This week, Unilens Vision Inc. (Largo, Fla.) launched C-VUE Advanced Toric Multifocal contact lenses. These specialty lenses correct both astigmatism and presbyopia.

According to the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), approximately 36 percent of Americans ages 20 and older have astigmatism. Presbyopia is an age-related vision problem that affects virtually everyone some time after age 40.

Eye doctors can customize the new C-VUE Advanced Toric Multifocal lenses for their patients by specifying astigmatic and multifocal powers, multifocal zone size, lens diameter, base curve and more. The monthly disposable contact lenses also feature advanced hydration properties for all-day comfort, according to the company.

Unilens Vision Inc. offers a free trial program and a 120-day performance guarantee. The lenses are available exclusively from independent eye care professionals. Read more at www.unilens.com.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is taking part in a premarket research study of new contact lenses. The research team is evaluating contacts designed for people with presbyopia — an inescapable, age-related condition that causes a loss of near vision after age 40.

In addition to correcting presbyopia, the lenses are made of a “super breathable contact lens material and are much healthier for the eye,” says Dr. Adam Gordon, associate professor and director of the Cornea Contact Lens Clinic at the University.

Gordon says the new multifocal contact lenses will “revolutionize the way people see and encourage the evolution of contacts away from monovision lenses.”

He says that while patients who wish to wear multifocal contacts should understand the limitations of these lenses, he believes the new lenses being studied will be an “improvement in both vision and comfort” for contact lens wearers with presbyopia.

For the first time in 11 years, Acuvue has released a new brand of multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia, an age-related condition that typically develops at age 40 that causes blurred near vision.

Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia provides “clear and comfortable vision correction at all distances,” reports manufacturer Vistakon. The contact lenses are designed with improved Stereo Precision Technology optics to provide a smooth prescriptive-power transition for balanced near and distance vision.

The lenses use a “new generation” silicone hydrogel material with Hydraclear Plus, a special wetting agent designed to keep the lenses moist and comfortable for all-day wear. Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia also blocks more than 96 percent of UVA rays and 99 percent of UVB rays.

It is estimated that 90 million people in the United States will have or develop presbyopia by 2014, creating a high demand for options to deal with their failing near vision. Presbyopes can read more information and get a free trial certificate at www.acuvue.com/products-acuvue-oasys-for-presbyopia.htm. A professional exam from an eye doctor is required.