GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced the global launch of TOTAL30^® Multifocal, the first and only monthly Water Gradient multifocal contact lens—it feels like nothing even at day 30.¹ The lenses have begun to roll out in the United States and in select international markets.

Presbyopia is the gradual decline of the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, causing them to appear blurry and out of focus.⁶ It is an eye condition that is a natural part of aging.⁶ Many lens wearers stop wearing contact lenses after age 40 due to lens dryness, discomfort and visual acuity issues and often begin wearing bifocals or reading glasses.⁷ Patients are also on their digital devices more than ever, leading to digital device dryness.⁸ The new TOTAL30 Multifocal lens helps outsmart digital device dryness by utilizing a proprietary Water Gradient Technology to deliver nearly 100% water at the surface of the lens.^9-10

With the introduction of TOTAL30 Multifocal, Alcon continues to launch innovations in fast-growing markets. Data indicate that the multifocal contact lens market is valued over $1 billion globally and growing double digit annually—more rapidly than the contact lens category as a whole.⁵ With the prevalence of presbyopia reaching 80% by age 45-55,and an increasingly aging population, the category is expected to be poised for continued growth.¹¹ Alcon’s TOTAL30 Multifocal lenses are uniquely positioned within this market, offering Alcon’s premium Water Gradient innovation at the more accessible price point of monthly lenses.

“With Water Gradient Technology, DAILIES TOTAL1^® Multifocal has become the #1 selling daily disposable multifocal contact lens in the U.S. alone,” said Ian Bell, President of Global Business and Innovation at Alcon.¹² “Now, with the introduction of TOTAL30 Multifocal, we’re bringing the exceptional comfort of Water Gradient Technology to contact lens wearers with presbyopia who prefer a monthly replacement schedule. The lens material approaches 100% water at the surface so all that touches your eye is a gentle cushion of moisture.^9-10 This will not only transform the multifocal lens-wearing experience, but also ensure an exceptional fitting experience for Eye Care Professionals.” ^4,13

The lenses utilize PRECISION PROFILE ^®, the #1 U.S. selling multifocal optical design, allowing lens wearers to experience clear, uninterrupted vision at all distances near through far.^4,12,14 This is the same optical design found in DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal and AIR OPTIX^® plus Hydraglyde^® Multifocal contact lenses. Data show 96% of patients were successfully fit in Alcon multifocal contact lenses with the PRECISION PROFILE optical design.^2-4

“Multifocal contact lenses have been a key source of customers and referrals for my practice,” said Jessica Crooker, OD. “Many patients are simply unaware that there are multifocal contact lens options. So, when I introduce them to Alcon’s multifocal lenses, they’re thrilled to have their vision without having to rely on over-the-counter reading glasses.” Dr. Crooker adds, “Now, with TOTAL30 Multifocal, along with DAILIES TOTAL1 Multifocal, I’m delighted to offer my patients a monthly replacement and daily disposable contact lens option with the exceptional comfort of Water Gradient Technology.”¹

TOTAL30 portfolio also includes TOTAL30 Sphere lenses and TOTAL30 for Astigmatism. More information about TOTAL30 Multifocal launch timing and markets will be announced in the months ahead.

Alcon will debut TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses during the American Academy of Optometry conference on October 11-14 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Visit AAO Event Page for more information, including try-on opportunities at the event.

About TOTAL30^® Multifocal Contact Lenses

TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses are designed for people with presbyopia and are intended to be used on a monthly replacement schedule. See product instructions for complete wear, care, and safety information. The contact lenses are available with a full power range of +6.00 D to -10.00 D (in 0.25D steps) and three ADD powers (Low, Med, High). In most markets, TOTAL30 Multifocal contact lenses are medical devices that must be prescribed by an eye care professional.

About Presbyopia

Much like adjusting the focus on a camera, the natural lens within the eye of people under 40 years of age changes shape to properly focus on objects at different distances. As the eye ages, it loses its ability to adjust, resulting in diminished up-close vision. Presbyopia develops gradually, with most people developing symptoms by their early to mid-40s. The most common symptoms of presbyopia are blurred vision at normal reading distance, including while wearing normal glasses or contact lenses, headaches, eyestrain and fatigue while reading or doing close-up work. Nearly everyone experiences presbyopia; scientists believe this to be a natural part of aging that cannot be prevented; however, there are many treatment options for presbyopia including bifocals, reading glasses, and multifocal contact lenses.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “commitment,” “look forward,” “maintain,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “target,” “assume,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict. Some of these factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

References

1. In a clinical study wherein patients used AOSEPT^® solution for nightly cleaning, disinfecting, and storing Alcon data on file, 2021.
2. Merchea M, Evans D, Kannarr S, Miller J, Kaplan M, Nixon L. Assessing a modified fitting approach for improved multifocal contact lens fitting success. Paper presented at Optometry’s Meeting, the 121st Congress of the American Optometric Association; June 20-24, 2018; Denver, CO.
3. Bauman E, Lemp J, Kern J. Material effect on multifocal contact lens fitting of lenses of the same optical design with the same fitting guide. Poster presented at: British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference & Exhibition; June 9-11, 2017; Liverpool, UK.
4. Alcon data on file, 2022.
5. Internal estimate based on 3rd party data. Capital Markets Day. Slide 57.
6. Presbyopia. Mayo Clinic. November 20, 2021. Accessed September 5, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/presbyopia/symptoms-causes/syc-20363328.
7. Markoulli M, Kolanu S. Contact lens wear and dry eyes: Challenges and solutions. Clinical Optometry. 2017; Volume 9:41-48. doi:10.2147/opto.s111130.
8. Al-Mohtaseb Z. The Relationship Between Dry Eye Disease and Digital Screen Use. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8439964. Accessed September 18, 2023.
9. In vitro analysis of lens oxygen permeability, water content, and surface imaging; Alcon data on file, 2021
10. In vitro analysis of lehfilcon A contact lenses outermost surface softness and correlation with water content; Alcon data on file, 2021.
11. The Prevalence and Demographic Associations of Presenting Near-Vision Impairment Among Adults Living in the United States; American Journal of Ophthalmology VOLUME 174, P134-144, FEBRUARY 2017.
12. Alcon data on file, 2023. Internal estimates based on internal and third party data.
13. Alcon data on file, 2017.
14. Baker K, Merchea M. Impact of pupil diameter on multifocal contact lens vision. Poster presented at American Academy of Optometry Annual Conference, November 9, 2018. San Antonio, Texas

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Source: Alcon Inc. Investors