In an educational program for cataract surgeons held November 7 in Atlanta, experts described a number of new options for premium cataract surgery. The program was supported by eyecare products manufacturer Bausch & Lomb in association with Ophthalmology Times.
New Cataract Surgery Technologies Promise Safer Outcomes and Better Vision
New technologies for premium cataract surgery discussed during the program included the Stellaris Vision Enhancement System, the Crystalens HD accommodating IOL, and the Akreos aspheric IOL. All these products are produced and marketed by Bausch & Lomb (Rochester, NY).
Stellaris Vision Enhancement System
The Stellaris Vision Enhancement System is a new surgical platform that allows ophthalmologists to perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery with very small incisions (2 mm or smaller). The Stellaris system also has other advanced controls to increase surgical safety and efficiency.
(Phacoemulsification, or “phaco,” is a cataract surgery technique wherein the surgeon uses a small ultrasonic probe to break up the cloudy lens into very small pieces, which are then removed from the eye with suction. Phaco has become the method of choice for most cataract surgeons because it can be performed with much smaller incisions than traditional cataract surgery, speeding recovery time after surgery.)
Crystalens HD Accommodating IOL
The Crystalens HD accommodating IOL is an advanced intraocular lens (IOL) used in cataract surgery. Unlike other IOLs, the Crystalens HD is capable of slight movements within the eye in response to focusing effort. This “accommodation” restores some intermediate and near vision lost to the normal aging change in the eye called presbyopia. The Crystalens HD IOL thereby reduces the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Akreos Aspheric IOL
The Akreos aspheric IOL is a new intraocular lens with advanced optics that recently gained approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. The lens is made of a soft, flexible material (the lens is folded for placement inside the eye and unfolds automatically) and protects the eye’s light-sensitive retina from harmful UV rays from sunlight. The aspheric curves of the Akreos IOL more closely mimic the optics of the eye’s natural lens than other IOLs and thereby provides sharper distortion-free vision, according to the manufacturer.
Multiple Techniques and Lenses for Premium Cataract Surgery
The field of cataract surgery is continually changing and many options are now available for “premium” cataract surgery — surgery that is performed with advanced techniques and/or employs the use of advanced intraocular lenses.
If you are considering cataract surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon about the latest premium cataract surgery techniques and products available. Be aware that premium IOLs may increase your cataract surgery cost.