Alcon is one of the biggest global manufacturers of contact lenses. They’re responsible for some of the most popular and successful lenses on the market. Now, the Alcon TOTAL30 Multifocal for Astigmatism lenses are breaking some boundaries.
They are the first and only multifocal toric contact lenses designed with proprietary water gradient technology. The lenses have recently been launched on the U.S. market. It’s an exciting development in the world of eye health.
Let’s dive more into what these lenses are and why this development is so groundbreaking.
A Little Backstory on Alcon
Before diving into the latest contact lenses, you might want to know about the mega-manufacturer behind them.
Alcon is a titan of the eyewear industry. The company started in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1947. Now, its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, but the company still tailors its offerings to the U.S. market and has created many innovative products.
One of those innovations was the Focus® contact lenses, which were launched in 1989. They were one of the first soft contact lenses designed specifically for periodic (monthly) replacement.
Today, Alcon’s products reach 260 million people in over 140 countries, and help those living with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and astigmatism.
Other Types of TOTAL30 Contact Lenses
Your eyes are not playing tricks on you; you’ve probably seen other lenses from Alcon’s TOTAL30 collection. There are three variations: the original TOTAL30 model, TOTAL30 for Astigmatism (which doesn’t have multifocal lenses), and TOTAL30 Multifocal (which doesn’t have toric lenses).
You can see the gap in the market for their latest toric contacts. Alcon keeps pushing the boundaries and releasing revolutionary contacts, helping countless customers improve their vision and quality of life.
What’s So Special About Alcon TOTAL30 Multifocal for Astigmatism
Alcon’s TOTAL30 line includes innovative technology. Their newest toric lenses are no exception.
The TOTAL30 Multifocal for Astigmatism contacts feature Alcon’s patented PRECISION BALANCE 8|4® design. This proprietary design has two anchor points at the 8 and 4 o’clock positions, which help minimize rotation in the contact lenses.
The lenses also filter 34% of blue light rays and block more than 90% of UV rays, offering protection for your eyes whether you’re working on your laptop or soaking up the sun.
Finally, the new TOTAL30 lenses also include water gradient technology. They are the first monthly (reusable) lenses that utilize two comfort-focused innovations.
That means they are special because they’ve been designed with targeted tech to improve your comfort while wearing your contact lenses. This could be great news for monthly users with astigmatism who suffer from dry eyes or itchiness.
More About the Water Gradient Technology
Alcon’s water gradient technology includes nearly 100% water at the surface of the outer part of the lens. That helps ensure a gentle, cushion-like barrier touches the eye rather than the lens core. They’re designed to have three times more surface lubrication and a five times softer lens surface.
Again, this proves the focus is on improving the daily comfort of contact lens users. This is an issue that has long been a concern for some.
The CELLIGENT technology is another innovation that Alcon uses in their latest lenses. It’s a biometric lens surface that offers 90% resistance to bacteria and lipid adherence, helping lenses stay cleaner for longer. It’s a great combination with the water gradient tech, enhancing the overall experience of wearing lenses.
Who Can Benefit From These Lenses
The latest TOTAL30 multifocal toric lenses are meant for people with astigmatism and presbyopia.
The reason? It’s been found that users of multifocal toric contact lenses have a higher drop-out rate (likely making the switch to glasses). The rate is higher among people over 40 due to a lack of comfort.
It’s that simple: Older users with presbyopia and astigmatism want contact lenses that they can wear day in and day out with comfort.
In the clinical trials, Alcon reported that they enhance vision at all distances for early to advanced presbyopes. They’re entering the U.S. market and a few limited international markets, helping countless contact lens wearers see and feel better.
Other Popular Alcon Contact Lenses
Total30 for Astigmatism
Alcon’s Total30 Toric lenses are popular options for those with astigmatism. They’re also monthly reusable lenses that feature a surface water content approaching 100% and a core water content approaching 55%.
EZContacts reviewer Lissandra found the contacts to be very comfortable:
“These contact lenses are very comfortable! I am on a long antibiotic treatment, and one of the side effects is dry eyes. These lenses are perfect for my condition because of the ‘Water Gradient Technology’ which provides long-lasting moisture.”
Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric Lenses
For users with astigmatism who are looking for daily lenses, Alcon’s Dailies AquaComfort Plus Toric are a good option. They are disposable and designed to be comfortable for users who want a low-fuss, low-maintenance solution.
Reviewer Michael has been using them for years:
“I have astigmatism and wear contacts in a ‘monovision’ setup. I have been wearing these contacts for 3 years and they have been great dailies for me. They always feel good when I put them in my eyes and I can usually wear them up to about 16 hours with no problem.”
TL;DR
Alcon has done it again, pushing the boundaries of contact lens technology with the release of its new TOTAL30 Multifocal for Astigmatism.
- They are the first and only multifocal toric lenses that are designed using their water gradient technology.
- The lenses are designed to provide extra comfort for monthly users who want to wear reusable contacts without the dry, scratchy feeling.
- The latest lenses are ideal for those with astigmatism and presbyopia since they are toric and improve vision at different distances.
- They’ve had clinical success and are available in the U.S. and some limited markets abroad.
Shop Alcon contact lenses here.
