TOTAL Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism Debuts in Canada

Alcon has launched TOTAL30 for Astigmatism and DAILIES TOTAL1 for Astigmatism contact lenses in Canada. 

“We’re proud to bring TOTAL30 for Astigmatism contact lenses to Canada, alongside DAILIES TOTAL1 for Astigmatism lenses which have been successful in other markets,” Alcon Canada General Manager Chris Gruhn said. “These innovations will provide astigmatic patients with stable vision and outstanding overall comfort, delivering on our purpose to help people see brilliantly.”
 
Estimates show that toric lenses for astigmatic correction is the fastest-growing segment of the contact lens market,* presenting an opportunity for eye care professionals to provide vision correction and patient experience. Though 47% of patients require astigmatic correction, studies show only 10% of them wear toric lenses.¹**
 
Studies show toric lens wearers experience more discomfort compared to sphere lens wearers (42% vs. 35%) and end-of-day dryness (35% vs. 26%).² Featuring Alcon’s proprietary Water Gradient material, the new TOTAL toric lenses address these concerns, with a lens that is nearly 100% water at its surface so all that touches the eye is a gentle cushion of moisture.^3,4
 
“Many contact lens wearers expect some discomfort or dryness to be the norm, and this is especially true for toric wearers,”² said Dr. Christine Misener, O.D., at the Ancaster Eye Clinic. “My patients have seen success in TOTAL contact lenses, and now, I have a comfortable option for astigmatic patients too with the same Water Gradient lens technology.”
 
These innovations also feature other proprietary technologies from Alcon designed to help provide patients with the ultimate wearing experience:

• The PRECISION BALANCE 8|4® lens design provides the on-eye stability astigmatic contact lens wearers need for exceptionally clear and stable vision.⁵
• The reusable, Water Gradient design of TOTAL30 for Astigmatism features biomimetic CELLIGENT Technology, which helps resist bacteria and lipid deposits for a clean lens all month long.^6-9
• DAILIES TOTAL1 for Astigmatism features SmarTears Technology, which releases an ingredient found naturally in tears that helps to stabilize the lipid layer of the tear film.⁴

Astigmatism is a common vision problem with 47% of patients requiring astigmatic correction.¹** Those with an astigmatism have an irregularly shaped cornea, as opposed to spherical, which can cause fuzzy, blurred vision and make images appear stretched. Other symptoms of astigmatism can include headaches, eye fatigue and discomfort, squinting and difficulty with night vision.
 
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, the company offers a portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Its Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. 
 
* Alcon Internal Estimates
** >0.75D in at least one eye
 
References
¹ Young G, Sulley A, Hunt C. Prevalence of astigmatism in relation to soft contact lens fitting. Eye Contact Lens. 2011;37:20-25.
² Multi-sponsor Surveys Inc. The 2014 Gallup target market report on the market for toric contact lenses.
³ Angelini TE, Nixon RM, Dunn AC, et al. Viscoelasticicty and mesh-size at the surface of hydrogels, characterized with microrheology. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013; 54:E-Abstract 500.
⁴ Pitt WG, Jack DR, Zhao Y, Nelson JL, Pruitt JD. Loading and release of a phospholipid from contact lenses. Optom Vis Sci. 2011; 88(4); 502-506.
⁵ In a clinical study wherein patients (n=66) used AOSEPT® solution for nightly cleaning, disinfecting, and storing; Alcon data on file, 2021.
⁶ Ishihara K, Fukazawa K, Sharma V, Liang S, et al. Antifouling silicone hydrogel contact lenses with a bioinspired 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer surface. ACS Omega. 2021;6:7058-7067.
⁷ In vitro evaluation of bacterial adherence in commercial lenses: Alcon data on file, 2020.
⁸ In vitro evaluation of bacterial biofilm in commercial lenses: Alcon data on file, 2020.
⁹ In vitro evaluation of lipid deposition for lehfilcon A and commercial lenses using 3D confocal imaging; Alcon data on file, 2021.