Product: Dailies Total1 Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Top Line: Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC) said this week it is launching Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism, the “first and only water gradient contact lens for patients with astigmatism. The lenses will be available in the U.S. beginning in March. 
Close Up: This launch extends Alcon’s portfolio of premium, daily disposable lenses, which already includes Dailies Total1 (sphere) and Dailies Total1 Multifocal, with a high-performing lens designed for astigmatic patients. Alcon said its estimates show that toric is the fastest-growing lens segment of the contact lens market. “This presents a large opportunity since a low number of astigmatic patients are currently wearing toric contact lenses: an estimated 32 percent of contact lens wearers have astigmatism, but only 10 percent of them wear toric lenses,” Alcon noted in its announcement.
“We’re proud to introduce Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism contact lenses that eyecare professionals have been anxiously waiting for their astigmatic patients,” said Sergio Duplan, president of Alcon North America. “With stable vision and outstanding overall comfort, Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism addresses customer demands and patient needs while delivering on our purpose to help people see brilliantly.”
Vital Stats: Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism will be available in the U.S. with a full 2,300 parameters beginning in March 2022. Once established there, the lenses are expected to roll out to additional markets in late 2022. Visit www.myalcon.com to find out how Dailies Total1 contact lenses can benefit eyecare practices and patients with astigmatism.
Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism is the first and only daily disposable toric lens to feature water gradient surface material. This lens material features a gradual increase in water content approaching 100 percent water at the surface, so all that touches the eye is a cushion of moisture. With the exceptional comfort of water gradient lenses, ECPs are positioned to fit and keep more astigmatic patients in contact lenses.
The lenses also feature two other proprietary technologies from Alcon:
• Precision Balance 8|4 lens design: This is the proven stability technology used in both the Precision1 and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde astigmatism lines. Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism is designed to settle in an average of 37 seconds. On average, primary gaze lens orientation is within 2° of ideal orientation within two minutes. This provides the on-eye stability astigmatic contact lens wearers need for exceptionally clear and stable vision.
• SmarTears Technology: Features the release of an ingredient found naturally in tears that helps to stabilize the lipid layer of the tear film.