Alcon symposium draws 300 to hear ReSTOR, AquaLase experiences

Paris—Emerging lens extraction and implantation technologies have worldwide appeal among ophthalmologists, and at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, it was evident at an evening symposium conducted by Alcon Laboratories.

Amidst the elegant backdrop of the Pavillon Gabrielle, about 300 physicians and their guests heard world-known ophthalmologists share their experiences about the company's pseudoaccommodative IOL, AcrySof ReSTOR, and the AquaLase liquefaction device on the Infiniti phacoemulsification system.

Moderated by Donald Serafano, MD, of the United States, the panel looked at the design and clinical experiences of the ReSTOR lens, the clinical experiences with AquaLase, and the emerging technologies ahead.

David Allen, MD, of the United Kingdom, started the discussion detailing the design of the ReSTOR lens and its role in improving vision for patients with presbyopia.

Rudy Nuijts, MD, of the Netherlands, continued the ReSTOR discussion by outlining his clinical experiences with the lens. He reportedly has placed the lens in 63 eyes of 32 patients, 31 bilaterally and 1 unilaterally. His refractive outcomes show 90% with a spherical equivalent of ±0.5 D and 100% with a spherical equivalent of 0.75 D. Dr. Nuijts also showed comparative data of how ReSTOR fares with the ARRAY lens.

The discussion shifted to AquaLase when Philippe Crozafon, MD, of France, presented his first-year experiences with the liquefaction device. Dr. Crozafon described the technology behind AquaLase and discussed the features of the waterjet in the AquaLase handpiece. He outlined the advantages that AquaLase brings to lens extraction and compared it with the ultrasound technology.

Dr. Crozafon reported that he has performed 449 procedures using AquaLase on grade 1+ to 3+ cataracts. He has had few complications among those cases.

Robert Cionni, MD, of the United States, wrapped up the program reviewing emerging technologies in cataract removal and lens implantation and what the future may hold for physicians with these technologies.

Dr. Cionni also offered some words of advice. He pointed out that technology has improved over the years, creating better outcomes for patients. The downside is that patients will have higher expectations when it comes to their vision. However, the emerging technologies will help physicians meet those expectations.

Finally, the physicians and their guests closed the evening experiencing the elegance of Pavillon Gabrielle with food, drink, and entertainment. A good time was had by all!