Alcon’s Precision1 one-day contact lenses became available nationwide this past spring following a gradual rollout period. Promoting it as the lens for new wearers to start in and stay in, Alcon says that Precision1 lenses are designed to combat the top three drivers of new wearer dropout: poor vision, poor comfort, and handling issues. To resolve these issues, the company says that Precision1 lenses are designed to provide precise vision, dependable comfort, and ease of handling.

Leveraging the technology of the company’s Dailies Total1 water gradient contact lenses, Alcon says that it designed Precision1 contact lenses with SmartSurface Technology, which creates a microthin (~2 to 4 microns) layer of moisture on the lens surface. The water content of the lens steps up from 51% at the core to 80% at the outer surface. Alcon says that this permanent layer provides longer-lasting surface moisture, supports a stable tear film for precise vision, and provides dependable comfort. The lens also provides ease of handling, according to the company; Alcon says that decreased chair time and less patient dropout may be achievable with contact lenses that are easier to handle.

Precision1 lenses are manufactured in verofilcon A silicone hydrogel material and feature a Class 1 ultraviolet blocker (≥ 90% of UVA, ≥ 99% of UVB), a Dk/t of 100 @ –3.00D, a core modulus of 0.6MPa, center thickness of 0.09mm at –3.00D, and a visitint. Parameters include 8.3mm base curve, 14.2mm diameter, and sphere powers of –0.50D to –6.00D (0.25D steps), –6.50D to –12.00D (0.50D steps), +0.50D to +6.00D (0.25D steps), and +6.50D to +8.00D (0.50D steps). It is packaged as five-pack trials and in 30- and 90-count boxes.

This article will share the clinical experiences of two practitioners who are actively prescribing Precision1 in their practices.

Please tell us about your general experience with Alcon’s Precision1 contact lenses.

Christa Hunnicutt, OD, of Aurora, NE, first began fitting Precision1 lenses about a year ago. “We’re a heavy daily disposables practice, we have many patients who wear a daily disposable lens across a variety of brands, and this lens has been great to try out and to upgrade existing daily disposable wearers,” she says. “It’s a more breathable lens, it’s comfortable, and the handling is so much better. We often take that for granted, but some other daily disposables are flimsy, and I’ve gotten fewer complaints of lens tearing with Precision1,” she continues. Dr. Hunnicutt says that most of her patients who try the Precision1 lens ultimately choose to stay in it.

Eric Arneson, OD, of Hastings, NE, says that his patients have really liked the comfort and vision with the Precision1 lens. “At first, patients may be reluctant about switching to either a different contact lens brand or to a daily disposable lens,” he says. “But, once they try them, the vast majority of my patients prefer Precision1 over their prior lenses. It is a great lens that provides excellent comfort at a comparable price.”

Who are the best candidates for this product and why?

Both Dr. Hunnicutt and Dr. Arneson shared that any patient whose prescription needs fall within the available parameter range would be good candidates for this lens. “Daily replacement is the healthiest and most convenient way to wear contact lenses,” says Dr. Arneson. “I like being able to fit patients into the newest technology lenses at an affordable price. With the price and current rebates that are available for Precision1, it’s an excellent choice for any patient whose prescription matches the available parameters.”

Dr. Hunnicutt says that whenever a patient is a candidate for a daily disposable lens, Precision1 is one of the top lenses for which she reaches. “For new wearers, the lens handling has gone a long way to improving success. It’s just easier to learn how to apply and remove. That’s appreciated,” she says. She also works to upgrade her existing lens wearers, especially hydrogel daily disposable wearers and frequent replacement lens wearers, into Precision1. She says, “This is one of the newest daily disposable lenses on the market, and who doesn’t want to try something new? At least for us price wise, it’s about the same or sometimes less expensive for this new product, and most patients who wear a hydrogel daily disposable lens would prefer to wear a silicone hydrogel daily disposable.”

Tell us about the prescribing process and what has worked best for you.

From a fitting perspective, the Precision1 lens is like any standard soft frequent replacement or daily disposable lens and has a similar fitting process. Dr. Hunnicutt says that fitting Precision1 is very simple, and Dr. Arneson notes that the fitting process is “very easy and efficient. Rarely do I need to make any changes after the initial fit.”

With regard to presenting the product to patients, Dr. Hunnicutt likes to use a technology analogy. We live in a world of technology in which people are always looking to get the next latest phone or gadget, and yet some of them have been wearing the same contact lenses for years. “It’s easy when you remind them that their lenses have been on the market for a long time. You wouldn’t use the same cell phone for 10 years, why stay in the same lenses for that long? Wouldn’t you like to upgrade to something new? That technology analogy really hits home for patients,” she says. In addition, for frequent replacement lens wearers who are hesitant about the price of the lens, she always includes the cost of maintenance and solutions when breaking down the costs. “I think that concerns patients initially. They think that a daily disposable is expensive, but when you break it down for patients and show how much they will save in solution costs, then they realize that it’s not that different. The daily disposable modality also improves lens replacement compliance and is much more convenient for patients. In my experience, it’s rare for a patient to switch to a daily disposable lens and then return and say that they want to go back to their frequent replacement lens,” she says.

Both Dr. Hunnicutt and Dr. Arneson always give patients an opportunity to try the Precision1 lens first. “I like to have patients compare either their current lens or another similar daily disposable lens to Precision1 over a few days to reduce the pressure as much as possible,” says Dr. Arneson. “Once patients try the lenses and see for themselves how great they are, the majority make the switch to Precision1.”

How has Precision1 helped with troubleshooting for particular patients? Tell us about any success stories in that regard.

Dr. Hunnicutt says that she’s had the most success with patients who were previously in a hydrogel soft lens, especially because it’s a more premium lens but is still cost-effective. She also recommends this lens to patients who experience contact lens discomfort and dryness.

Dr. Hunnicutt also reiterates that the improved handling with Precision1 can make a difference. “We’ve had a lot of patients say, ‘Oh, that was easier to put in,’ and I haven’t heard any feedback yet from patients on this lens that it’s torn when they were handling it or that it’s popped out of their eye as much as their other lenses have,” she says.

Both Dr. Arneson and Dr. Hunnicutt agree that once patients try the Precision1 lens, most want to continue wearing it. “You get premium comfort for a good price,” says Dr. Arneson. “Many times, even though patients may be happy with their current contact lenses, I tell them that there are always new and improved contact lenses coming to market. Precision1 is the first lens I give them to try. For the price, it can’t be beat as far as getting what you’re paying for,” he continues.

Dr. Hunnicutt says, “Now I’m starting to see repeat patients who have worn the Precision1 lens for a year and are excited to stay in the lens. They don’t want to switch to something else. That has been growing, as we have more patients who have been wearing the lens for a full year.” CLS