FDA approves toric IOL for pre-existing corneal astigmatism

The FDA has approved the AcrySof toric IOL (Alcon Laboratories) for use in pre-existing corneal astigmatism in patients with cataracts. The lens’ optical design corrects for the astigmatism and results in significantly improved distance visual outcomes, the company said.

Alcon plans to launch the lens commercially in conjunction with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting in San Francisco next spring. In the interim, Alcon said it would pursue approval of a blue-light absorbing chromophore to be incorporated in the AcrySof toric lens and expand physician experience with the lens.

The AcrySof toric lens is based on the AcrySof single-piece IOL design and acrylic material platform.