Abbott (Des Plaines, Ill.) announced last week it has received FDA approval for its new one-piece Tecnis Multifocal IOL for cataract patients with and without presbyopia.
Also, the new multifocal IOL has received “presbyopia-correcting IOL” status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), giving Medicare beneficiaries the option to receive the Tecnis Multifocal IOL during cataract surgery for an additional fee to cover the extra cataract surgery cost.
“With this approval, Medicare cataract patients have a new opportunity to enjoy near, intermediate and distance vision without needing glasses,” said Jim Mazzo, senior vice president, Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) in a press release issued by the company on March 10.
According to the company, nearly 9 out of 10 patients undergoing cataract surgery and receiving the one-piece Tecnis Multifocal IOL in clinical trials reported never needing glasses after surgery.
Abbott has begun shipping the new multifocal IOL to cataract surgeons in select markets and plans for full commercial release beginning in April 2010.
More information about the new one-piece Tecnis Multifocal IOL, including important safety information, is available at www.abbottmedicaloptics.com.
Tags: multifocal IOLs, Tecnis