Carl Zeiss Meditec unveils new technology, plans acquisition

Jena, Germany-Carl Zeiss Meditec unveiled new optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, two surgical ophthalmic microscopes, and two new IOLs at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons in Stockholm, Sweden.

The OCT technology (Cirrus HD-OCT) is contact-free and uses the interference of light waves for two- or three-dimensional display of tissue structures with high-depth resolution. The spectral domain system offers faster cross-sectional images of the retina with higher resolution, according to the company.

The microscopes (OPMI Lumera, OPMI Lumera T) incorporate stereo coaxial illumination technology to enable surgeons to recognize details of the human eye with a high level of visualization and clarity. The company expects this ability to be especially helpful in the treatment of advanced cases of cataract in which the natural lens of the eye is severely clouded.

One of the IOLs (XL Stabi ZO) has a range of 10 to 30 D, and the other lens (Invent ZO) has a range of 14 to 30 D. The IOLs have different haptic configurations, but both lenses have posterior aspheric optics and are made of hydrophilic acrylic. Also, both are preloaded and are inserted via disposable injectors. Neither IOL is commercially available in the United States.

The company also plans to launch a femtosecond laser (VisuMax) by the end of the year. Surgeons will be able to use the laser as a separate unit or in combination with the company’s excimer laser (MEL 80). Clinical studies have demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in flap incisions, further increasing the level of safety of LASIK treatments and providing the basis for a new surgical method to correct visual defects, according to the company.

In other company news, Carl Zeiss Meditec has begun the process of acquiring Acri.Tec AG of Hennigsdorf, Germany, a developer of IOLs, viscoelastic solutions, and products for vitreoretinal surgery. The acquisition, subject to the approval of Germany’s anti-trust authority and other conditions, is expected to be completed this month.

“This acquisition is an important step in the expansion of our product portfolio for ophthalmic surgery, especially in the area of innovative IOLs,” said Ulrich Krauss, president and chief executive officer of Carl Zeiss Meditec.