Alcon's toric lens is designated as NTIOL

Huenenberg, Switzerland

-Alcon Inc. has announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved the inclusion of its latest toric IOL (AcrySof IQ) in the reduced spherical aberration class of New Technology Intraocular Lenses (NTIOL).

The designation, which was effective July 31, increased the Medicare payment to ambulatory surgery centers for cataract surgery by $50 when the procedure is performed with the proprietary toric IOL, according to a prepared statement.

The new lens adds an aspheric optic to the existing version of the toric IOL (AcrySof Toric), which is designed to improve distance vision and image quality in cataract patients with pre-existing corneal astigmatism, the company said, adding that this lens is ideal for small-incision cataract surgery.

“The adoption of the [previous version of the IOL] has been rapid because [it] provides precise correction of pre-existing corneal astigmatism in patients who are undergoing cataract surgery,” said Stuart Raetzman, vice president, surgical and consumer products, Alcon. “The addition of an aspheric optic makes [the new lens] even more precise. The CMS decision validates the additional clinical benefits of our [new IOL].”

The company commercially launched the new toric IOL earlier this year in conjunction with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting, according to the release.