Fighting Disease
In the fight against eye disease, it's important to know what you're up against and what's at your disposal for developing treatments before taking that first step. Through the evaluation of such factors, Alcon has historically entered the clinical stage of research and development with a reasonable level of confidence. In this way, we've been able to consistently lead the advancement of eye care with continual success in implementing effective treatments for specific eye diseases.
Spotlight: Making a Difference in More Ways than One
Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are major contributors to vision loss throughout the world, and all three are primary focuses for Alcon.
Cataracts
A leader in the development of intraocular lenses, Alcon created the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL – a presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens that uses a revolutionary apodized diffractive technology to give patients a full range of quality vision. Studies have shown that 80 percent of patients receiving the lens were able to see near, far and in between without any need for glasses.
Glaucoma
Currently, pharmaceuticals are the most successful way to combat high levels of intraocular pressure (IOP), a major symptom of glaucoma. With this in mind, Alcon has actively developed several ophthalmic solutions all aimed at lowering and managing IOP. Each unique approach offers patients a potentially better way to lower IOP and manage their glaucoma. These drugs include TRAVATAN® Solution, TRAVATAN Z® Solution, and Azopt® Ophthalmic Suspension.
Macular Degeneration
While there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, Alcon is developing a new drug known as Retaane® (anecortave acetate) Depot Ophthalmic Suspension with the hope it will help stop the progression of dry AMD to wet AMD by preventing the growth of blood vessels. Retaane® belongs to a new class of drugs known as angiostatic agents (cortisenes) and is currently in clinical trials and unavailable to patients outside these trials.
Learn more about how Alcon uses applied research to develop treatments and fight disease