Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions not included here, please see the comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section or contact us.

Artificial Tear Products

Research & Clinical Trials

Contact Lens Solutions

Nutritional Supplements

Patient Needs

Product Dissatisfaction

Product, General

How do I find out information about Alcon's animal testing policy?
We have posted our views regarding animal testing within Corporate Responsibility.

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Artificial Tear Products

What are Systane® Lubricant Eye Drops?
Systane® is an artificial tear that contains a polymer, HP-Guar, which has unique gelling properties for enhanced efficacy. When Systane® is exposed to the eye, it forms a soft gel-like consistency that prolongs protection of the eye's surface by keeping the eye's tear film moist.
Systane® provides relief for most dry eye symptoms including dryness, burning and foreign body sensation.
Can I use Systane® with other eye drops?
Alcon recommends you to consult your physician on the use of Systane® with any other eye drop.
What if my Systane® solution is cloudy?
If the solution should become discolored or cloudy, it would be apparent through the translucent bottle. Contact us and include your name, address, daytime phone number, and the product lot code. We will be glad to send you a replacement.
Does Systane® contain preservatives?
Systane® contains the preservative, POLYQUAD®. POLYQUAD® is proven to be safe and gentle. Millions of patients worldwide have used POLYQUAD®. It is considered nonsensitizing and one of the gentlest preservatives on the market.
How does Systane® reduce dry eye symptoms?
The unique technology of Systane® is based on a proprietary polymer system which allows it to form a soft gel-like layer over the eye's surface. This results in a more stable tear layer, enhanced moisture retention, and a smooth protective coating that shields eye tissues from the effects of drying.
Where can I buy Systane® Lubricant Eye Drops?
Systane® can be found at most major retailers, grocery stores and pharmacies worldwide.
Where can I buy Systane® Unit-Dose Preservative Free?
Systane® Unit-Dose Preservative Free can be found at most major retailers, grocery stores and pharmacies in the US and the UK.
Can I use my Systane® Unit-Dose Preservative Free with contact lenses?
Apply one to two drops of Systane® Unit-Dose Preservative Free in your eyes. Wait approximately 10 minutes before inserting your contact lenses. Clinical studies show improved contact lens wear comfort when Systane® Unit-Dose Preservative Free is used before and after wearing contact lenses. Systane® Unit-Dose Preservative Free has not been clinically proven for use when contact lenses are in the eye.

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Clinical Trials

What is a clinical trial and how does it work?
To learn more about what clinical trials are and how they are conducted please see clinical trials.
How do I find out what clinical trials are currently being conducted?
A complete list of current clinical trials can be found at Trials in Recruitment.
How do I enroll in a clinical trial?
Access the clinical trial of interest in the Trial in Recruitment section, which will link you to the trial information on the U.S. Government Clinical Trial Website. This site will provide you with the contact information, trial number, and eligibility requirements needed to enroll in a study.
How do I find out information about Alcon's animal testing policy?
We have posted our views regarding animal testing within Corporate Responsibility.

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Contact Lens Solutions

Where can I find a travel-sized bottle of Opti-Free® contact lens solution (to carry on a plane in the United States)?
Airport security regulations currently consider contact lens solutions, saline solution, and rewetting drops as "over-the-counter medications" that can be carried on the plane if they meet the following inspection criteria. All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including lubricating jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes are permitted. You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed three ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of the security officers at the checkpoint for further inspection. For further information and updates on security regulations for the US and other countries that have adopted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, check the TSA Web site. Alcon bottle OPTI-FREE® Express® and OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® contact lens solutions in a 4 ounce size, which can usually be found in the contact lens solution aisle of most major retailers.
Who determines the pricing on Alcon's lens care products?
Alcon establishes a product cost to the retailer, and each retailer determines the final price to the consumer. We encourage you to shop and compare retail prices at various retailers and to get the best value.
Where can I buy Alcon lens care products?
Alcon does not sell directly to consumers. However, Alcon lens care products can be found at most major retailers, grocery stores and pharmacies worldwide. Please be sure to look in the general eye care section of these stores in order to locate the product.
Are Alcon's contact lens care solutions safe to use with my disposable and/or colored lenses?
Alcon soft contact lens products do not contain bleaching agents and are approved for all soft lenses, including disposable and colored lenses.
What is the recommended way to clean and care for my contact lenses?
  • Always wash and rinse your hands before handling your lenses.
  • Use only approved contact lens solutions for lubricating or wetting your lenses.
  • Never use saliva or tap water. Don't use home-prepared saline.
  • Use fresh solutions in your lens case when disinfecting.
  • Clean your contact lens case on a regular basis, as this can be a source of bacteria growth.
  • Never re-use the solution in your lens storage case.
  • Use lens care products before the expiration date marked on the container and carton.
  • Don't get lotions, creams, cosmetics, or sprays in your eyes or on your contact lenses.
  • See your eye doctor on a regular basis.
Where can I buy OPTI-FREE® products?
Alcon does not sell directly to consumers. However, Alcon lens care products can be found at most major retailers, grocery stores and pharmacies. Please be sure to look in the general eye care section of these stores in order to locate the product.
Why does my eye doctor insist that I rub my lenses?
Your eyes are unique and your doctor may recommend additional products or procedures to care for your lenses based upon your individual chemistry or lens wearing schedule. Consult with your eye care professional.
What is OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® MPDS?
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® is a multi-purpose disinfecting formulation that contains a proprietary dual-action reconditioning system. OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® is specially designed to recondition silicone hydrogel and soft contact lenses. It contains disinfecting agents compatible with all soft contact lenses.
Is OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® MPDS a replacement for OPTI-FREE® Express® MPDS?
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® represents the latest technology in lens care and is clinically proven to improve contact lens comfort in all wearers and extend lens surface moisture retention up to 14 hours. We anticipate that OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® will eventually phase out OPTI-FREE® Express®.
Why is OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® MPDS in a 12 oz size bottle?
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® is packaged in 12 oz bottles that are filled with 10 oz of solution. The new technology of the OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® formulation requires manufacturing to produce a 10 oz fill in a 12 oz bottle.
Can OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® MPDS be used with RGP (gas permeable) lenses?
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® was cleared by the FDA for use with silicone hydrogels and soft contact lenses. We have not tested the product for use with RGP contact lenses.
Where can I buy Unique-pH® RGP lens solution in the US?
To respond to customer requests, Alcon has decided to continue production of Unique-pH® Multi-Purpose Solution in the United States. Plans to continue production for distribution in additional countries is not yet determined. Unique-pH® is available to US residents through www.Amazon.com and www.Drugstore.com. Unique-pH® Multi-Purpose Solution is a cleaning, conditioning, and disinfecting product designed for gas permeable lenses. Unique-pH® contains a revolutionary polymer system that changes solution characteristics based on tear pH. The product is dispensed from the bottle as a low viscosity solution for ease of use in cleaning and conditioning gas perm lenses. The product changes to a thicker viscosity upon lens insertion for enhanced comfort during lens wear while maintaining visual acuity. Product questions should be directed to Alcon's Customer Service Department at 800.451.3937 or fax 800.777.2799. All orders should be placed through www.Amazon.com or www.Drugstore.com.

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Nutritional Supplements

Where can I buy ICAPS® Eye Vitamins?
Alcon does not sell directly to consumers. However, ICAPS® vitamins can be found at most major retailers, grocery stores and pharmacies.
Can I break ICAPS® tablets to alter the dosage or make it easier to swallow?
ICAPS® Plus tablets do not have the time-release feature available in other ICAPS® products. Therefore, breaking these tablets does not impact the effectiveness of these tablets. However, other time-release formulations should not be broken.
Why is there no longer cotton in the ICAPS® bottle?
The cotton has been removed from all ICAPS® bottles because the ICAPS® vitamins are triple coated so the bottle does not require cotton. The bottle neck has also been shortened, thus reducing the risk of tablets moving around and breaking.
Why is ICAPS® AREDS dietary supplement red?
The red color in ICAPS® AREDS was chosen as an esthetically pleasing color that is safe. The red in AREDS is FD&C Red # 40 Lake. This colorant is certified and tested, approved by the FDA, and is found abundantly in food, drug and cosmetic products.
Why is ICAPS® LZ yellow?
The yellow color in ICAPS® LZ is from riboflavin, vitamin B2. This colorant is certified and tested, and is found abundantly in food, drug and cosmetic products.
What's the difference between ICAPS® TR or ICAPS® Original and ICAPS® Plus?
ICAPS Original has the same formulation as ICAPS® Plus. ICAPS® TR is no longer available. ICAPS® Plus is a time-release, high-potency antioxidant formula that contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
Why do ICAPS® tablets have to be so large?
The vitamin has to be that size to provide all ingredients needed.
Which ICAPS® should I use?
We recommend that you consult your eye care professional to determine which ICAPS® product is best for you.

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Patient Needs

Does Alcon provide assistance to patients with financial hardships?
The Alcon Patient Assistance Program provides assistance to those in need through physicians and hospitals. For more information on guidelines and the process for requesting assistance, please see Patient Assistance.
Does Alcon provide condition and disease educational material for patients?
For information on conditions and diseases appropriate for patients and family members, please see Patient Education.
How do I find out if Alcon offers a treatment for a certain condition?
To find out about Alcon products, please visit the products section, which is organized by conditions and diseases.

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Product Dissatisfaction

What if I am dissatisfied with an Alcon pharmaceutical or consumer vision care product?
If you are dissatisfied with an Alcon product for any reason please contact us and include your name, address, daytime phone number and the product lot code on the product label. We will work with you and/or your doctor to get you a replacement product.
How do I keep my Alcon solution from leaking?
To minimize solution leakage, store the bottle in an upright position and keep the cap tightly closed between product uses.
What if I bought an Alcon product that does not appear to be filled completely?
Alcon's products are filled by machines, and the procedures are carefully monitored during the production process. However, on rare occasions, it is possible for an incident such as low fill to occur. Contact us with your name, address, daytime phone number and the product lot code on the product label, and we will respond to your inquiry.

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Product, General

How do I find out information about a product recall?
If you believe that an Alcon product that you own has been recalled, you may contact us with the product lot code on the label. We will be happy to inform you of the status of that lot code and if the product has been recalled, provide you a replacement.
Is it harmful to swallow an Alcon solution?
While it is not recommended, Alcon consumer products do not contain toxic chemicals.
Where do I find product information?
Please visit Products to access package inserts, directions for use and other product related information.

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