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What Is SMARTSURFACE Technology?

SMARTSURFACE Technology is Alcon's surface-moisture technology used in PRECISION1 contact lenses and PRECISION1 for Astigmatism. The lenses have a 51% water-content silicone hydrogel core and a permanent microthin surface layer with more than 80% water content based on laboratory measurements of unworn lenses. Alcon developed the surface technology from concepts used in its Water Gradient platform. The technology is intended to support surface moisture and tear-film stability during daily wear.

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What Is SMARTSURFACE Technology?

SMARTSURFACE Technology is Alcon's surface-moisture technology used in PRECISION1 contact lenses and PRECISION1 for Astigmatism. The lenses have a 51% water-content silicone hydrogel core and a permanent microthin surface layer with more than 80% water content based on laboratory measurements of unworn lenses. Alcon developed the surface technology from concepts used in its Water Gradient platform. The technology is intended to support surface moisture and tear-film stability during daily wear.

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Why Is SMARTSURFACE Technology Used?

Contact lens comfort and vision depend partly on how the lens surface interacts with the tear film. SMARTSURFACE Technology concentrates a higher-water layer at the outermost surface rather than raising the water content throughout the entire lens. This design gives PRECISION1 lenses a moisture-rich interface while retaining the mechanical and oxygen-transmission characteristics of the verofilcon A core. In the toric version, the same surface technology is paired with a separate stabilization design for astigmatism correction.

How Does SMARTSURFACE Technology Work?

The verofilcon A lens core contains 51% water, while the outer surface reaches greater than 80% water content in laboratory measurements. The transition occurs within a very thin surface region, creating a wetter outer interface where the lens contacts the tear film and eyelids. Alcon describes the layer as permanent rather than a coating that must be reapplied during wear. The technology affects surface properties, while prescription power and lens geometry determine the optical correction.

Which Contact Lenses Use SMARTSURFACE Technology?

SMARTSURFACE Technology is used across the PRECISION1 daily disposable family. PRECISION1 provides spherical correction for myopia or hyperopia within its available range, while PRECISION1 for Astigmatism adds toric correction using PRECISION BALANCE 8|4 lens design. Both versions are made from verofilcon A and are replaced after a single day of wear. The technology should not be confused with Alcon's full Water Gradient Technology used in the TOTAL family.

What Should Wearers Know About SMARTSURFACE Technology?

SMARTSURFACE Technology describes a lens-surface design rather than a separate treatment added by the wearer. A contact lens still has to match the wearer's prescription, corneal shape, tear film, and daily-wear needs. PRECISION1 lenses are daily disposables and are not intended to be cleaned and reused for another day. UV-blocking contact lenses also do not replace sunglasses or other protective UV-blocking eyewear because the lens does not cover the entire eye and surrounding area.

Common Questions About SMARTSURFACE Technology

Is SMARTSURFACE Technology the same as Water Gradient Technology?

No. SMARTSURFACE uses a thin high-water surface layer over a 51% water-content core, while Water Gradient lenses use a different material transition that approaches nearly 100% water at the outermost surface.

What is the surface water content of PRECISION1?

Alcon reports greater than 80% water content at the outer surface based on laboratory measurements of unworn PRECISION1 lenses.

Does SMARTSURFACE Technology correct astigmatism?

No. The surface technology manages lens-surface properties. Astigmatism correction in PRECISION1 for Astigmatism comes from the toric optical power and PRECISION BALANCE 8|4 lens design.

Can PRECISION1 lenses with SMARTSURFACE Technology be reused?

No. PRECISION1 products are daily disposable contact lenses designed for one day of wear and disposal after removal.

References

PRECISION1? Contact Lenses. Alcon. https://www.myalcon.com/professional/contact-lenses/daily/precision1/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

PRECISION1? for Astigmatism. Alcon. https://www.myalcon.com/professional/contact-lenses/daily/precision1-for-astigmatism/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

PRECISION1? Contact Lenses With SMARTSURFACE? Technology: Material Properties, Surface Wettability and Clinical Performance. Alcon Science. https://us.alconscience.com/sites/g/files/rbvwei1736/files/pdf/1906A195-US-DP1-19-E-1306_DP1-White-Paper_iPad.pdf. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Alcon Launches PRECISION1 for Astigmatism Contact Lenses in the U.S.. Alcon. https://www.alcon.com/media-release/alcon-launches-precision1-astigmatism-contact-lenses-us/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Contact Lens Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-risks. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.