Alcon's AcrySof IQ IOL receives NTIOL classification

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added the AcrySof IQ IOL (Alcon Laboratories) to the New Technology Intraocular Lens (NTIOL) classification of Reduced Spherical Aberration. Effective May 19, ambulatory surgery centers using the AcrySof IQ IOL for cataract surgery will receive an additional $50 from Medicare. The IOL gained inclusion by proving the same or greater clinical benefit as the lens that established the NTIOL subset. The NTIOL subset and adjusted payment will remain in effect until Feb. 27, 2011.

"We are pleased that CMS has recognized the clinical advantages that patients gain from this advanced lens technology versus conventional IOL implants," said Kevin Buehler, Alcon senior vice president, United States, and chief marketing officer. "Studies have shown that by reducing spherical aberration, the AcrySof IQ IOL enhances image quality and improves customer sensitivity."

In other news, the FDA approved Alcon's LADAR6000 excimer laser with high-speed ablation for use in LASIK and PRK. This laser has a 50% faster ablation rate than previous LADARVision platforms, according to the company. A faster rate means a reduction in surgical time, especially in higher refractive correction ranges. The faster rate also results in less exposure of the corneal flap, the company said.

The FDA also granted the industry's broadest wavefront-guided hyperopic indication for Alcon's CustomCornea procedure on both the LADAR6000 and LADARVision 4000 laser systems. Surgeons will now be able to treat hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism (0.75 to 5 D sphere with up to -3 D cylinder) in addition to the current range for myopia and myopic astigmatism.