FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – OVERLAND PARK, KS
DURRIE VISION’S DR. TIMOTHY LINDQUIST NAMED FIRST SURGEON IN KC TO IMPLANT ALCON’S NEWLY RELEASED, FDA-APPROVED TRIFOCAL LENS.
Alcon (SIX/NYSE:ALC), the global leader in eye care, recently announced the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and its initial commercial launch of AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL), the first and only trifocal lens for U.S. patients undergoing refractive lens exchange or cataract surgery.
Dr. Timothy Lindquist, who specializes in refractive lens exchange, refractive cataract surgery, and laser vision correction procedures to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia at Durrie Vision, will be the first surgeon in the Kansas City metro to perform the refractive lens exchange procedure utilizing the PanOptix IOL.
“We’re thrilled to bring the latest IOL technology to our cataract and refractive lens exchange patients. The PanOptix lens is proven to provide crisp, clear vision at all distances, making it an excellent solution for those experiencing the frustrating and often debilitating effects of presbyopia and cataracts,” said Dr. Lindquist.
Alcon states that PanOptix is already one of the leading presbyopia-correcting IOLs in more than 70 countries. It is designed for today’s active lifestyles, from viewing mobile devices and computer screens to high-quality distance vision in a range of lighting conditions. The new lens uses ENLIGHTEN® Optical Technology, a proprietary design that optimizes intermediate vision without compromising near and distance vision. Available in spherical and toric designs, PanOptix is built on Alcon’s proven AcrySof IQ IOL platform that has been implanted in more than 120 million eyes globally.
“The visual demands of patients after age 50 have evolved over the years. This is an increasingly active group who expects their vision to perform without disruption at all distances – whether on their mobile phones or on the golf course,” said Dr. Jason Stahl, Durrie Vision CEO and refractive surgeon. “At Durrie Vision our goal is to customize the procedure to meet both the visual and lifestyle needs of each patient. Adding the PanOptix IOL to our lineup of premium lenses enables us to continue to deliver the personalized and exceptional visual outcomes the over 50 population has come to expect.”
Alcon states that the FDA approval of PanOptix was based on a pivotal study at 12 investigational sites in the U.S. With this single trifocal lens design, PanOptix patients demonstrated exceptional, uninterrupted vision. The results also showed high patient satisfaction with more than ninety-nine percent of PanOptix patients saying they would choose the same lens again.
“We are proud to bring this new class of IOLs to the largest eye care market in the world,” said David J. Endicott, Chief Executive Officer of Alcon. “We are leveraging Alcon’s years of experience with PanOptix in other countries to provide the best possible training and support for U.S. surgeons. Our goal is to ensure optimal outcomes for cataract patients looking to correct their vision at all distances, with the vast majority of them never needing to wear glasses post-surgery.”
More than 4 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., which is projected to increase by more than 16 percent by the end of 2024. The presbyopia-correcting IOL market is expected to grow 60 percent by the end of 2024.
About Cataracts
A cataract is a cloudy area in the natural lens of the eye that affects vision. As a cataract develops, the eye’s lens gradually becomes hard and cloudy allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see. The vast majority of cataracts result from normal aging, but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes and eye trauma can accelerate their development. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness. Twenty million people in the U.S. age 40 and older have cataracts. Cataracts are treated by removing the eye’s cloudy natural lens and surgically replacing it with an intraocular lens or IOL. More than 98 percent of cataract surgeries are considered successful, and patients typically can return to their normal routines within 24 hours.
About Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a common, age-related vision condition in which people have difficulty focusing on things up close. It involves the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, such as smart phones, computers, books and menus. Almost everyone will experience presbyopia to some degree as they age, with symptoms often first appearing as an individual enters their 40s and continues to worsen into their 60s. In the U.S., an estimated 112 million people experience vision issues due to presbyopia – a number that’s expected to continue increasing. The condition is not a disease, so it cannot be cured; however, there are safe and effective ways to correct presbyopia, including eye glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
About PanOptix
The AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide.
Potential Side Effects: Due to the design of multifocal IOLs, there are some side effects that can be associated with the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL models. These may be worse than with a monofocal IOL, including visual disturbances such as glare, rings around lights, starbursts (rays around light sources), and reduced contrast sensitivity (decrease in ability to distinguish objects from their background, especially in dim lighting). These side effects may make it more difficult to see while driving at night or completing tasks in low lighting conditions such as at night or in fog, or in a dimly lit room after surgery as compared to before surgery.
Further, a toric IOL corrects astigmatism only when it is placed in the correct position in the eye. There is a possibility that the toric IOL could be placed incorrectly or could move within the eye. If the toric lens is not positioned correctly following surgery, the change in your astigmatism correction by the IOL, along with any necessary correction with glasses, may cause visual distortions. If the lens rotates in your eye, you may need additional surgery to reposition or replace the IOL.
About Durrie Vision
Durrie Vision, located in Overland Park, KS, is a world-class refractive surgery center specializing in laser vision correction procedures to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, and cataracts. Offering the most advanced combination of diagnostic and treatment technology available, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results through customized vision correction procedures including SBK advanced LASIK, phakic IOL, refractive lens exchange and refractive cataract surgery. Our surgeons – Dr. Jason E. Stahl, Dr. Timothy P. Lindquist, and Dr. Daniel S. Durrie – are among the most experienced refractive surgeons in the country with international reputations as innovators and leaders in the field. Learn more at www.durrievision.com
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than seven decades, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 20,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Courtney Moilanen
Director of Marketing
Durrie Vision
8300 College Blvd., Suite 201
Overland Park, KS 66210
Phone 913-234-6301
cmoilanen@durrievision.com
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