Established in 1945, Alcon Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures a variety of health care products throughout the world. It maintains operations in more than 75 countries, including the United States, Canada and Africa, as well as the Middle East. The company sells and markets a range of surgical equipment and pharmaceutical and consumer vision care products. It is engaged in the research and development of medicines for the treatment of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, inflammation, eye infections, allergies and artificial tears. The company s products include contact lens, eye drops, antioxidant vitamins, vitreoretinal systems, sutures, needles and knives. It supplies products under the INFINITI, ACRYSOF, DISCOVISC, CUSTOM-PAK, CONSTELLATION, SYSTANE and PATADAY brands. The company offers distribution and technical support services. It offers services to health care professionals. Alcon Laboratories is owned by Nestl .