Newton announced in a press release the expansion of its Sequel lens line to include Sequel Computer and Sequel Meeting, both of which feature proprietary Convergence Boost technology. Both lenses are available through VSP, along with the full Sequel portfolio of lenses. 

According to the company, Sequel Computer is designed for heavy computer users who spend hours each day in front of their laptop or desktop. With 50% of the total ADD power located at the fitting point, Sequel Computer lenses are optimized for viewing distances up to 4 feet.

Sequel Meeting is designed for patients whose visual demands include extended periods looking at computer monitors, as well as across their workspace. With 30% of the total ADD power located at the fitting point and optimized for viewing distances up to 10 feet, Sequel Meeting provides visual clarity and comfort throughout the workday, from the desk to the boardroom, the company said.

With the addition of Sequel Computer and Sequel Meeting, the Sequel lens portfolio now offers 6 designs that all include Convergence Boost technology and are available through VSP:

• Sequel 0 – Single vision lens with no ADD Power Boost

• Sequel 38 – Single vision lens with 0.38 D ADD Power Boost

• Sequel 67 – Single vision lens with 0.67 ADD Power Boost

• Sequel PAL – Progressive lens

• Sequel Computer – Optimized for up to 4 ft

• Sequel Meeting – Optimized for up to 10 ft

Sequel optimizes both accommodation and convergence through the application of Convergence Boost technology. Through the incorporation of a subtle prismatic effect in the near and lower intermediate visual zones, Convergence Boost technology reduces the cumulative load on the eyes from the thousands of small convergence movements that require precise muscular control made daily when looking at screens, the company said. 

According to a white paper that described outcomes of a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study of Sequel 38 and Sequel 67 lens use over 4 weeks in 46 patients, 91% of all users reported relief from digital eye strain (97% of Sequel 38 users and 85% of Sequel 67 users). Symptoms improved within 2 weeks, and improvement was sustained through week 4. Study results also demonstrated at least 50% reduction in digital eye strain symptoms, according to the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), which is the validated, gold-standard measure of digital eye strain, the company said in the white paper.

Another white paper from the company reported 71% improvement in symptoms among 29 Sequel PAL users over a 6-week study (median CVS-Q score decreased from 7 to 2). These users also reported comfort with every day tasks (83%) and no end of day eye fatigue (76%) at the conclusion of the study. Most (86%) of users also reported no swaying sensation while wearing the lenses, 72% reported clear vision when switching between the distance and near-viewing zones, and more than 65% reported no distortion or blurring.

Newton recommends educating and preparing patients for best outcomes: there will be an adjustment period, they noted in the white papers. However, adaptation is largely straightforward for PAL wearers because they don't need to learn to use progressive; they are transitioning to additional vergence on top of what they already know, the company said. Non-PAL wearers can expect to take a few days to adjust to the lenses, particularly with peripheral or distance viewing, Newton added in the white paper. Patients should wear the lenses for at least 4 hours a day during primary screen use from the start. Patients who report screen use and eye strain symptoms—end-of-day eye fatigue, headaches, or difficulty focusing—whether PAL or non-PAL users, are clear candidates, the company said. OM