Technology opening up new opportunities in contact lenses, Alcon tells practitioners

Technological breakthroughs are opening up new business opportunities for practices in the contact lens sector by offering patients the products they want along with the levels of comfort eye health practitioners are happy to prescribe.

Speaking at Alcon's Performance Driven by Science Innovation roadshow in London last week head of professional affairs, Jonathon Bench, outlined a range of technologies which satisfied many of the problems encountered with contact lenses fitting and drop out.

The product most of the delegates had come to see was Air Optix Colors, a coloured, iris-enhancing version of the Air Optix Aqua. While in the past patients and practitioners had to live with compromises on eye health and comfort if choosing a coloured lens technology,  Air Optix Colors had solved the issue. 'We do not sell decorative lenses we are in the optometric sphere,' said Bench explaining how Air Optix Colors combined the aesthetics of Freshlook  with the comfort and health benefits of Air Optix Aqua. This included it being six times more breathable than current coloured Alcon products  and just as comfortable as the clear Aqua lens. Bench explained that the cosmetic elements are encapsulated  within the lens without increasing its thickness. This meant current Air Optix Aqua wearers didn't need to be refitted and the coloured lens would be suitable for most existing contact lens wearers.