Alcon launches lens for presbyopia outside the United States

Berlin-Alcon Inc. announced the commercial launch outside the United States of its new +3 add power aspheric lens (AcrySof ReSTOR) during the annual meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Clinical trial results demonstrated that the +3 add power IOL optimally manages light energy delivered to the retina regardless of the lighting situation to provide patients with high-resolution image quality and minimal visual disturbances, said the company in a prepared statement. At the 3-month follow-up exam, 95% of patients had combined distance-corrected visual acuities of 20/40 or better. The clinical studies also showed a high rate of patient satisfaction with 96% of patients who said they would have this lens implanted again, according to the company.

“Advanced technology IOLs that correct for presbyopia or astigmatism are the fastest-growing segment in the IOL market,” said Kevin Buehler, senior vice president, global markets and chief marketing officer, Alcon. “The addition of [this aspheric lens] provides surgeons with an additional IOL option to meet the clinical needs of their patients and further enhances our leadership position in this category.”

The lens is now available in most major markets outside the United States, according to Alcon. The company said it filed a pre-market application for the lens in June with the FDA, where it is currently under review.