Johnson & Johnson launches world’s first daily disposable lens for astigmatism and presbyopia

Why is Johnson & Johnson’s new ACUVUE lens considered a milestone in vision correction?

Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in medical devices and vision care, has introduced what it calls the world’s first and only daily disposable multifocal toric contact lens—ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM—in the United States and Canada. This new product directly addresses a dual challenge in ophthalmology: providing a single solution for patients suffering from both astigmatism and presbyopia, two of the most common yet difficult-to-treat vision impairments in the adult population.

Astigmatism affects roughly 50% of people globally, while presbyopia typically begins in the early-to-mid-40s and progresses over time. Until now, patients managing both conditions often had to make compromises, such as switching to less comfortable reusable lenses or using reading glasses in addition to toric contacts. With this new launch, Johnson & Johnson offers an all-in-one daily disposable option that seeks to restore visual clarity, eliminate inconvenience, and enhance comfort throughout the day.

What unmet needs in the contact lens market does this new ACUVUE product aim to solve?

Johnson & Johnson’s latest offering responds to a significant gap in the vision care market—daily lenses that accommodate both cylindrical and multifocal correction. Historically, patients with astigmatism entering presbyopic age have faced limited product options. Most daily disposable contact lenses catered to either one condition or required wearers to transition to more maintenance-heavy solutions.

By introducing this new product under its ACUVUE brand—the world’s best-selling contact lens label—Johnson & Johnson is positioning itself as an innovation leader in complex eye correction. The product allows patients to retain the convenience of daily lenses without sacrificing the multifocal or astigmatic correction needed for clear vision at varying distances and light conditions.

How does ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM perform based on clinical user feedback?

The launch is underpinned by data from clinical studies conducted by Johnson & Johnson Vision, which show high levels of user satisfaction and performance across core metrics. Approximately 95% of participants reported clear vision throughout daily activities, while 87% saw clearly while driving at night—a known challenge for presbyopic patients. Meanwhile, 92% of users said their eyes felt comfortable all day long.

These numbers reflect not only performance in ideal conditions but also real-world usability, which is a critical factor for patient compliance. Eye care professionals see these results as meaningful because they suggest a significant enhancement over traditional toric or multifocal lenses when used separately or in combination.

What proprietary technologies power the lens and how do they impact performance?

ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM integrates four proprietary technologies that collectively enhance both optical stability and wearer comfort. The BLINK STABILIZED Design prevents lens rotation during blinking or head movement, thereby ensuring stable vision. The PUPIL OPTIMIZED Design adapts to age-related changes in pupil size and shape, maintaining multifocal performance over time. Hydration is promoted by TearStable Technology, which preserves moisture in the lens matrix to enhance end-of-day comfort and reduce dryness. Lastly, the OptiBlue Light Filter provides 60% blue-violet light filtration—currently the highest in the industry—helping reduce glare and visual disturbances, especially in screen-heavy or low-light environments.

These innovations reflect Johnson & Johnson’s research in both optical science and material engineering, fields where the American medical technology company has consistently invested to differentiate its ACUVUE brand.

How is the product rollout structured across regions, and what’s next for the ACUVUE family?

Currently available in the U.S. and Canada, ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM marks the first of two toric lenses set for release in 2025. The second product, ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day for ASTIGMATISM, a non-multifocal version, is expected to launch later this summer. Together, they will form a comprehensive product family for daily disposable toric solutions, offering both multifocal and standard correction options.

Johnson & Johnson has confirmed that both lenses will become available in additional markets outside North America later in 2025 and into 2026, following regulatory and logistical alignments. This expansion aligns with the company’s stated goal of global vision equity—ensuring that complex eye conditions are addressed through accessible, convenient solutions worldwide.

What is the broader market and investor sentiment around Johnson & Johnson’s contact lens segment?

While Johnson & Johnson is a diversified healthcare conglomerate with operations spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health, its Vision Care division continues to be a growth engine, particularly as global demand for eye correction increases. Institutional investors often cite Johnson & Johnson’s ability to innovate in mature categories—such as contact lenses—as a sign of sustained product leadership and pricing power.

Although the company does not break out individual product revenue, its contact lens portfolio—including ACUVUE OASYS, MOIST, and DEFINE—has seen consistent year-over-year growth, especially in emerging markets. Analysts expect this latest product line to support both top-line expansion and margin stability, given the premium pricing that innovative daily lenses typically command.

Moreover, eye care professionals and institutional investors see this as an early move in a broader shift toward personalized, multi-feature lens technologies—a trend that could reshape both retail and professional optometry channels over the next five years.

What future opportunities or challenges could shape adoption of multifocal toric lenses?

As aging populations in developed and emerging economies drive demand for presbyopia correction, and digital device usage increases stress on the visual system, demand for specialized lenses is poised to rise. However, cost remains a barrier, particularly for daily disposables, which are often not covered by standard vision insurance.

To address this, Johnson & Johnson may need to invest in education and marketing, not just for consumers but also for eye care practitioners who may not yet be familiar with fitting multifocal toric lenses. Integration with subscription-based distribution models and bundled vision plans could help accelerate adoption.

Additionally, competitors in the contact lens space—such as Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and CooperVision—may respond with rival offerings, potentially triggering a new innovation cycle focused on comfort, blue light filtration, or hybrid lens designs.

Can Johnson & Johnson’s new lens family redefine the standard in multifocal toric care?

The launch of ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day MULTIFOCAL for ASTIGMATISM is more than just a product release—it is a strategic move by Johnson & Johnson to lead the next evolution in vision care. By merging daily disposability with multifocal and toric functionality, the American medical device leader is targeting a complex yet underserved segment.

Backed by clinical data, proprietary technologies, and a proven global brand in ACUVUE, the new lens could shift patient expectations and professional prescribing habits. As additional markets come online and the full lens family matures, Johnson & Johnson is poised to set a new industry benchmark in high-performance, daily disposable vision correction.