Optometrists review Alcon’s toric CLs

The third optometrist asked to trial the new lenses, Greg Nel of Wellington’s Black Gates Optometrists, said he believes Alcon’s toric lenses fill a gap in the market from a surface technology, handling and wide-power range perspective. “Both lenses provide good stable vision, great handling and better on-eye comfort for long wearing times than almost all other toric lenses available.”

All three found the lenses settled quickly on the eye after a straightforward fitting. “Just vertex-correct the spectacle prescription, choose the closest power and put it on the eye. I’ve had no real issues with mis-location or rotation so far; I don’t even think I’ve had to change one power,” said Nel.

Dailies Total 1 for Astigmatism is the only water gradient contact lens for patients with astigmatism, while Precision 1 for Astigmatism is a daily disposable silicone hydrogel (SiHy) contact lens. Comparing the two designs, Nel said their characteristics don’t really translate to real-world differences. “My attitude to choosing which to fit is going to be very much the same as my choices for spherical lenses,” he said.

In her practice, Jefferies said she is often guided by the ocular surface health of the patient. “For younger patients, or those with more normal ocular surface health, I would lean more towards Precision 1 for Astigmatism as my first choice. For those with drier eyes, prior symptoms of contact lens discomfort, or those wanting cutting-edge premium products, Dailies Total 1 for Astigmatism would be the go-to.”

Chinn said he appreciates the water gradient technology, echoing Jefferies’ thoughts of it being of particular value to patients who experienced dryness with other lenses. His trial patients were also impressed with their improved acuity from the correction of the astigmatism component of their Rx, he said. “I usually trial one of the two Alcon products against that of another manufacturer. Alcon's products fit well, are comfortable and provide good acuity.”

All three trialled both lenses on multiple patients (at least five per brand), typically over five to 10 days in the lead up to their launch in August this year.