Hoya Vision Care Australia & New Zealand’s new lens coating, Hi-Vision Anti-Bacterial, reduces bacterial growth on the lens surface by 99.9%, it said. 

“We are seeing an increased consumer demand for safer, more hygienic products brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Hoya Vision Care ANZ’s managing director Craig Chick. “Hoya’s Hi-Vision Anti-Bacterial coating provides an extra layer of confidence for spectacle lens wearers.” 

The coating contains antibacterial silver ions and is applied to both lens surfaces, explained Ulli Hentschel, national training and development manager, Hoya Vision Care ANZ.  Furthermore, the coating uses Kohkin, a process that can inhibit bacterial growth for a sustained period, he said, unlike sterilisation or disinfection, whose effects are temporary. 

“Importantly, the launch of Hi-Vision Anti-Bacterial coating creates a full control four-in-one combination, providing Australians and New Zealanders with the ultimate in eye protection,” Hentschel said. “The Full Control combination of Hoya's four signature lens coatings – Diamond Finish, UV Control, Blue Control and new Hi-Vision Anti-Bacterial – directly addresses hygiene, digital eye strain, UV protection and scratch resistance.” 

The Hi-Vision Anti-Bacterial lens coating is certified for both its quality and effectiveness by ISO and The Society of International Sustaining Growth for Antimicrobial Articles (SIAA), Hentschel said, adding the company is the first eyeglass lens manufacturer to be registered with SIAA.