Alcon receives approval for intraocular lens

Alcon has announced that its +3.0 diopter add power AcrySof IQ ReSTOR intraocular lens (IOL) has been approved for certain uses, after a clinical trial resulted in a 95 per cent patient satisfaction rate.

The product can now be used for cataract surgery on presbyopic patients in the US.

It was found that the proportion of patients that achieved 20/20 or better vision with the lens during the clinical trial was almost four times that of the group wearing the control lens.

Following approval from the Food and Drug Administration, Alcon said the device “meets a growing desire” for cataract patients who have undergone surgery.

“Advanced technology IOLs that correct for presbyopia and astigmatism are the fastest growing IOL segment of cataract surgery,” said Kevin Buehler, senior vice-president of global markets and chief executive officer of the company.

Alcon specialises in eye care but also operates pharmaceutical and surgical divisions.

It currently distributes its products in over 180 countries and has around 15,000 employees across the world.

Sales as of 2007 reached $5.6 billion (3.8 million pounds).