FORT WORTH — The vision care and ocular health industry is bustling with myriad fresh trends. Sean Clark, the general manager of U.S. Vision Care at Alcon, points to several notable developments that are emerging in the eye care category this year.

Clark says that across the eye care category he is seeing the effects of environmental changes. He points out that with an increase in extreme weather, the number of people who experience dry eye and eye allergy symptoms continues to grow, as allergy season starts earlier and lasts longer. Pataday has played a significant role in the allergy category’s growth and remains the market leader despite competitors entering the market with other versions of olopatadine, he says.

As the environment continues to change there will most likely be more demand and innovation within the dry eye and eye allergy space.

Another trend that Clark is seeing is that innovation continues to drive growth in the eye care market. “Take dry eye as an example. The preservative-free segment is driving innovation in the dry eye product area. We are capitalizing on this demand through our Systane Complete Preservative-Free, Systane Hydration Preservative-Free and Systane Ultra Preservative-Free products. As for lens care, innovation in the reusable category is attracting new patients to the lens care market. Additionally, the allergy category has grown significantly over the past several years.

Clark says patients’ access to health care is evolving. “People are seizing control of their own health and are in tune with trends, such as the increasing preference for in-retail health clinic locations to address acute health care needs. During the height of the pandemic, we saw more optometrists turn to telehealth, which, although it has subsided for some patients, remains a desired way for many to interact with their OD. A recent study found that 77% of people planned to manage their health by using a combination of telehealth and in-person care in the future, illustrating how consumers are prioritizing their health. Moreover, retail health care is expected to double in 2023, with consumers turning to their favorite retailers to provide health care services such as blood tests, vaccinations and recommendations for over-the-counter products that they can use at home to treat their symptoms. Pharmacists have long been trusted health care providers and trusted resources for consumers. With this trust, more people turn to pharmacists for recommendations, particularly for O-T-C products. We expect this trend to continue as more patients take control of their health and treatment options.”

Clark notes that the company is committed to offering top-quality eye care products through our diverse portfolios. We have Systane, the No. 1 doctor-recommended brand of artificial tears; Pataday, the No. 1-selling eye allergy itch relief brand and only O-T-C medication to provide 24-hour relief, as well as lens care, illustrating how Alcon is dedicated to providing the best quality of products to its consumers. With brands they can trust, consumers across the U.S. are able to prioritize their ocular health.”

He adds that the company has had major success in expanding Systane’s preservative-free options in the past year. “Soon we’re introducing new preservative products at a better value for consumers with twin pack offerings.”

To further its commitment to exceptional eye care, Alcon will launch its new twin-pack of Systane Hydration Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops this April. The product will feature the brand’s innovative Pure Flow Technology, uniquely designed with a one-way valve that ensures no contaminated liquid or air can be reintroduced into the container. This technology eliminates the need for preservatives in eye drops.

“Alcon remains committed to providing the highest quality of products to exceed customer expectations. Our products are manufactured to high quality standards, using state-of-the-art technology, that lead to improved patient outcomes,” he concludes.