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Alcon launches new daily disposable
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SAN DIEGO – Alcon announced the U.S. launch of Dailies Total1 water gradient contact lenses at a company-sponsored event here at Optometry’s Meeting.
Alcon vice president and general manager Jim Murphy told attendees that this lens was 10 years in the making.
“It wasn’t just the materials and chemistry, but it was the manufacturing technology,” he said.
“One out of six patients drop out of contact lenses due to discomfort,” Murphy continued. “The satisfaction we’ve been getting when we put this lens on peoples’ eyes is incredible. You really don’t get a feel for the lens until you put it out in the general community. Nine of 10 patients reported not feeling the lens at all.”
The lens has a silicone hydrogel core of 33% water and a hydrogel surface of more than 80% water.
A patient from the San Diego area told the audience that after struggling with dryness and severe allergies, Dailies Total1 was the first lens that felt comfortable to her. She “felt like there was nothing in her eye” and no longer uses rewetting drops.
John Schachet, OD, who practices in Denver, said, “In our practice we call it the most comfortable lens you will ever wear.”
Art Epstein, OD, of Phoenix, said, “This lens emulates what nature created for the ocular surface. This is a new pinnacle.”
Murphy said Dailies Total1 is currently available in spherical powers from -0.50 D to -6 D in 0.25-D steps and up to -10 D in 0.50-D steps. Plus powers will be released in early 2014, he said.
Schachet noted that the lens is only available in an 8.5 base curve; however, he has been able to fit all patients with it.
Disclosures: Epstein is a paid consultant for Alcon. Schachet is on the Dailies Total1 Advisory Board and receives honoraria for lectures on the product.