FDA Approves Alcon’s Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lens for Cataract Patients

Alcon has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3.0D Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL). The new IOL is designed to address presbyopia and pre-existing corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery in adult patients who desire good near, intermediate and distance vision with an increased potential for spectacle independence. The product is already commercially available in the European Union, Australia, Canada, and many countries in Central and South America and Asia.
 
“The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3.0D Multifocal Toric IOL is an important addition to our market-leading IOL portfolio, and broadens our offering of presbyopia- and astigmatism-correcting lenses to meet the different visual needs of patients,” said Sergio Duplan, Alcon Region President for North America. “We are committed to delivering ongoing innovation that enables surgeons to provide the best possible outcome for their patients.”
 
Nearly 4 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the United States, and more than 50% of those patients have levels of astigmatism that could be addressed with these new IOLs^1,2. Worldwide, nearly 1.7 billion people experience near vision issues due to presbyopia, an eye condition that involves the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to actively focus on close objects. Due to the aging population, this number is expected to soar to more than 2 billion people with presbyopia by 2020³.
 
“Correcting presbyopia and astigmatism, with one lens, at the time of cataract surgery is a great benefit to patients and can improve patient satisfaction,” said Dr. Stephen Lane, Medical Director, Associated Eye Care and Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota. “The introduction of this advanced technology IOL gives us an additional treatment option to help reduce dependence on spectacles for patients with astigmatism.”
 
Alcon plans to commercialize AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3.0D Multifocal Toric IOLs in the United States on a rolling basis starting in the first quarter of 2017. 
 
References
¹Market Scope, Global IOL Market Report, May 2016.
²Provided courtesy of Dr. Warren Hill. Accessed August 2016. Available at: http://www.doctor-hill.com/iol-main/astigmatism_chart.htm. 
³Market Scope, Global Presbyopia-Correcting Surgery Market Report, April 2012.