TheHEALTH May/June 2024 | Page 13

Johnson & Johnson ’ s latest launch embraces emerging consumer preferences
May-June . 2024 | The HEALTH

Eye Health

13

Rising demand for contact lenses

Johnson & Johnson ’ s latest launch embraces emerging consumer preferences

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

THE demand for contact lenses in the Asia Pacific region is experiencing a remarkable surge , driven by evolving lifestyle choices , post-pandemic work habits , and the benefits offered by contact lenses .

Vision Care STAR Cluster General Manager , Johnson & Johnson ( J & J ), Ajay Grover said : “ The market has shown very resilient and robust demand over the last few years , with double-digit growth in recent times .”
He identified Malaysia as a key driver of this expansion , positioning Asia Pacific as the epicentre for the category ’ s growth .
DRIVING FORCES BEHIND INCREASED ADOPTION
Ajay attributed the growing demand for contact lenses to three primary themes . Firstly , lifestyle choices are a significant factor .
“ More and more consumers are going out and about , engaging in sports activities , and expressing themselves more conveniently with contact lenses .”
Contact lenses offer superior convenience compared to spectacles , allowing for an active lifestyle without the encumbrance of glasses .
Secondly , the post-pandemic shift in work habits has had a profound impact .
“ Working professionals are now on video meetings frequently , staring at themselves in the virtual meeting throughout the day .”
This heightened self-awareness affects confidence and appearance , and many individuals have decided that contact lenses could improve their look and feel during virtual interactions .
Thirdly , the natural visual experience provided by contact lenses plays a crucial role .
“ Contact lenses offer a much wider field of vision compared to spectacles . The peripheral view is not compromised because there is no spectacle frame to obstruct the view ,” Ajay highlighted .
In response to this growing demand , J & J Vision Care launched two new variants of its ACUVUE ® DEFINE ® beauty contact lenses line , designed to meet consumer preferences .
Ajay expressed confidence in the success of the two new variants , Mystic Style and
Timeless , predicting they will become the market leader .
TRIAD OF ESSENTIAL FEATURES
Ajay emphasised that while aesthetics is important , the safety and comfort of contact lenses are paramount .
“ We want every consumer to understand that at the end of the day , it is a medical device you insert in the eyes . And the safety profile is determined by the technology the contact lenses is built on ,” he explained .
The ACUVUE ® DEFINE ® beauty contact lenses excel in safety , aesthetics , and comfort . They ' re built on the 1-Day ACUVUE ® Moist contact lenses with LACREON ® technology platform , which is renowned for its safety and comfort .
LACREON ® technology permanently embeds a moisture-holding ingredient similar to that found in natural tears , provid-
“ Contact lenses offer a much wider field of vision compared to spectacles . The peripheral view is not compromised because there is no spectacle frame to obstruct the view .”
– Ajay Grover
ing up to 20 hours of cushion of moisture for exceptional comfort .
Aesthetically , the contact lenses are designed to enhance the natural eye colour . “ The aesthetics of the ACUVUE ® DEFINE ® beauty contact lenses are built on the enhancement of the natural eye design . They are magnificent in how they express on the eye ,” Ajay described .
Comfort is another critical factor , achieved through high moisture content and breathability .
“ Multiple technologies make that comfort possible . We optimise all of it to give the best to our customers .”
Ajay also highlighted the crucial role of the fitting experience provided by optometrists .
“ Optometrists can help support new wearers into the contact lenses category with the latest technologies , leading to more satisfied customers .”
Eye care professionals ' expertise and personalised care significantly influence consumer preference , ensuring a positive experience with contact lenses .
The contact lenses market in the Asia Pacific region , particularly Malaysia , is experiencing dynamic growth driven by lifestyle changes , enhanced self-presentation needs , and the superior vision clarity offered by contact lenses .
With innovative products like the ACUVUE ® DEFINE ® beauty contact lenses , J & J is well-positioned to meet this rising demand and ensure wearer safety , comfort , and aesthetics . – The HEALTH
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