Alcon Launches Monthly Replacement Multifocal Toric

Patients may find that the monthly replacement modality of Alcon’s new lens allows a more affordable entry point into multifocal toric lens wear. Photo: Alcon. Click image to enlarge.  Despite the commonality of astigmatism and ubiquity of presbyopia past a certain age, patients with both conditions who wish to wear contact lenses have surprisingly few options, given the difficulty of designing and mass-producing an affordable lens capable of correcting all visual needs. To address this gap, Alcon is launching a toric multifocal in its Total30 product line, the company announced yesterday. Alcon says the contact lens dropout rate is four times higher in presbyopes vs. younger patients.Known as the Total30 Multifocal for Astigmatism, the lens combines several features of Alcon’s existing portfolio, including a water gradient matrix that allows the surface to be nearly 100% water, center-near aspheric multifocal optics, prism ballasting to improve cylinder stabilization and a copolymer that resists adhesion of bacteria, proteins and lipids to help ensure comfort and safety. The latter is particularly important in a monthly replacement lens.The lens is available in powers of -10.00D to +6.00D in 0.25D steps, three add powers (low, med, high) and cylinder offerings of 0.75D, 1.25D and 1.75D. Alcon says it is available now.