- SYSTANE PRO Preservative-Free (PF) demonstrated non-inferiority to MIEBO^
(perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) in relieving dry eye symptoms at two weeks and
one month1,*
- Findings provide Eye Care Professionals with comparative clinical evidence supporting SYSTANE PRO PF for
patients with dry eye1
FORT WORTH, October 2, 2026 – Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated
to helping people see brilliantly, today announced new investigator-initiated clinical data demonstrating that
SYSTANE® PRO Preservative-Free (PF), an Alcon brand, provided clinically comparable dry eye symptom
relief to MIEBO^ (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution), meeting the study's primary endpoint of
non-inferiority at both two weeks and one month based on Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores.1,*
The findings were presented at the American Academy of Optometry 2026 Annual Meeting (AAO; Anaheim; September
30-October 3).
“These results provide Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) with meaningful comparative evidence when considering
treatment options for patients with dry eye disease,” said Anna Tichenor,*** OD, PhD,
FAAO, Assistant Professor and Chief of the IUSO Dry Eye Clinic, and lead investigator of the study. “Based on
these findings, I can confidently recommend SYSTANE PRO PF as a first-line treatment option for patients in my
practice with dry eye symptoms, particularly given the clinically comparable dry eye symptom relief to prescription
perfluorohexyloctane demonstrated in this study. For ECPs with patients facing cost or insurance-related access
barriers, Systane Pro PF may offer an accessible approach to dry eye symptom relief.”
Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ocular surface disorders, affecting an estimated 39 million people in
the United States and 1.6 billion globally.2,3 Common symptoms can include dryness, irritation, burning
and fluctuating vision, which can interfere with everyday activities such as reading, night driving, using digital
devices, working and socializing.4-6 DED can also affect contact lens wear and may impact a
patient’s ability to undergo cataract or refractive surgery.4-6 Yet only 13% of patients with DED
feel their condition is well-managed, underscoring the need for effective treatment options that can help address
the diverse needs of people living with dry eye disease.7,†
This head-to-head study*** was a prospective, randomized, double-masked, multicenter clinical study that
evaluated 256 dry eye patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms.1 Patients were randomized to SYSTANE PRO
PF or perfluorohexyloctane four times daily in both eyes and were assessed at baseline, two weeks and one
month.1 The primary endpoint evaluated non-inferiority of SYSTANE PRO PF versus perfluorohexyloctane on
OSDI symptom scores, using a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 7.3 units.1
SYSTANE PRO PF demonstrated clinically meaningful dry eye symptom relief while proving to be non-inferior to
perfluorohexyloctane.1,* Both treatment groups achieved statistically significant and clinically
meaningful reductions in OSDI symptoms (p≤0.001) at two weeks and sustained through one month.1,*
SYSTANE PRO PF is available over the counter (OTC) in the U.S., Canada and other markets. MIEBO^ is
available by prescription in the U.S., while perfluorohexyloctane is offered OTC in certain markets outside of the
U.S.
“These findings underscore the strength of SYSTANE PRO PF, backed by a rigorous, independently conducted
randomized clinical study,” said Sarika Sood, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs and Health Economics
and Outcomes Research at Alcon. “The results add to the growing body of evidence supporting SYSTANE PRO PF and
reinforce the strength of Alcon’s comprehensive dry eye portfolio.”
SYSTANE PRO PF is formulated to provide sustained hydration, restore tear film stability††
and protect against further irritation of dry eyes.8,9 To learn more about Alcon’s dry eye
offerings, visit systane.myalcon.com.
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer
the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care
products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries and territories each year living with
conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are
enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs
that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.
About SYSTANE PRO PF
SYSTANE lubricant eye drops have been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of dry eye, providing fast,
long-lasting relief and comfort. SYSTANE is the #1 global consumer brand of artificial tears. The unique formulation
of SYSTANE PRO PF works to deliver long-lasting dry eye symptom relief for all types of dry eyes.
^ Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
*Based on a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-masked, multicenter non-inferiority clinical trial comparing
mean change in OSDI scores from baseline at 2 weeks and 1 month. Between-group difference was -2.7 at 2 weeks and
-3.0 at 1 month, p=0.004 and p=0.01 respectively. QID dosing. N=256.
***Supported by an independent research grant from Alcon.
†Based on an online survey conducted by Chronic Dry Eye from February to April 2021 among 415
responders who reported being diagnosed with chronic dry eye. 44% reported a severe level of chronic dry eye (i.e.,
levels 3 and 4).
††In vitro data; Based on Systane Complete formulation.
References
- Alcon data on file, 2026. REF-30545.
- Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society. (2017). TFOS DEWS II.
- 2025 Dry Eye Device Market Report, Market Scope, 2025.
- Uchino M, Schaumberg DA. Dry eye disease: impact on quality of life and vision. Curr Ophthalmol Rep.
2013;1(2):51-57. doi:10.1007/s40135-013-0009-1.
- Akpek EK, Amescua G, Farid M, et al. American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern Cornea and
External Disease Panel. Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology.
2019;126:P286-P334.
- Barber L, Khodai O, Croley T, et al. Dry eye symptoms and impact on vision: related function across
International Task Force guidelines severity levels in the United States. BMC Ophthalmol. 2018;18:1-9.
- (CDE) Chronic Dry Eye. 2021 In America survey findings: Living with chronic dry eye in America. Published August
10, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2024. https://chronicdryeye.net/infographic/in-america-findings.
- Alcon data on file, 2025. REF-26802.
- Rangarajan R, Ketelson H. Preclinical Evaluation of a New Hydroxypropyl-Guar Phospholipid Nanoemulsion-Based
Artificial Tear Formulation in Models of Corneal Epithelium. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Jan/Feb;35(1):32-37.
doi: 10.1089/jop.2018.0031. Epub 2018 Nov 29. PMID: 30489200.
Connect with us on
Facebook
LinkedIn
Investor Relations
Dan Cravens, Richard Bourne
+ 41 589 112 110 (Geneva)
+ 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth)
investor.relations@alcon.com
Media Relations
Steven Smith
+ 41 589 112 111 (Geneva)
+ 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth)
globalmedia.relations@alcon.com