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Alcon Announces New Cataract Surgery Outcomes Data, Hosts Robust Educational Program at ESCRS

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  • New data support performing cataract surgery at more physiologic IOP in patients with ocular comorbidities—diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma 1
  • Scientific studies reinforce low visual disturbances and consistent, excellent outcomes with Alcon PCIOLs 2-5
  • Interactive, artistic partnership with Eyes of the World supports medical missions, underscores Alcon commitment to social impact, sustainability

FORT WORTH, September 4, 2024 – Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, will present compelling scientific data at the 42nd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Barcelona, Spain, from September 6-10. Numerous abstracts will highlight Alcon’s leading surgical ophthalmic products and equipment, designed for optimized patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. Educational opportunities and symposia will highlight the Alcon Vision Suite portfolio, including advanced diagnostic technologies, intraocular lenses (IOLs) as well as the Wavelight® refractive platform. The complete schedule of Alcon ESCRS events is available at MyAlcon.com.

“We are thrilled to continue championing innovation for our surgeons and patients with our robust collection of scientific data and education activities at this year’s ESCRS,” said Sunil Vasanth, Alcon’s Vice President Surgical Franchise, Europe. “The tangible impact that our ground-breaking research and development efforts are having on our customers—and ophthalmology as a whole—is clearer than ever, and we’re excited to demonstrate that in Barcelona.”

Results support operating at a more physiologic intraocular pressure (IOP) in cataract surgery. Steel et al. finds that phacoemulsification with CENTURION® Vision System with Active Sentry® at higher (60 mmHg) and lower near physiologic (30 mmHg) IOP provides similar surgical efficiency and anatomical outcomes in patients with ocular comorbidities. Near physiologic IOP group showed less reduction in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ).1 Other presentations adding to the growing body of evidence around the benefits of operating at a more physiological IOP include:

    • To Explore The Impact Of Different Intraocular Pressure Settings On The Safety And Prognosis In Phacoemulsification, presented by Dr. Shouyan Wanga.6

In addition to these studies, Alcon’s Medical Affairs team will host a medical symposium “Why it matters to perform cataract surgery at a near physiologic IOP?” on Sunday, September 8 at 9:30 CEST, moderated by Prof. Dr. Gäbor Scharioth. For more information on Medical Affairs activities at ESCRS, please visit Medical Affairs | MyAlcon | International.

Data from multiple studies reinforce low instances of visual disturbances and high spectacle independence for PanOptix®. In a study by Kohnen et al. on Clareon® PanOptix, visual performance of the PanOptix IOL showed good visual acuity at all distances, high patient satisfaction and spectacle independence, and good contrast sensitivity with no glistenings 12 months postoperatively. 2 Data from Modi demonstrates lower instances of visual disturbances at 6 months post-op in AcrySof® IQ PanOptix IOLs, when compared to TECNIS Synergy*.3 A study from Zhu also finds the risks of “severe” and “very bothersome” visual disturbances (halos, glares and starbursts) to be low in patients with bilateral implantation of AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOLs.4 Attendees can also view additional PanOptix data, most notably:

    • Evaluation of reading performance after diffractive trifocal IOL implantation in refractive lens exchange using an electronic reading desk, presented by Dr. Ramin Khoramnia.5

Additional data support consistent outcomes with Alcon Vivity® IOLs, including a study from Urcola, Lauzirika et al. showing Vivity’s continued success in delivering excellent visual outcomes at all distances, even in patients with mild and stable primary open-angle glaucoma.7 Additional data from Sararols et al. demonstrates Vivity excellent outcomes with patients undergoing phacoemulsification in one eye and phacovitrectomy for epiretinal membrane in the fellow eye.8

Alcon to host robust educational program at ESCRS and commercially launch Fidelis™ VR simulator. This year, Alcon will support the ESCRS Education Lab, where nearly 150 surgeons will have the opportunity to experience the Fidelis Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator for an immersive, haptic simulation that aims to improve training outcomes and bolster surgical confidence. Fidelis software is now available commercially worldwide.

Three additional Alcon symposia and one near-live surgery session will feature Alcon products and services, including:

    • “Breaking Barriers on Presbyopia Correcting Surgery” on Sunday, September 8 at 13:00 CEST, moderated by Prof. Ike Ahmed.
    • Wavelight Refractive Platform: A paradigm shift in personalized precision,” on Saturday, September 7 at 16:00 CEST, moderated by Mr. Arthur Cummings.
    • Alcon Eye to Eye Innovations which bring you confidence to do better,” on Saturday, September 7 at 13:00 CEST, moderated by Prof. Antoine Brezin.
    • A unique opportunity to watch José F. Alfonso, MD, conduct a near-live cataract surgery session on Saturday, September 7 at 14:00 CEST, which will include products from the Alcon Vision Suite and Alcon IOLs.

Additional educational opportunities and experiences for surgeons will be available at the Alcon booth #7.A00, including hands-on sessions with our newly acquired Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device. For details on all Alcon ESCRS activities, click here.

Social Impact and Sustainability (SIS) will be at the forefront of the ESCRS Congress for Alcon with an interactive art display. Alcon will proudly present the “Gaze Machine – Your Gaze, Their Vision,” an interactive digital art exhibition designed by contemporary artist, Solimán López. For each participant gaze captured at booth 6.F77, Alcon will fund an operation during an upcoming medical mission organized by Eyes of the World, a non-profit organization that works to eradicate preventable blindness in some of the most vulnerable areas of the world. This digital artwork will be exhibited in various art spaces following ESCRS to educate communities about the importance of eye health and the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular diseases that can lead to blindness.

Alcon is also a three-year partner for the ESCRS’ Building Our Sustainable, Inclusive Society (BOSS) program, which is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels that they are part of an inclusive and open culture. Alcon leaders will play active roles in this year’s dedicated mentoring sessions and symposia. Alcon continues to join forces with the ESCRS in standing for environmental sustainability by providing water stations throughout the congress venue to help reduce plastic waste. More information surrounding Alcon’s ongoing SIS initiatives and progress can be found in the 2023 Social Impact and Sustainability Report.

Alcon medical device(s) comply with the current legislation for the medical devices. Please refer to relevant products directions for use or operator’s manuals for complete lists of indications, contraindications and warnings.

Products mentioned may not be approved in all markets; please reach out to your Alcon Representative for questions about availability in your local market.

This content is intended for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) only. Please note that product-related promotion of Medical Devices to non-HCPs may be subject to restrictions based on local rules and regulations.

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, 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 25,000 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.

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References

  1. Steel, David, et al. The Effect Of Intraocular Pressure During Phacoemulsification In Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy And Glaucoma; A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
  2. Kohnen. Implantation Of A Presbyopia Correcting IOL With New Hydrophobic Material: 12 Months Results. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
  3. Modi S., Lehmann R. Comparison of Visual Function Between Two Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses: A Randomized Bilateral Study. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
  4. Zhu D., Zhang J. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Visual Disturbances with a Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A meta-analysis. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
  5. Khoramnia R, MD, Hassel O. Evaluation Of Reading Performance After Diffractive Trifocal IOL Implantation In Refractive Lens Exchange Using An Electronic Reading Desk. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
  6. Wang, Shouyan. Comparison of clinical outcomes of cataract surgery using low IOP versus traditional intraoperative IOP setting. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
  7. Urcola J A., Lauzirika, G., et al. Evaluation Of Visual Outcomes After Implantation Of An Extended Depth-Of-Focus Intraocular Lens In Patients With Mild Glaucoma. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
  8. Sararols, Laura. A Prospective Study Of The Bilateral Implantation Of An Extended Depth Of Focus Intraocular Lens In Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification In One Eye And Phacovitrectomy For Epiretinal Membrane In The Fellow Eye. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.

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