Safilens is celebrating a historic milestone: twenty years since the launch of the world’s first weekly replacement contact lenses, introduced to the market in September 2005 and officially presented to the international audience during MIDO 2006 with the pioneering product Safe-Gel 7Days.
With Safe-Gel 7Days, Safilens ushered in a new era for modern contactology. For the first time, the replacement schedule of a contact lens was not a commercial choice but a functional necessity. The substances embedded in the lens — particularly Hyaluronic Acid, integrated into the material through the patented Hydromade system — ensured a controlled release of moisturizing agents that naturally depleted after one week of use.
This scientific and biofunctional approach redefined the very concept of “planned replacement,” focusing on genuine ocular well-being rather than market logic.
“Twenty years ago, we wanted to break the mold,” says Daniele Bazzocchi, General Manager of Safilens. “With Safe-Gel 7Days, we demonstrated that the replacement interval could — and should — be determined by physiological criteria, not commercial ones. It was a conscious choice rooted in responsibility toward wearers and product quality.”
From Innovation to Evolution: Two Decades of Biotechnological Advancement
Since then, Safilens technology has evolved continuously. Today, the company’s weekly lenses incorporate natural polysaccharides and lacriceuticals — bioactive ingredients designed to maintain tear film stability, reduce ocular dryness, and enhance the wearer’s overall comfort experience.
This evolution confirms the company’s enduring commitment to merging biotechnological research, biocompatibility, and lasting comfort.
“The principle remains unchanged: every innovation must be born to improve eye health and visual quality,” continues Bazzocchi. “Today, with the integration of polysaccharides and lacriceuticals, our lenses represent the ideal balance between material science, ocular health, and sustainability.”
Over the past twenty years, Safilens has consolidated its presence in international markets, partnering with opticians and optometrists to promote a culture of conscious and sustainable vision care.
The company continues to invest in research and development, focusing on a future that integrates smart technologies, bio-inspired materials, and low-impact manufacturing processes.
“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Safe-Gel 7Days means honouring our roots but, above all, renewing our vision,” concludes Bazzocchi. “Safilens will continue to lead innovation, offering optical solutions that respect the eye, the environment, and the evolving needs of a transforming society.”
