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Focus on IOLs

Unlike the original AcrySof, which combined an AcrySof acrylic optic with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) haptics, the SA60AT is a single-piece lens made entirely of the AcrySof material.

"The AcrySof single-piece is durable, yet flexible enough for gentle delivery through a small incision," says a spokesperson for Alcon. "The bioadhesive properties of the AcrySof material, along with the design, allow for a closed system to inhibit proliferation of lens epithelial cells."

The AcrySof SA60AT is available from 6D to 40D and is compatible with the Monarch II delivery system.

Phone: (800) 862-5266
Web: www.alconlabs.com

The Clariflex silicone IOL features OptiEdge, a design that combines three characteristics: a rounded anterior edge to scatter light and reduce internal reflections, a sloping side edge to reduce glare, and a squared posterior edge to facilitate 360º capsular contact.

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) believes the OptiEdge design is an improvement over traditional IOL edge design (squared anterior edge and squared posterior edge). Although double-squared edges have been shown to reduce posterior capsule opacification, they may be associated with patient complaints of glare.

The Sensar, an acrylic foldable IOL from AMO, is also available with the OptiEdge design.

Phone: (800) 366-6554
Web: www.amo-inc.com

The Soflex L161U, from Bausch & Lomb, is an ultraviolet-absorbing IOL with a refractive index of 1.43. It's supported by blue PMMA extruded haptics, which are shaped in a modified "C" and have a 5º angulation. The Soflex is 13 mm long and is available from 5D to 30D in 0.5D increments.

Bausch & Lomb recommends using the Mport injector to deliver the Soflex.

A square-edged version of the Soflex will be available in the spring of 2003, along with an improved Mport. The new Mport will deliver the Soflex through an unenlarged phaco incision.

Phone: (800) 531-2020
Web: www.bausch.com

CIBA Vision reports that the posterior square edge of the CV232 Square-Round-Edge IOL facilitates 360º capsular contact, while the lens' round anterior edge effectively minimizes glare.

In addition, the CV232 comes pre-rolled; it doesn't require a folder or injector. Once inserted in the capsular bag, the lens begins to unfold gradually and center itself. The pre-rolled configuration should allow for easy viscoelastic removal.

Phone: (800) 348-9595
Web: www.cibavision.com

The Tecnis Z9000 IOL features Z-Sharp optic technology to improve a post-cataract patient's contrast sensitivity (see illustration, below).

The Tecnis has an aspheric, prolate anterior surface and negative spherical aberration, like a young, healthy lens, which should compensate for corneal aberrations and produce crisp vision.

In addition, the Tecnis has polyvinylidine fluoride haptics and a capsular C design.

Phone: (800) 344-4393
Web: www.pharmacia.com

The CQ2003V is a biconvex three-piece lens with Polyimide haptics. The optical diameter of the lens is 6.0 mm; the overall length is 13.0 mm.

The CQ2003V lens is made of Collamer, an "exceptionally biocompatible" collagen copolymer with a high refractive index that absorbs ultraviolet rays. In addition, Collamer unfolds gently in the eye, according to STAAR.

The company also says that unlike acrylic lenses, Collamer transmits light almost exactly the way a natural lens does; Collamer's light transmittance and reflective characteristics are nearly identical to those of the human crystalline lens. This results in fewer optical aberrations from internal reflectance.

Phone: (626) 303-7902
Web: www.staar.com

More Products & Services

The curved blades of the Kershner Foldable Lens Insertion Forceps mimic the curvature of foldable IOLs.

IOL INSERTION AID

Rhein Medical has added the Kershner Foldable Lens Insertion Forceps to its catalog. The forceps are designed for handling aspheric-surface IOLs, as well as silicone, hydrophilic and acrylic IOLs.

The forceps can be used to grasp the lens from the carrier and load it into an injector, or used to implant the IOL directly through a clear corneal incision.

The forceps have mirror-polished jaws to prevent scratching of the lens optics, and they won't crush the optic surface.

Rhein Medical
Phone: (800) 637-4346
E-mail: info@rheinmedical.com
Web: www.rheinmedical.com

Surgical Specialties says Extended Wear Punctal Plugs take longer than collagen plugs to be absorbed.

EXTENDED-WEAR PLUG

Surgical Specialties has added the Extended Wear Punctal Plug to its UltraPlug line. The Extended Wear plug is made of a synthetic absorbable material that lasts longer than collagen, to allow longer-term evaluation of post-surgical dry eye symptoms before full absorption. Surgical Specialties recommends patient evaluation within 2 months.

The Extended Wear plug is available in diameters of 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm, and two lengths: standard (2.0 mm) and short (1.6 mm). Surgical Specialties supplies the plugs two per package, 10 packages per box.

Surgical Specialties
Phone: (800) 523-3332
Web: www.surgicalspecialties.com

Your patients may now use Opti-Free Express to clean and disinfect their silicone hydrogel lenses.

NEW OPTI-FREE INDICATION

The FDA has cleared Opti-Free Express Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution for use with silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Alcon has added the new indication to Opti-Free Express' carton, label and package insert. Directions for use are the same as for other soft lenses.

Alcon
Phone: (800) 862-5266
Web: www.alconlabs.com

The Bluminator has an expected life span of 3 to 5 years of normal use.

BLUMINATOR

Eidolon Optical believes its Eidolon Bluminator ophthalmic illuminator will revolutionize corneal exams.

"The Bluminator provides an unobscured 7X image," says Eidolon Optical. "The Bluminator's unique LED-based design affords a clear, detailed view of the eye to facilitate detection and diagnosis of corneal injuries and irregularities, while streamlining contact lens fittings."

The company sells the Bluminator for less than $50.

Eidolon Optical
Phone: (508) 651-0015
E-mail: vjdeidolon@msn.com

OPTOS PROGRAM

Optos is launching a traveling educational program, "The Optomap Retinal Exam -- A Revolutionary Modality for Screening and Early Retinal Disease Detection in Primary Eye Care."

The program educates eyecare professionals on the benefits of the Optos' Optomap Retinal Exam. The program includes a product demonstration and marketing tips.

Optos will soon be offering the programs in the following cities: Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Cincinnati; Denver; Detroit; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Houston; Phoenix, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Richmond, Va.; St. Louis; San Diego; and San Francisco. For dates and times, visit Optos' Web site.

Optos
Phone: (877) 455-8855, ext. 100
Web: www.optos.com