Bausch & Lomb lens designed for implantation through 1.8-mm incision

Rochester, NY—Bausch & Lomb Surgical announced the U.S. launch of its microincision lens (Akreos AO, Model MI60L).

The spherical aberration-free lens has been developed specifically for microincision cataract surgery (MICS), and the company said it will refer to the lens within the United States as the Akreos MICS. Its award-winning design and glistening-free material allow implantation through a 1.8-mm incision while maintaining the optical quality and stability established with the parent lens design (Akreos AO).

When the new lens is coupled with a vision enhancement system (Stellaris, Bausch & Lomb), small-incision surgeons now can benefit from the universal advantages provided by the MICS platform, the company said. Among the advantages are increased wound sealability and a reduction in both endothelial cell loss and surgically induced astigmatism, according to a statement issued by the company.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services granted new technology intraocular lens (NTIOL) designation to the MICS IOL for its spherical aberration-reducing design. The NTIOL designation became effective April 30 and means Medicare reimbursement to ambulatory surgery centers for cataract surgery will increase by $50 when surgery is performed with the MICS IOL, according to the company.

“We have strategically timed the launch of the . . . MICS IOL in order to best support surgeons and their patients by providing our latest technological advancements in aspheric optics with NTIOL designation,” said Mike Judy, vice president of worldwide marketing, Bausch & Lomb Surgical. “By introducing an advanced technology lens with a designation that recognizes the high level of performance this lens provides, we continue the Bausch & Lomb tradition of delivering quality products and innovation that perfect vision and enhance life.”