Accommodating IOL offers new square-edge design delivered with new injector system

Chicago-Eyeonics has developed the crystalens SE System (Square Edge System), a modified design of the original crystalens accommodating IOL, which offers a 360° square-edge optic to help prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The company also introduced the STAAR Indigo Injector System, which enables implantation of the crystalens SE through a sub-3-mm incision.

Michael Colvard, MD, USC Keck School of Medicine, Doheny Eye Institute, and in private practice at the Colvard Vision Center in Encino, CA, explained during a press briefing Friday morning that the crystalens SE with its 360° square-edge optic placed underneath the haptic provides protection against PCO postoperatively. Paul Koch, MD, and Dr. Colvard are conducting a study of 120 patients receiving the new IOL to determine the rate of PCO and the incidence of glare and halos. At 1-year follow-up, no YAG capsulotomies have been required in 71 patients at this time, and patients have not been disturbed by glare or halos, Dr. Colvard said.

“The crystalens SE offers a full range of visual function,” Dr. Colvard said. “You don’t have to worry after implantation that patients are going to have complaints about their visual quality.”

Another improvement is in the delivery of the lens with the STAAR Indigo Injector System, a plate-lens injector system, he continued.

“This injector allows surgeons to use a small 2.7-mm incision, which gives us more stable incisions and reduces the operative time for patients,” Dr. Colvard said. “It also provides a completely sterile environment.”

During the FDA study, Dr. Colvard noted that the postoperative protocol required cycloplegia in all patients for 1 to 2 weeks. Clinicians have learned since then that this is not necessary.

“We have eliminated cycloplegia in the postoperative protocol. Our patients are able to achieve much more comfortable, normal vision much more rapidly,” he said.

Kevin L. Waltz, OD, MD, of Eye Surgeons of Indiana, Indianapolis, explained the accommodative arching effect of the natural crystalline lens and the crystalens SE. James C. Loden, MD, of Loden Vision Centers, Goodlettsville, TN, covered the differences between accommodating IOLs and multifocal lenses. John Doane, MD, of Discover Vision, Independence, MO, showed an interactive simulation of vision through multifocal and accommodative IOLs in four different environments. This teaching tool, which can be viewed at eyeonics’ Booth 1313 during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting, can help patients better understand the differences between the types of lenses.

The company also announced that 30,000 crystalens implants have been completed to date with 500 certified physicians performing those surgeries.