Alcon releases first U.S. trifocal IOL
The AcrySof IQ PanOptix offers a combination of distance, intermediate and near vision.
By Robert Stoneback, associate editor
Alcon received FDA approval for AcrySof IQ PanOptix, the only trifocal IOL available to U.S. patients. PanOptix, previously available in more than 70 countries, offers improved performance at near, intermediate and distance vision, which “significantly reduces” the need for glasses after cataract surgery according to Alcon.
PanOptix uses proprietary Enlighten technology, which creates several focal points, said Ahmet Tezel, PhD, during a recent PanOptix webcast. This technology results in 50% of light energy being used for distance vision, 25% for 60-cm vision and 25% for 40-cm vision, he said. The lens is available in spherical and toric designs.
Alcon has already begun surgeon training U.S. ophthalmologists, and inventory of the PanOptix and PanOptix Toric model is now available.
CLINICAL STUDY
The FDA’s approval of PanOptix followed positive results of a pivotal study involving 12 U.S. investigational sites. In this study, more than 80% of PanOptix patients indicated that they wear glasses or contacts “none of the time” for overall vision, and more than 99% of patients implanted with PanOptix indicated that would choose the PanOptix again.
“What’s so exciting to me is to hear directly from patients in the clinical study, as well as clinical investigators, and their feedback has been phenomenal,” said Jim Di Filippo, Alcon vice president and general manager, U.S. surgical division, during the webcast.
“TRUE” MULTIFOCAL
Jeff Horn, MD, owner of the Nashville, Tenn., Vision For Life clinic, participated in the IOL’s clinical trial and was the first physician to surgically implant the PanOptix in Tennessee.
“The quality of the vision in each lens is excellent,” he said, adding he also implanted the PanOptix into his fiancé’s eyes after her congenital cataract diagnosis. “She loves it,” he says. She’s never worn a pair of glasses since.”
Previous multifocal IOLs, Dr. Horn says, were really bifocals that forced patients to choose between having corrected arms’ length and far vision or corrected arm’s length and close vision — the PanOptix addresses all three ranges. OM
Disclosures: Dr. Horn is a consultant, investigator and speaker for Alcon.
CORRECTION
In the September Coding & Reimbursement column, the author wrote that “Effective Oct. 1, 2019, HCPCS code J1096 (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert, 0.4 mg) will be used; bill with one unit.”
J1096 is actually defined as 0.1 mg and is billed as four units. Ophthalmology Management regrets the error.
QUICK BITS
The FDA recently approved Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ prefilled syringe for Eylea (aflibercept). The 2-mg, single-dose, sterilized syringe is designed to let physicians administer Eylea with fewer preparation steps compared to vials. The Eylea prefilled syringe is expected to be available later this year.
Zeiss unveiled its Cirrus 6000 OCT system. New features include wider and deeper OCT/OCTA scans; a new scan type, HD AngioPlex scan; new workflow protocols, designed to improve efficiency; patient-friendly “wellness report,” to help educate patients.
Oculus announced it will introduce four new software features to its Corvis ST, a combination tonometer and Scheimpflug camera. The new features include assessment of biomechanical stability after corneal refractive surgery; biomechanical comparison display, monitoring changes over time; quantification of corneal elasticity based on stress-strain behavior of corneal tissue; and glaucoma screening software.
Topcon launched its Maestro2 Automated OCT/Fundus camera. The Maestro2 can capture high-resolution non-mydriatic, true color fundus photography, OCT and OCTA with a single button press. It also features the “Hood Report” for the structure/function analysis of glaucoma and a 360° rotating touch screen.
Quantel Medical acquired Optotek Medical, a Slovenian company that specializes in developing optical solutions and lasers for medical applications. The two companies have a history of collaboration, including the development and supply of devices for its anterior chamber lasers range.
Brett Foxman, MD, received a U.S. patent for a new version of the scleral depressor. The Foxman Scleral Depressor uses a quarter-circle arc ending, allowing surgeons improved access to the sclera without interfering with instruments such as a wide field lens system or microscope. It also uses a teardrop-shaped tip, which is less likely to catch on sutures, scleral buckle elements and the lid speculum.
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