[Nagoya, Japan] – [6 August 2026] – Menicon Co., Ltd. announced that it delivered a total of 22 academic presentations at the joint conference BCLA Asia 2026 & the 68th Annual Meeting of the Japan Contact Lens Society, held at the TAKANAWA GATEWAY Convention Center from 29 May to 31 May, 2026.
At this conference, Menicon shared its multi-faceted initiatives, encompassing not only research led by the company and its R&D division, but also studies conducted by its group companies (Menicon Nect Co., Ltd. and Alpha Corporation Inc.) and collaborative research with prominent domestic and international experts.
The presentation themes covered a broad spectrum from basic research to clinical and product applications. Key focus areas included "proprietary product technology emphasizing safety and comfort" and "myopia control and orthokeratology," alongside "contact lens material design," "microbial contamination and lens care," and "dry eye, tear film, and visual function."
These wide-ranging research reports demonstrated that Menicon goes beyond merely providing products to consistently prioritize the delivery of evidence-based value, reflecting the company's collaborative efforts with clinical sites and research institutions both domestically and internationally. These findings reaffirm the critical importance of hygiene management in preventing complication risks and discomfort associated with contact lens (CL) wear. Furthermore, in response to the global challenge of a growing myopic population, these insights are expected to contribute to maintaining children's eye health and preventing future risks of severe ocular diseases by promoting and disseminating effective myopia control approaches.
What is "SMART TOUCH™" Technology?
SMART TOUCH™ is Menicon's proprietary packaging technology in which the contact lens (CL) is stored with its inner surface facing downward, allowing users to insert the lens easily and hygienically without touching the inner surface or needing to check if the lens is inside out.
In a clinical study conducted at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia involving contact lens wearers, lenses removed from SMART TOUCH™ packaging demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of zero contamination compared to those from conventional packaging (SMART TOUCH™ [64%] vs. conventional packaging [36%]) ¹.
The Clinical Usefulness of "SMART TOUCH™": Reducing Contamination Risks and Introducing a New Care System
At a luncheon seminar co-sponsored by Menicon during the conference, the clinical usefulness of the “SMART TOUCHTM” technology was reported.
Dr. Takashi Suzuki (Ishizuchi Eye Clinic / Kyobashi Ishizuchi Eye Clinic / Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine) presented on the risks of introducing deposits and microorganisms via fingers during CL insertion. Lens contamination by proteins and microorganisms via fingers can cause severe complications such as infectious keratitis and allergic conjunctivitis. To address this, Dr. Suzuki highlighted results from an in vitro study comparing handling with conventional packaging as key evidence supporting the hygienic benefits of SMART TOUCH™ technology. In these results, products utilizing SMART TOUCH™ demonstrated significantly lower microbial contamination on the inner lens surface contacting the cornea—approximately one-third that of conventional types². This quantitative data emphasized the importance of this technology, showing that packaging design directly leads to reduced risk of contamination from fingers and lowered risk of CL-related complications.
Dr. Takayuki Itokawa (Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine) explained the impact on Contact Lens Discomfort (CLD) from the perspectives of tear film stability and lipid deposits on the lens. It is reported that 66% of soft contact lens wearers experience CLD 3. Lipids adhering to the lens, particularly through oxidation and degradation, can irritate the ocular surface and contribute to CLD. The SMART TOUCH™ design, which enables insertion without touching the inner surface of the lens, prevents lipid contamination from fingers. This has been shown to help reduce CLD.
Menicon's proprietary SMART TOUCH™ technology contributes to reducing various risks, such as dirt and pollen on hands, subsequent infections, and wearing discomfort (CLD), thereby supporting safer and more comfortable contact lens wear.
Furthermore, Menicon researchers reported on the high disinfection efficacy of a new hydrogen peroxide care system utilizing this technology, focusing on the "microbubbles" generated during neutralization and its "biofilm removal efficacy."
Presentations:
Myopia Control: Latest Insights on Orthokeratology from Global Experts
In the globally recognized field of myopia control, Menicon reported multiple insights on orthokeratology based on the latest domestic and international clinical studies. Discussions also covered the future outlook for orthokeratology lens treatment and the possibilities for new clinical options, highlighting the successful cast-molding technology development for the frequent replacement orthokeratology lenses.
Presentations:
Additional Research Areas
Additionally, a total of 9 multi-faceted presentations were delivered in fields including "contact lens material design," "microbial contamination and lens care," and "dry eye, tear film, and visual function."
Committed to "Infinite Vision, Infinite Possibilities"
Under the corporate slogan "Infinite Vision, Infinite Possibilities," Menicon aims to be a company that is dedicated to supporting everyone's eye health. To protect patients' healthy eyes, it is essential to provide appropriate information to all relevant stakeholders.
Menicon will continue to actively promote joint research with universities and medical institutions, build robust evidence, and globally disseminate consistent academic information. Through the creation of innovation based on reliable insights, Menicon will make meaningful contributions to society.
About Menicon
Menicon Co., Ltd. is Japan's first and largest contact lens manufacturer, headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Founded in 1951, Menicon is represented in over 80 countries worldwide, offering a comprehensive portfolio of contact lenses, lens care products, and innovative vision care solutions including orthokeratology. Under the corporate slogan of "Infinite Vision, Infinite Possibilities," Menicon is dedicated to delivering safe and high-quality products that prioritize the eye health of users globally. For more information, please visit https://www.menicon.com/corporate/
Media Contacts Public Relations and Corporate Communications Department Menicon Co., Ltd. Email: presscontact@menicon.co.jp
Related Information & Video Archives
References
Tan J et al., Factors Affecting Microbial Contamination on the Back Surface of Worn Soft Contact Lenses. Optom Vis Sci 98(5), 2021.
Nomachi M et al., Evaluation of Diminished Microbial Contamination in Handling of a Novel Daily Disposable Flat Pack Contact Lens. Eye Contact Lens 39(3), 2013
Itokawa T et al., Impact of lipid degradation and tear film stability on silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers with discomfort.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye 49(2), 2026