Alcon Introduces Clareon TruPlus Monofocal and Toric IOLs Featuring Advanced Design Innovations at ASCRS 2026
Alcon a global leader in eye care committed to advancing vision health and improving patient outcomes, has announced the U.S. launch of its latest intraocular lens (IOL), Clareon® TruPlus, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting 2026 held in Washington, D.C.. The introduction of this next-generation monofocal and toric IOL represents a significant addition to Alcon’s widely adopted Clareon portfolio and reflects the company’s ongoing focus on innovation in cataract and refractive surgery.
Clareon TruPlus has been designed to address a longstanding challenge in cataract surgery: delivering enhanced visual performance without compromising the high-quality distance vision traditionally associated with monofocal IOLs. By introducing an advanced optical design, TruPlus provides surgeons with a new option that extends depth of focus while maintaining the clarity and stability that have defined the Clareon platform. This balance is particularly important for both surgeons and patients, as it aims to improve intermediate vision capabilities without introducing unwanted visual disturbances or reducing distance acuity.
The launch of TruPlus underscores Alcon’s leadership in the cataract surgery market, where the company has already achieved widespread global adoption of its IOL technologies. With more than 175 million intraocular lenses implanted worldwide, Alcon has established itself as a dominant force in ophthalmology, continually advancing surgical outcomes through innovation and clinical research. The addition of TruPlus further strengthens this position by addressing evolving surgeon preferences and patient expectations in modern cataract care.
From a technical perspective, Clareon TruPlus incorporates proprietary Opti-Balance™ Technology, an advanced optical feature engineered into the central portion of the lens. This design subtly redistributes light energy to extend the depth of focus, enabling patients to achieve improved visual performance at intermediate distances. Importantly, this enhancement is achieved without sacrificing distance image quality, which remains a cornerstone of monofocal lens performance. The lens also maintains a wide refractive landing zone, providing surgeons with greater flexibility and predictability during implantation.
Bench testing data have demonstrated several differentiating features of TruPlus compared to both Alcon’s existing Clareon Monofocal lens and competing products. Notably, TruPlus achieved a measurable improvement in simulated visual acuity at intermediate distances, specifically at -1.5 diopters (approximately 66 centimeters). This improvement, quantified as a 3.5-letter gain in visual acuity, highlights the lens’s ability to enhance functional vision in everyday scenarios such as reading, computer use, and other near-intermediate tasks.
In addition to its performance at intermediate distances, TruPlus has demonstrated superior distance image quality when compared to TECNIS Eyhance, a leading competitor in the enhanced monofocal IOL category. This advantage was observed across a range of pupil sizes and lighting conditions, suggesting that TruPlus can deliver consistent visual outcomes under varying real-world conditions. Furthermore, the lens exceeds International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements for distance image quality, reinforcing its ability to meet rigorous performance benchmarks.
Another important consideration in IOL design is the incidence of visual disturbances such as glare and halos, which can affect patient satisfaction. Bench data indicate that TruPlus exhibits a lower glare and halo profile compared to TECNIS Eyhance, an attribute that may contribute to improved patient comfort and overall visual experience. By minimizing these unwanted effects, TruPlus aims to provide a more natural visual outcome, aligning with the expectations of patients seeking high-quality vision after cataract surgery.
According to Terry Kim, Chief Medical Officer at Alcon, the development of TruPlus was driven by direct feedback from cataract surgeons. He noted that clinicians have been seeking an enhanced monofocal lens that can deliver additional visual benefits without introducing trade-offs in distance vision quality. TruPlus was specifically engineered to meet this need, combining extended depth of focus with the stability, clarity, and reliability that surgeons have come to expect from the Clareon platform.
The introduction of TruPlus also reflects broader trends in ophthalmology, where there is increasing demand for IOLs that provide a more comprehensive range of vision. While traditional monofocal lenses primarily focus on distance vision, newer designs aim to bridge the gap between monofocal and multifocal technologies by offering improved intermediate vision without the potential drawbacks associated with multifocal lenses. TruPlus fits squarely within this emerging category, offering a compelling option for patients who prioritize both visual quality and functional range.
TruPlus joins a robust portfolio of Clareon IOLs, which includes the widely used Clareon Monofocal lens, as well as advanced options such as Vivity, an extended depth of focus IOL, and PanOptix, one of the most widely implanted trifocal lenses globally. This comprehensive lineup allows surgeons to tailor their choice of IOL to the specific needs and preferences of each patient, ranging from those seeking basic distance correction to those desiring a broader range of vision.
Beyond the launch of TruPlus, Alcon’s presence at the ASCRS Annual Meeting highlights its broader commitment to advancing ophthalmic innovation through scientific research. The company is supporting the presentation of more than 60 studies conducted by both internal researchers and independent investigators. These studies span a wide range of topics, including cataract surgery technologies, refractive procedures, and ocular surface care, reflecting the breadth of Alcon’s research and development efforts.
Among the featured research are studies evaluating a novel phacoemulsification system, which is used in cataract surgery to break up and remove the clouded natural lens. These studies explore key aspects such as anterior chamber stability and intraoperative performance, providing insights into how new technologies can enhance surgical precision and safety. Additional research focuses on advancements in LASIK procedures, including the use of automated customized ray tracing and wavefront optimization techniques to improve visual outcomes.
Alcon is also presenting data on innovations in ocular surface care, including clinical results for a novel TRPM8 agonist known as Acoltremon. Findings from Phase 3 clinical trials suggest that this compound may improve tear production and address symptoms associated with dry eye disease, an area of significant unmet need in ophthalmology. These studies underscore Alcon’s commitment to addressing a wide spectrum of eye care challenges, from surgical interventions to chronic conditions.
In addition to scientific presentations, Alcon is hosting a series of peer-to-peer educational events at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. These sessions are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange among clinicians and provide practical insights into the application of new technologies in clinical practice. Topics include innovations in glaucoma and dry age-related macular degeneration management, as well as strategies for optimizing outcomes in modern cataract surgery.
One such session, focused on transforming in-clinic care, will feature a panel of experienced ophthalmologists discussing evolving approaches to patient management. Another session will explore the “perfect pairing” of technologies and techniques for achieving optimal results in cataract surgery, drawing on real-world experiences from leading surgeons. These events highlight Alcon’s emphasis on education and collaboration as key drivers of progress in the field.
Attendees of the ASCRS meeting are also invited to visit Alcon’s exhibit at booth #943, where they can explore the company’s latest innovations, participate in demonstrations, and engage with experts. The booth serves as a central hub for showcasing Alcon’s comprehensive portfolio and reinforcing its leadership in ophthalmology.
Looking ahead, Alcon plans to expand the availability of Clareon TruPlus to additional international markets later in the year, further extending its global reach. As the company continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, the launch of TruPlus represents an important step in its mission to help people see brilliantly by delivering advanced solutions that enhance both vision quality and patient experience.
In summary, the introduction of Clareon TruPlus at the ASCRS Annual Meeting marks a significant advancement in intraocular lens technology. By combining enhanced depth of focus with exceptional distance vision and reduced visual disturbances, TruPlus offers a compelling new option for cataract surgeons and their patients. Supported by robust clinical research and integrated into a comprehensive portfolio of IOLs, this latest innovation reinforces Alcon’s position at the forefront of eye care and its commitment to shaping the future of vision correction.
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 people in over 140 countries 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 Clareon® TruPlus IOLs
The Clareon Family of Lenses are artificial lenses implanted in the eye of adult patients following cataract surgery. The Clareon® TruPlus IOLs are designed to allow for clear distance vision. However, you will likely still need glasses for reading and for distance vision, particularly if you already have astigmatism. The Clareon® TruPlus Toric IOLs are designed to correct pre-existing corneal astigmatism, which is the inability of the eye to focus clearly at any distance because of different curvatures on the cornea, and provide distance vision. These IOLs are intended for placement in the capsular bag.
Careful preoperative evaluation and sound clinical judgment should be used by the surgeon to decide the risk/benefit ratio before implanting any IOL in a patient with any of the conditions described in the Directions for Use that accompany each IOL. Prior to surgery, physicians should provide prospective patients with a copy of the Patient Information Brochure available from Alcon, informing them of possible risks and benefits associated with these IOLs. Reference the Directions for Use labelling for each IOL for a complete listing of indications, warnings and precautions.
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