Bausch & Lomb accommodating IOL, eyetracker available

Key Points

Berlin-Bausch & Lomb (B&L) introduced the fourth generation of the only FDA-approved accommodating IOL (Crystalens HD) in Europe at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

The lens, which received CE mark approval in August, was launched in the U.S. market in July and supersedes a previous-generation lens (Crystalens Five-O model).

The optic of the fourth-generation lens provides an enhanced depth of focus designed to improve near vision without compromising intermediate or distance vision, the company said. The lens accomplishes this task without inducing increased undesirable dysphotopsia or night vision symptoms, according to the company.

Of the 67 subjects who were within ±0.50 D of intended target, J2 or better was achieved in 80% at 4 to 6 months, according to the company.

"The availability of the lens represents a major addition to our European IOL platform, now able to serve the growing demand for presbyopia solutions," said Mike Riding, vice president, surgical/Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Bausch & Lomb.

The initial limited launch of the lens in Europe will be followed by a complete rollout planned for the second quarter of 2009, the company said.

Additionally, the company launched a dynamic rotational eyetracking system (Zyoptix Advanced Control Eyetracking Technology).

Designed to improve patient safety, the system tracks and simultaneously adjusts the ablation pattern for the entire duration of the treatment, according to the company.

The system also has the capability to track and simultaneously compensate for static rotational movement, pupil shift, saccadic movement in the x and y plane, and movement along the z plane for more predictable and accurate outcomes. The system incorporates fully automated iris recognition.

The company also announced that it intends to form a joint venture focused on the laser vision correction industry with 20/10 Perfect Vision AG.

The joint venture will combine the refractive eye surgery assets of both businesses.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2008.