Alcon apodized diffractive lens approved for cataract patients

May 1

- Fort Lauderdale, FL - The AcrySof ReSTOR apodized diffractive IOL (Alcon Laboratories Inc.) recently received FDA approval for cataract patients with and without presbyopia. In clinical trials, 80% of patients reported never wearing reading glasses or bifocals following cataract surgery and implantation of the new lens.

The AcrySof ReSTOR foldable IOL represents "breakthrough technology" with the development of its optic design. The lens uses a combination of three complementary technologies: apodization, diffraction, and refraction, allowing patients to experience a full range of high-quality vision without the need for reading glasses.

Alcon Laboratories has patented the application of apodization technology to an IOL, making the AcrySof ReSTOR lens the first and only apodized diffractive IOL, the company said.

"The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL is not only an innovative way to replace the human lens, but it most accurately restores the vision achieved with a normally functioning natural lens. It is the last piece of the puzzle that leads to better vision without glasses for the vast majority of patients," said Richard Mackool, MD, clinical investigator of the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL and director of The Mackool Eye Institute and Laser Center and senior attending surgeon at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York.

Clinical trials were conducted in the United States and Europe to establish the safety and effectiveness of the AcrySof ReSTOR lens. A total of 566 people received the lens in clinical trials at an average age of 68. Since its introduction outside the United States in 2003, more than 11,000 lenses have been implanted in patients by more than 900 surgeons in Europe and other countries.

Alcon has begun training U.S. surgeons on the new lens and shipments are beginning early this month.

For more information, visit the Alcon Laboratories Inc. booth (#1000, #1002).