Product: Precision1 Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Top Line: Alcon is launching Precision1 daily disposable contact lenses, the first mainstream daily disposable contact lens to use SmartSurface technology to deliver lasting visual performance and comfort, according to an announcement. The initial U.S. launch begins in September, with wide availability expected in early 2020.
The new silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lenses, the latest addition to Alcon’s robust contact lens portfolio is the first-and-only contact lens with Alcon’s proprietary SmartSurface technology, a permanent, micro-thin, high-performance layer of moisture at the lens surface that helps support a stable tear film to deliver lasting visual performance from morning to night, according to Alcon. A head-to-head clinical study demonstrated superiority of Precision1 over top-selling 1-Day AcuVue Moist contact lenses in attributes critical for successful contact lens wear: vision, comfort and handling, according to Alcon. Study findings showed contact lens wearers rated Precision1 significantly better than 1-Day AcuVue Moist on end-of-day vision, end-of-day comfort and overall handling, also.
"Precision1 is designed to provide lasting visual performance for patients who wear their contact lenses from early morning to late at night,” Alcon chief executive officer David Endicott said in the announcement. “Precision1 will be well-positioned as a mainstream daily disposable that complements our premium Dailies Total1 and value-driven Dailies AquaComfort Plus contact lenses, further expanding our contact lens portfolio to give us long-term growth opportunities in 2020 and beyond as we continue to develop our promising pipeline.”
“We now have a daily disposable contact lens option that meets the needs of a broad group of patients and delivers an outstanding wearing experience compared to similarly priced daily lenses,” said Katie Spear, OD, JD, MPH, a Florida-based optometrist. “Precision1 is a lens patients can start in and stay in for years to come, especially those who have active lifestyles that demand exceptional all-day performance.”
Vital Stats: Precision1 was designed to address the common reasons why 1-in-5 new wearers discontinue contact lens wear within the first year: poor vision, poor comfort and handling issues, according to Alcon. The lenses help new daily disposable contact lens wearers overcome these issues by providing precise vision, long-lasting comfort and ease of handling. The new lenses also introduce a new material – verofilcon A with Class 1 ultraviolet-blocking capabilities (the highest level available) – created specifically for Precision1 by Alcon’s R&D group.