Alcon experiences global sales growth in Q3 2010

Alcon has described its financial performance in the third quarter of 2010 as "solid" after reporting a nine percent year-on-year growth in global sales.

The healthcare company's sales total for the three months came to just under $1.8 billion (1.1 billion pounds) during a quarter that saw the firm come under the majority ownership of Novartis.

All of Alcon's major business operations recorded gains during the last three months, including its consumer eye care unit, which grew by 8.8 percent year-on-year thanks to strong sales of Systane lubricant eye drops.

The quarter also saw Alcon complete the acquisition of LenSx Lasers, which manufactures equipment for use in cataract surgery.

Kevin Buehler, Alcon's president and chief executive officer, said: "Alcon's operational and financial performance in the third quarter clearly demonstrates our ability to combine our commercial capabilities and global scale to achieve sustainable organic growth."

Earlier this month, the company announced the launch of Systane Balance lubricant eye drops, which are designed to offer relief from meibomian gland dysfunction.