Alcon receives CE Mark approval for new presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens

Alcon has announced that its new AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) has been granted European CE Mark approval.

Designed for patients undergoing cataract surgery who wish to use a single lens to address their near, intermediate and distance vision needs, the product will help patients to reduce their need to use glasses.

Without presbyopia-correcting lenses of this kind, most patients undergoing cataract surgery experience compromised near vision, meaning they often require additional vision correction following surgery such as reading glasses or contact lenses.

More than three million cataract surgeries are performed each year in Europe, with over 98 percent of these operations considered successful. Most patients can usually return to their normal routines very soon after surgery.

Franck Leveiller, head of research and development for Alcon's surgical franchise, said: "The AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal IOL is a significant innovation which further augments Alcon's presbyopia correcting portfolio, leveraging Alcon's market-leading AcrySof IQ IOL platform."

Alcon has been part of the Novartis group since 2011. Jeff George took over as the head of the business last year.