Collamer Accommodating Study Team to test properties of lens material

Key Points

Monrovia, CA-A team of seven leading ophthalmologists has been assembled to evaluate the accommodative properties of a proprietary material (Collamer, STAAR Surgical) used in the company's accommodating IOLs, it was announced in a prepared statement. CAST (Collamer Accommodating Study Team), the name of the team, was formed during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

A collaborative, phased approach will be used for the evaluation, according to the company:

Phase I will begin with the launch of the aspheric single-piece model of the lens. The initial goal is to collect baseline accommodative data on the performance of the lens-members will collect near and distance visual acuity data from their patients who have received the accommodating IOL implant.

Phase III will involve a newly designed lens that would require a full clinical study and submission to the FDA for approval to commercialize the device and make accommodative claims in the United States.

"Our patented [lens] material is similar to the eye's natural crystalline lens in its ability to refract light, its flexibility, and high water content-all characteristics necessary for high-quality visual outcomes," said Barry G. Caldwell, president and chief executive officer of STAAR Surgical.