Alcon to launch Total30 Water Gradient contact lens

Alcon has announced plans to launch its Total30 monthly replacement water gradient lens in Europe later this year.

The Total30 product will be commercially available in the US from the beginning of September 2021, and will be rolled out to a number of countries within Europe later in the year. The company is aiming for full commercial availability of the lens in early 2022.

The contact lens uses a proprietary water gradient material first introduced with Dailies Total1 contact lenses, and designed to provide enhanced comfort.

The reusable water gradient design of Total30 has been created through the use of biomimetic Celligent technology, which combines a biomimetic surface and a unique lens chemistry to help resist bacteria and lipid deposits.

The company suggests the surface of Total30 is durable and remains intact during a full month of wear, with daily cleaning, disinfecting and storing, and is compatible with all lens care solutions.

Introducing the new lens, Andy Pawson, president and general manager of the Global Vision Care Franchise at Alcon, said: “While daily disposable contact lenses remain appealing to many lens wearers, approximately two-thirds of contact lens wearers globally choose reusable lenses.”

Arguing that innovation in the reusable lens segment has “lagged behind,” Pawson added that Alcon has aimed to address this “by delivering a reusable lens with a water gradient surface that remains durable for a full 30 days to help people see brilliantly.”

The company noted that many new wearers begin their contact lens journey in a reusable lens, with Alcon estimating reusable lenses account for an estimated 45% of the $9 billion (£6.5 billion) global contact lens market.

For more on Alcon’s Total30, look out for OT’s interview with Andy Pawson next week.