Liverpool, United Kingdom, May 27, 2015 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, presents its latest product innovations at the 2015 Annual Conference of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), held on May 29-31, in Liverpool, UK. This year Alcon will showcase a strong portfolio of products featuring its proprietary HydraGlyde^® Moisture Matrix technology, a wetting agent developed to attract and retain moisture in soft contact lenses, especially silicone hydrogel contact lenses. This technology was first introduced in OPTI-FREE^® PureMoist™ Multi-purpose Disinfecting Solution in 2011. It is now expanding to be included in AOSEPT^® PLUS, the highly effective hydrogen peroxide formulation.

HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology is a block copolymer (poly[oxyethy lene]-poly[oxybutylene]), that embeds itself on and within the lens surface, surrounding the lens with a long-lasting envelope of moisture. It promotes a unique hydrophilic barrier that helps lower friction to provide extra hydration throughout the day.

"Contact lens discomfort is the most common cause of complaints among soft contact lens wearers. It can be caused by both mechanical friction of the contact lens on the eye and increased evaporation of tears due to the contact lens interrupting the tear film. HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix embeds itself on and within the lens surface to promote moisture and comfort," said Dr. Inma Perez, Head of Professional Affairs for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Alcon. "By addressing the issue of comfort and adherence, eye care professionals can reduce customer complaints and may significantly increase lens wearer loyalty."

HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology will be presented during BCLA on Saturday, May 30, at the following Meet the Author sessions (13:00-14:30 and 16:30-17:00 - Hall 2)

• Guthrie, Sarah, PhD., et al. "Is there a relationship between care system and compliance" [Poster ID: 48]
• Muya, Leroy, Ph.D., et al. "Wetting Substantivity of a New Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Solution on Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses" [Poster ID: 50]

About AOSEPT PLUS with HydraGlyde Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution

The AOSEPT PLUS and AOSEPT PLUS with HydraGlyde Cleaning & Disinfecting Solutions (also marketed under the brand name CLEAR CARE and CLEAR CARE PLUS in some markets) contain 3% hydrogen peroxide and are indicated for use with soft (hydrophilic) and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. During the cleaning process, the hydrogen peroxide is neutralized in the special lens case provided to leave behind a preservative-free saline solution that is gentle on the eyes. Cleaned and disinfected lenses can be stored in the neutralized solution in the unopened lens case up to seven days.

AOSEPT PLUS and AOSEPT PLUS with HydraGlyde Cleaning & Disinfecting Solutions require patients to follow special cleaning and disinfecting instructions, including ensuring the lenses remain in the special lens case for at least six hours to allow the hydrogen peroxide to neutralize. Special care is needed to follow directions to avoid accidental misuse.

About OPTI-FREE PureMoist Multi-purpose Disinfecting Solution

OPTI-FREE PureMoist Multi-purpose Disinfecting Solution is indicated to clean silicone hydrogel and soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses, by removing protein deposits and reducing lipid deposition from the lenses during disinfection and storage.

OPTI-FREE PureMoist Multi-purpose Disinfecting Solution requires patients to follow special cleaning instructions including storing the lenses in the closed lens case for at least 6 hours. Patients may leave their lenses in the unopened lens case containing OPTI-FREE PUREMOIST Solution for up to 30 days. After this time, lenses must be cleaned and disinfected with OPTI-FREE PureMoist Solution prior to wear.