Alcon Launches Systane PRO Preservative-Free in Canada With Up to 12 Hours of Dry Eye Relief
Alcon, a global leader in eye care, has announced the Canadian launch of Systane® PRO Preservative-Free (PF), the company’s most advanced Systane formulation to date. Designed to address the symptoms associated with multiple types of dry eye, the new preservative-free lubricant eye drop is positioned as the longest-lasting dry eye symptom relief product within the Systane portfolio, providing up to 12 hours of relief with a unique triple-action formulation.
The product is now available to consumers in Canada, expanding access to a new option for people experiencing the discomfort associated with dry eye disease (DED).
Dry eye disease is among the most common disorders affecting the ocular surface. According to Alcon, an estimated 6 million people in Canada and approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide are affected by dry eye. The condition can produce persistent symptoms that interfere with everyday activities and comfort, with factors such as aging, environmental exposure and prolonged digital device use contributing to changes in tear stability and moisture retention.
Building on the established Systane brand, which Alcon identifies as the #1 global consumer brand of artificial tears, Systane PRO PF is formulated with a combination of HP-guar, hyaluronic acid (HA), nano-sized lipids and the demulcent propylene glycol. The combination is designed to hydrate the eye, support restoration of the tear film and protect the ocular surface while delivering rapid and continued relief from dry eye symptoms.
Triple-Action Formula Designed for Hydration, Protection and Tear Film Stability
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, meaning that symptoms can arise from different underlying factors and may vary considerably between individuals. The stability and composition of the tear film are important elements in maintaining a comfortable ocular surface. When tears evaporate too quickly or the eye does not retain sufficient moisture, patients can experience symptoms such as dryness, irritation and discomfort.
Systane PRO PF has been developed to address several aspects of these challenges through its triple-action approach.
The formulation includes hyaluronic acid, an ingredient used in ocular lubricants to support hydration, alongside HP-guar, which contributes to the formation of a protective layer over the eye. The product also incorporates nano-sized lipids, intended to support the lipid component of the tear film and help address excessive evaporation. Propylene glycol serves as a demulcent to provide lubrication and comfort.
According to Alcon, this combination is designed to provide rapid hydration and soothing relief following application while supporting longer-lasting lubrication and tear film stability.
The company states that Systane PRO PF can provide up to 12 hours of dry eye symptom relief, making it the longest-lasting dry eye symptom relief eye drop currently offered within the Systane portfolio.
“At Alcon, we are committed to ensuring that dry eye sufferers can get the relief they deserve, which is why we are proud to unveil Systane PRO PF, the longest lasting dry eye symptom relief eye drop in the Systane portfolio,” said Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Franchise Head, Vision Care, Alcon Canada. “Systane PRO’s PF formula works to provide sustained hydration, restore tear film stability, and protect against further irritation of dry eyes.”
Addressing Everyday Factors That Can Contribute to Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can be influenced by a broad range of everyday and physiological factors. Aging can affect tear production and the composition of the tear film, while environmental conditions may increase ocular surface exposure. Extended use of digital devices can also contribute to situations in which people experience greater visual discomfort and dryness.
These factors can make dry eye symptoms particularly challenging for people whose daily routines involve prolonged screen time or exposure to dry, windy or otherwise demanding environments.
Alcon says Systane PRO PF is designed to respond to these challenges by covering the eye surface to provide hydration and soothing relief. Its formulation is also intended to deliver long-lasting lubrication that helps protect against further dryness, while supporting tear film stability to reduce further evaporation.
This approach reflects the increasingly personalized nature of dry eye management. Rather than treating dry eye as a single condition with one underlying mechanism, eye care professionals increasingly consider the different factors contributing to a patient’s symptoms when determining appropriate management strategies.
For patients, the availability of a preservative-free formulation may also be relevant when selecting a lubricant eye drop, particularly for individuals who require frequent lubrication or have specific sensitivities.
Eye Care Professionals Highlight Need for Long-Lasting Relief
The launch has also drawn attention from eye care professionals who regularly encounter patients experiencing the effects of dry eye.
“I have witnessed firsthand how disruptive, and at times debilitating, dry eye symptoms can be,” said Dr. François Piuze, optometrist and co-owner of the Eye Am clinics in Quebec City and Montreal.
According to Dr. Piuze, identifying solutions that can provide sustained relief is important because dry eye is a complex and multifactorial disease. Patients may experience symptoms differently depending on their individual risk factors and the characteristics of their condition.
“For Eye Care Professionals, pinpointing long-lasting solutions for patients to address the symptoms of this complex and multifactorial disease is critical,” Dr. Piuze said. “That is why it is so exciting that patients in Canada can now experience up to 12 hours of dry eye symptom relief with Systane PRO PF.”
The product’s launch therefore adds another option to the range of Systane formulations available for different dry eye presentations.
Alcon Emphasizes Personalized Approaches to Dry Eye Management
The launch of Systane PRO PF comes as Alcon continues to participate in broader efforts to advance understanding of dry eye disease and its management.
The company recently partnered with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) to develop the DEWS III report, building on a globally recognized body of work focused on the clinical understanding of dry eye disease.
The report addresses the multifactorial and symptomatic nature of DED and emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment strategies. Because dry eye can involve multiple contributing factors, treatment approaches may need to be adapted according to an individual patient’s risk factors, symptoms and disease subtype.
Dr. Piuze noted that this framework includes foundational, first-line treatment options that may incorporate ingredients such as HP-guar and hyaluronic acid, depending on the individual patient.
“The report highlights the multifactorial and symptomatic nature of the disease and the importance of providing personalized treatment strategies,” Dr. Piuze said. “This includes first-line foundational treatment options with ingredients like HP-guar and hyaluronic acid (HA), based on individual patient risk factors and disease subtypes.”
The emphasis on individualized management is particularly relevant because dry eye may have different underlying mechanisms. Some patients may primarily experience inadequate aqueous tear production, while others may have symptoms associated with excessive tear evaporation. Still others may experience a combination of factors.
Systane Portfolio Offers Options for Different Dry Eye Needs
Systane PRO PF joins an established portfolio of lubricant eye drops intended to provide symptom relief for people experiencing different forms and severities of dry eye.
Alcon states that Systane lubricant eye drops have been clinically proven to reduce dry eye symptoms, providing fast, long-lasting relief and comfort.
Within the broader Systane range, different formulations have been developed around specific dry eye needs.
Systane® COMPLETE is intended to provide symptom relief for people experiencing evaporative dry eye, aqueous tear-deficient dry eye or mixed dry eye. Its positioning within the portfolio reflects the different mechanisms that can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Systane® ULTRA is designed for patients with aqueous-deficient dry eye, addressing situations in which inadequate aqueous tear production contributes to ocular discomfort.
For people experiencing evaporative dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, Systane® BALANCE lubricant eye drops are specifically designed to address that patient population.
Meanwhile, Systane® HYDRATION is formulated to provide long-lasting relief for people with moderate or chronic dry eye symptoms, as well as patients recovering from corneal or other eye surgery.
The addition of Systane PRO PF broadens the portfolio with a preservative-free formulation that Alcon says can provide up to 12 hours of symptom relief and is intended for all types of dry eye.
Canadian Availability Expands Access to the New Formulation
With Systane PRO PF now available in Canada, patients and eye care professionals have access to another lubricant eye drop option within the established Systane family.
The product combines multiple ingredients intended to support hydration, lubrication, ocular surface protection and tear film stability. Its preservative-free formulation and claimed duration of up to 12 hours are key features highlighted by Alcon as it introduces the product to the Canadian market.
The launch also underscores the continuing demand for dry eye solutions as the prevalence of symptoms remains substantial worldwide. With millions of Canadians and an estimated 1.6 billion people globally affected by dry eye, the condition represents a significant ocular surface health concern.
For people experiencing persistent or recurring dry eye symptoms, identifying the factors contributing to those symptoms remains an important part of management. Eye care professionals can help determine the nature of an individual’s dry eye and identify appropriate treatment and symptom-management strategies.
Systane PRO PF is now available in Canada as part of Alcon’s expanding Systane portfolio. The company says the product is designed to deliver rapid hydration and soothing relief while supporting longer-lasting lubrication, protection and tear film stability.
For additional information about Systane PRO Preservative-Free, Alcon directs consumers to the Systane Canada website.
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.