BRIDGEWATER, N.J.—Bausch + Lomb reported last week that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for the therapeutic use of its Boston XO and Boston XO2 materials in treating several ocular surface diseases, including dry eye.

The Boston XO and Boston Xo2 gas permeable materials are used in a broad spectrum of custom specialty lenses, including the Zenlens scleral lens from Alden Optical, a part of the Bausch + Lomb Specialty Vision Products business, B+L said in its announcement.

“When considering new innovative ways to advance our contact lenses, we always keep eyecare professionals and their patient’s top of mind,” David Bland, director of B+L’s Specialty Vision Products, said in the announcement. “Ultimately, we strive to improve the fitting experience and outcomes for both parties.”

Bland also noted that the company is excited by the prospect of “potentially treating multiple serious ocular surface diseases with custom lenses manufactured with our Boston XO and Boston XO2 materials.”

The expanded indication granted by the FDA will permit scleral lenses manufactured with the Boston XO and Boston XO2 gas permeable materials to be utilized in the treatment of certain ocular surface conditions, including dry eye disease, which affects millions of people in the U.S., B+L said. B+L is a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc.

Ocular surface disease is characterized by a dysfunction of the ocular tear film and/or the ocular surface, according to B+L.