Breakthrough in Contact Lens Comfort; Biocompatible Lens That Retains Moisture Receives Clearance for Broader Label.

NORFOLK, Va.--(BW HealthWire)--April 20, 1998--Contact lens wearers may have a new option for reducing symptoms of dryness and discomfort during lens wear. Proclear(TM) and Proclear Compatibles(TM) soft contact lenses "may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear," according to the label just cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufactured by Biocompatibles International, plc (U.BCO), Proclear is the first line of contact lenses ever to receive clearance for this claim.

The FDA reviewed studies of participants who wore both their current brand of lenses and Proclear lenses during the study period, and described their experience with each. The participants consistently reported feeling greater eye moisture and comfort and less irritation when wearing Proclear lenses.

"The evaporation of tears from the eye is a natural process but is often exacerbated by contact lens wear," said Michael Lemp, MD, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University and president of University Ophthalmic Consultants of Washington, and medical monitor of the key study on dryness. "Often when wearers experience dryness they assume it can't be remedied and don't articulate it to their eyecare provider. Proclear lenses offer greater moisture retention and, therefore, a more comfortable wear for these individuals."

"The number of lens wearers who experience dryness is quite significant," said Richard Kapash, president of Biocompatibles Eyecare, headquartered in Norfolk, VA. "In fact, a Canadian study from last year found that 50% of all contact lens wearers experience dry eye symptoms and a separate study found that 68% of wearers suffered from dry eye discomfort at work."

"The symptoms and discomfort associated with dryness-- often described as tired, itchy eyes, particularly at the end of the day-- are a primary reason why some eventually abandon contact lenses. This breakthrough could bring them back and virtually eliminate the frustrations of 'five o'clock eye,' " Kapash said.

According to Kapash, "The number of wearers enjoying the benefits of Proclear lenses should increase considerably with this indication and with our expanding availability in the U.S." Proclear lenses are available exclusively though eyecare practitioners who both fit and supply the lens. The Biocompatibles family of lenses includes the Proclear Compatibles 1-month daily wear lens, the Proclear 6-month daily wear lens, and the Proclear Tailor-Made Toric(TM) lens for the correction of astigmatism.

The benefits of increased moisture retention as well as a resistance to deposits are a result of the novel technology behind Biocompatibles' contact lenses. Biocompatibles Eyecare and Biocompatibles International, its UK-based parent company, were founded by Professor Dennis Chapman, PhD, following his discovery that phosphorylcholine-- the major component in human cell membranes that retains water and is responsible for cell compatibility-- could be replicated and used in medical devices. When used in contact lenses, phosphorylcholine resists both protein and lipid deposits. Additionally, the phosphorylcholine molecules attract and retain water in and around the lens, which can provide greater comfort to the wearer.

For more information about Biocompatibles or its Proclear line of contact lenses, call 1-800-511-6747 or visit the company Web site at http://www.biocompatibles.co.uk.

CONTACT: Biocompatibles Eyecare Inc.

Frances Versprille, 757/625-3297

or

Clarke & Company

Christine Labaree, 617/867-2238