in a 14.8 mm diameter in base curves of 8.0, 8.3, 8.6, 8.9, or 9.2. Eventually, these lenses will also offer correction for astigmatism and presbyopia.

What are the benefits of wearing a silicone hydrogel made-to-order lens as opposed to a traditional one?

Patients that require unique parameters can often benefit from high oxygen transmissibility. Made-to-order lenses tend to be thicker due to the higher prescription powers, which can impede the flow of oxygen. Because O2OPTIX Custom lenses are made of a silicone hydrogel material, they transmit up to 5 times more oxygen than the leading made-to-order soft contact lenses (methafilcon B, phemfilcon A) . Also, O2OPTIX Custom lenses are recommended for quarterly replacement, and compared to low Dk/t conventional lenses, which are typically replaced annually, more frequent replacement of O2OPTIX Custom helps promote better hygiene.

CIBA VISION. Data on file. 2006.

What lens care products/regimen should patients use with O2OPTIX Custom?

CIBA VISION has tested and recommends that patients use a hydrogen peroxide system like Clear CareŽ with O2OPTIX Custom.

Lens Care FAQs

General Lens Care

Where can I purchase CIBA VISION lens care solutions?

CIBA VISION lens care products are available through most major retailers, pharmacies, drug stores, and supermarkets. If you are unable to locate a specific CIBA VISION product, please ask your pharmacist or retailer to order the products you use.

Can I switch from my current lens care solution to a CIBA VISION lens care system?

CIBA VISION lens care systems are approved for use with all soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses. Some systems are designed for use with hard lenses (RGP). Before switching, we recommend asking your eye care professional for his or her determination of which system would be best suited for your eyes, lenses, and your particular needs.

Do you offer any coupons on your lens care products?

We realize coupons offer savings for our consumers. Many times CIBA VISION provides rebates and promotions. At other times, coupons for CIBA VISION lens care products can be found in the packages themselves for savings on future purchases.

I used to use QuickCare and can no longer find it.

This product has been dicontinued. If you are a current user of Quick CARE, we recommend our AQuify 5-Minute Multi-Purpose Solution for care of your soft lenses. Remember to contact your eye care professional to see if AQuify MPS would be suitable for your particular needs.

I used to use PURE EYES and can no longer find it.

This product has been dicontinued. If you are a current user of PURE EYES, we recommend our Clear Care system for care of your soft lenses. Remember to contact your eye care professional to see if Clear Care would be suitable for your particular needs.

 

Clear Care®

What is Clear CareŽ?

Clear Care® – Clear Care is a one bottle, no rub peroxide-based lens care solution without the added preservatives found in many multi-purpose solutions. It provides proven effectiveness of peroxide in a convenient one-bottle, no rub system.

Watch a demonstration on how to use Clear Care.

How does Clear Care work?

Clear Care provides triple-action power:

  • A built-in cleaner
  • Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the lens to provide deep cleaning and disinfection.
  • Mechanical forces caused by the bubbling boost surface protein removal.

    • Can I immediately wear my lenses after I rinse them with Clear Care®?
    No. Clear Care should never be used just to rinse your lenses. Lenses must be soaked in the provided lens case for at least 6 hours prior to inserting the lens on the eye. Otherwise, burning and stinging will result. If you would like to just rinse your lenses, we recommend a saline solution.
     
    How long should I soak my lenses in Clear Care?
    Keep your lenses in the provided lens case for at least 6 hours. This allows the bubbling action of Clear Care to clean your lenses thoroughly and for the disinfectant in Clear Care to become neutralized—creating a gentle saline solution, much like your own tears.
     
    Why do I have to wait 6 hours before I can wear my contacts again?
    The Clear Care solution needs time to clean and disinfect your lenses. During the 6 hour soak, the solution is neutralized and becomes a gentle saline solution—making it safe for you to insert your lenses. If you don't wait, and insert your lenses too early, you'll feel burning and stinging.
     
    How is Clear Care different from multi-purpose solutions?

    Clear Care is a one-bottle, no rub, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning and disinfecting solution with none of the added preservatives found in multi-purpose solutions. In fact, after the six-hour neutralization process is complete, the lenses will be soaking in a gentle, sterile saline similar to tears.

    What types of chemicals remain on the lens after using Clear Care?

    None. The hydrogen peroxide in Clear Care is neutralized during the six-hour soaking process so that the remaining solution is a sterile saline without preservatives that is similar to natural tears.

    What causes the neutralizing reaction between the disc and the solution?

    The hydrogen peroxide in the solution reacts with the platinum in the disc to create the neutralization process, which is completed in six hours.

    How does Clear Care effectively clean without rubbing the lens?

    Clear Care provides triple-action power:

    • A built-in cleaner
    • Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the lens to provide deep cleaning and disinfection.
    • Mechanical forces caused by the bubbling boost surface protein removal.
    Can I reuse Clear Care solution?
    No. After your lenses have been cleaned, be sure to discard any excess solution left in the case.
     
    Can Clear Care be used with all types of soft contact lenses?
    Yes. Clear Care is great for all types of contact lenses and is ideal for silicone hydrogel lenses, including: O2OPTIXTM, NIGHT & DAY®, Pure Vision®*, Acuvue® AdvanceTM, and Acuvue® OasysTM*.
     
    Do I have to use the lens case provided in the Clear Care pack for disinfecting my lenses?

    Yes. There are no substitutes for Clear Care components. The Clear Care disposable lens case with neutralizing disc is specially designed to convert Clear Care from the bottle into a gentle saline solution.

    How long can I store my lenses in a Clear Care lens case?
    You can store lenses in an unopened Clear Care lens case for up to 7 days. After 7 days, discard the old solution and disinfect the lenses again.

    When should I discard my Clear Care lens case?
    You should dispose of your old Clear Care lens case with each new purchase of Clear Care. A fresh new lens case is supplied in each package of Clear Care.
     
    Why doesn't Clear Care cause symptoms of dryness and discomfort like some multipurpose solutions?

    Many multipurpose solutions contain added preservatives that may cause dryness and discomfort for contact lens wearers. Clear Care does not have added preservatives. In fact, after the six-hour neutralization process is complete, the lenses will be soaking in a gentle saline. Clinical research shows contact lenswearers experience more comfort and less irritation when they use Clear Care.

    What should I do if I accidentally put un-neutralized Clear Care into my eye?

    In the event that un-neutralized hydrogen peroxide is mistakenly put onto a contact lens and inserted directly into the eye, or, if the un-neutralized solution is placed directly into the eye, you should remove your lenses immediately and flush (rinse) the eye with a large amount of sterile saline solution or water if no saline is immediately available.

    Though there are no long-term effects to the temporary exposure to un-neutralized hydrogen peroxide, residual redness and irritation may last approximately 24 to 48 hours. If burning or irritation persists, assistance should be sought from an eye care professional.

    For more than 25 years, hydrogen peroxide has been safely used as an effective disinfectant and natural preservative in contact lens care and eye care products. When used properly, contact lens disinfection solutions that contain hydrogen peroxide are fully neutralized into a gentle, saline solution with a pH similar to natural tears.

    What is the difference between multi-purpose solutions (MPS) and peroxide-based solutions? Which one should I use?

    In deciding what kind of lens care product to use, the first step is to talk with your eye care professional. Multi-purpose solutions are one-bottle solutions that can be used to clean, disinfect, store and rinse your lenses. Peroxide-based formulas offer excellent cleaning and disinfecting effectiveness and can be used for storage, but unlike a multi-purpose solution, you cannot rinse lenses with a peroxide-based formula prior to insertion into the eye. The solution must first be neutralized prior to insertion using only the specially designed lens case with built-in neutralizing disc that is often enclosed in such solutions.

    Peroxide-based formulas, such as CIBA VISION's Clear Care® are considered to be the gold standard in lens care products. Clear Care offers excellent antimicrobial and cleaning efficacy, comfort and ease of use, and is an ideal choice for all soft and RGP contact lens patients. In addition, Clear Care has advanced the standard peroxide-based solution by eliminating the separate rubbing and cleaning step for soft lenses.

    Clear Care offers the traditional cleaning and disinfecting ability of peroxide, with the convenience of one bottle. A multi-center study showed that the majority of contact lens wearers experience at least some dryness and or discomfort.* The study found that switching from an MPS to the peroxide-based solution Clear Care increased comfort for the majority of participants as well as increased the wearing time of lenses for almost half of the participants. Since hydrogen peroxide is its own preservative, Clear Care does not contain the added preservatives found in multi-purpose solutions. Clear Care is neutralized to a sterile, buffered saline and therefore no preservatives enter the eye.

    Another choice for lens care products are multi-purpose solutions (MPS), such as CIBA VISION’s AQuify Multi-Purpose Solution (MPS). These one-bottle solutions that can be used to clean, disinfect, store and rinse your contact lenses often offer a no-rub option to make the cleaning process convenient. Multi-purpose solutions offer an easy way to clean and disinfect contact lenses, and are perfect for those who value convenience. In addition, some multi-purpose solutions may include ingredients which increase the feeling of moisture and make lenses more comfortable to wear. For example, AQuify MPS features the unique HydroLock™ formulation that includes Dexpant-5 (an ingredient found in dry eye products) and Sorbitol (a natural ingredient that attracts moisture) that together lock in moisture and help keep lenses from drying out. As a result, lenses stay moist and comfortable around the clock.


    * Dillehay SM, McCarter HE, et al. A comparison of multi-purpose care systems. 2002; April: 30-36.
    * Pure Vision is a trademarked brand of Bausch&Lomb. Acuvue is a registered trademark and Advance & Oasys are trademarkds of Johnson & Johnson.