Bausch & Lomb lens wins 2008 medical design excellence awards competition

Bausch & Lomb announced that its micro-incision IOL (Akreos AO MI60) has received the 2008Medical Design Excellence Award.

In keeping with company's drive for smaller cataract incisions and better patient outcomes, theIOL was designed for implantation through a 1.8-mm incision, the company said. The lens can beinserted through a micro-incision due to its strong yet flexible acrylic base material,according to the company.

"With [this lens] and the vision enhancement system [Stellaris], accommodating both 1.8-mmcoaxial and biaxial techniques, Bausch & Lomb is the only company . . . that can offer such acomplete solution for micro-incision cataract surgery," Dr. Joel Pynson, MD, director, designengineering who led the IOL project team.

"As part of our innovative, industry-leading lens portfolio the [lens] provides surgeons withoptions that deliver the outcomes their patients demand," said Alan Farnsworth, corporate vicepresident and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

The IOL is available in Europe and Asia. It is not yet approved for use in the UnitedStates.

For more information, visit Bausch & Lomb at booth 828.