OREANDA-NEWS. Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, introduces Dailies Total1 Multifocal contact lenses for people with presbyopia. This innovative multifocal lens provides both seamless distant, intermediate and near vision, and the outstanding comfort of the Dailies Total1 water gradient lens technology. Dailies Total1 Multifocal contact lenses use Alcon's Precision Profile(TM) lens design, a design also included in Alcon's Air Optix® Aqua and Dailies Aqual Comfort Plus® multifocal contact lenses.

Presbyopia is an eye condition that is part of natural aging that generally begins after age 40.It is the gradual decline of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects, causing them to appear blurry and out of focus. Presbyopia affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide. Many contact lens wearers discontinue the use of contact lenses after age 40 due to dryness, discomfort and visual acuity issues.

"Presbyopia can have a significant impact on people's quality of life as they get older", said Mike Ball, CEO, Alcon. "With Dailies Total1 Multifocal, Alcon has designed a unique contact lens that answers to the increased need for comfort and the expectation of a seamless visual experience of people with presbyopia."

The Dailies Total1 water gradient technology reduces end-of-day dryness, as the water content approaches nearly 100% at the outermost surface of the lens. The "hydrophilic" (water-loving) surface of the lens is almost as soft as the surface of the cornea (corneal epithelium) to enhance comfort, while the innovative optical design of this new multifocal lens offers a smooth progression of power designed to provide a seamless experience between distant, intermediate and near vision[.

Dailies Total1 Multifocal contact lenses are commercially available in Australia, Canada, United States and Switzerland as of July 27 and are expected to be available in various EU countries by September 1.

About Dailies Total1® Multifocal Contact Lenses
Dailies Total1® Multifocal contact lenses are designed for people with presbyopia and are intended to be used on a daily disposable basis. The contact lenses are available with a power range of - 6.00 to + 3.00D and three ADD powers (Low, Med, High). In most markets, Dailies Total1 Multifocal contact lenses are medical devices that must be prescribed by an eye care professional. See product instructions for complete wear, care, and safety information.

About Presbyopia
Much like adjusting the focus on a camera, the natural lens within the eye of people under 40 years of age changes shape to properly focus on objects at different distances. As the eye ages, it loses its ability to adjust, resulting in diminished up-close vision. Presbyopia develops gradually, with most people developing symptoms by their early to mid-40s. The most common symptoms of presbyopia are blurred vision at normal reading distance, including while wearing normal glasses or contact lenses, headaches, eyestrain and fatigue while reading or doing close-up work. Nearly everyone experiences presbyopia; scientists believe this to be a natural part of aging that cannot be prevented; however, there are many treatment options for presbyopia including bifocals, reading glasses, and multifocal contact lenses.

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care and cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2015, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.4 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 8.9 billion (USD 8.7 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are available in more than 180 countries around the world.