FORT WORTH, Texas, July 17, 2020 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, will present key data highlighting advancements in vitreoretinal surgery during the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) 2020 virtual annual meeting, taking place July 24-26. New data about the effectiveness of the HYPERVIT^® Dual Blade Vitrectomy Probe and other retina surgical platforms will be presented. The company will also host a virtual exhibit booth, complete with information on product innovations including latest updates to the NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System (NGENUITY 1.4), which improves and streamlines user experience.

“During our current, ever-changing health landscape, it’s important that we continue to advance research and innovations in vitreoretinal surgery to help provide ophthalmologists with leading technology to safely meet the needs of patients,” said Sergio Duplan, President, North America. “We look forward to connecting with retina surgeons through interactive resources and activities in our virtual booth, as well as by sharing key updates on our innovative technologies and research, including HYPERVIT and NGENUITY.”

HYPERVIT Dual Blade Vitrectomy Probe Provides More Stability and Improved Performance

The HYPERVIT Dual Blade Vitrectomy Probe enhances stability and control during microincision vitrectomy.¹ New data presented at ASRS will demonstrate how the HYPERVIT 20,000 cpm probe may provide more continuous engagement, more effective cutting and less repulsion of both soft and hard cataracts than single cutting 7,500 cpm probes. Additionally, another study will show HYPERVIT 20,000 cpm probes may provide more optimal vitreous aspiration near the port than previous generation single-cutting probes, such as the ULTRAVIT^® 10,000 cpm probe.

• Poster Presentation: Dual Cutting 20,000 cpm Probe Aspiration of Retained Lens Fragment, Presented by Dr. Martin Charles.
• Poster Presentation: Analysis of Vitreous Motion During 25+Ga Dual Cutting 20,000 cpm Probe Aspiration, Presented by Dr. Dina Abulon.

“During retina surgery, having a controlled workspace with minimal movement helps drive efficiency,” said Dr. Martin Charles, Co-director at Centro Oftalmológico Dr. Daniel Charles S.A. in Argentina. “HYPERVIT enables me to get closer to the membrane right above the retina with a more stable movement closer to the port and more precise pulsatile motion. In the study we are presenting at the meeting, the findings confirm the advanced performance of this probe and why it’s a more efficient option for retina surgery.”

New NGENUITY 1.4 Improves Workflow in the Operating Room

Building on the advanced technology and enhanced visualization of the NGENUITY 3D Visualization System, Alcon will launch the NGENUITY 1.4 upgrade at ASRS. The upgrade includes a color optimization and a streamlined DATAFUSIONTM setup, including a unified CONSTELLATION^® workflow, allowing retina surgeons to track key surgical parameters in real-time during surgery. These advancements enhance the surgical cockpit, while also helping improve patient outcomes and surgeon ergonomics during surgery. ^2,3 These workflow improvements, plus the enhanced visualization, supports surgeons in flexibility of operating room spacing and setup when performing surgeries in the current COVID-19 environment.

Additional benefits for retina surgeons include:

• Enhancements to the CONSTELLATION system, including:
  • Robustness and workflow improvements⁴
  • Image linking and simplified mapping to image modes⁵
• Improved user experience with light temperature and color image modes, minimizing the need for NGENUITY System white balance by providing easy to access light temperature settings.⁶

This latest version of the NGENUITY System will be available for the anterior segment as well later this month. Updated new features for cataract surgeons include simultaneous viewing of the CENTURION^® Vision System surgical parameters for real-time surgical feedback and ORA VerifEye+^® cart data and aberrometer reticle displayed on NGENUITY.

Examining Intraocular Pressure in Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery

Key data presented at the meeting will evaluate efficacy, stability in intraocular pressure during surgery, the number of intra- and post-operative complications and the use of smaller gauge instruments and surgical platforms offered by CONSTELLATION Vision System and ACCURUS.

• Poster Presentation: A Systematic Literature Review on Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery Tools in Controlling Intraocular Pressure Fluctuations in Vitreoretinal Diseases, Presented by Dr. Maria Berrocal, et al.
• Poster Presentation: A Systematic Literature Review on the Safety and Reduction of Complications with Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery Tools in Vitreoretinal Diseases, Presented by Dr. Caroline Baumal, et al.

Virtual Interactive Resources and Networking Opportunities

Visit the virtual Alcon booth to learn more about Alcon’s corporate giving and how the company is continuing to support communities, doctors and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual booth will also feature 3D product renderings and on-demand content, including case videos and discussions from previous retina broadcasts.

About Vitreoretinal Surgery

Vitreoretinal surgery is a sub-specialty of ophthalmology focused in diseases and surgery of the back of the eye including the retina and the vitreous body of the eye. The retina is a light-sensitive area that includes the macula, which is made-up of light-sensitive cells that provide sharp, detailed vision. The vitreous body of the eye is a clear gel that fills the space between the retina and the lens. The retina, the macula, and the vitreous body can all be subject to various diseases and conditions that can lead to blindness or vision loss and may require the attention of a vitreoretinal surgeon.

MIVS IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION

The HYPERVIT^® Dual Blade Vitrectomy Probe is indicated for vitreous cutting and aspiration, membrane cutting and aspiration, dissection of tissue and lens removal. Improper usage or assembly could result in a potentially hazardous condition for the patient. Mismatch of surgical components and use of settings not specifically adjusted for a particular combination of surgical components may affect system performance and create a patient hazard. Do not connect surgical components to the patient’s intravenous connections. Each surgical equipment/component combination may require specific surgical setting adjustments. Please refer to the User Manual for a complete list of appropriate uses, warnings and precautions.

About NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System

The NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System consists of a 3D stereoscopic, high-definition digital video camera and workstation to provide magnified stereoscopic images of objects during micro-surgery. It acts as an adjunct to the surgical microscope during surgery displaying real-time images or images from recordings. Please refer to the User Manual for a complete list of appropriate uses, warnings and precautions.

Disclaimer

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “commitment,” “look forward,” “maintain,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict. Some of these factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of its filing, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

References

1. Irannejad A, Tambat S, Abulon DJK. Retropulsion and mass flow of 27-gauge vitrectomy probes: comparison of dual-blade/flat-tipped probes and single-blade/beveled probes. Poster presented at: 18th Congress of the European Society of Retina Specialists; September 20–23, 2018; Vienna, Austria.
2. Eckardt, C, Paulo, EB. Heads-up surgery for vitreoretinal procedures: an experimental and clinical study. Retina. 2016;36(1):137–47. doi:10.1097/IAE.0000000000000689.
3. Yin L, Sarangapani R. Assessment of visual attributes for NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System 1.0 for digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery. Alcon Modeling and Simulation. December 2017.
4. Alcon data on file, November 2019.
5. Alcon data on file, November 2019.
6. Alcon data on file, November 2019.

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.

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Media Relations

Blake Overby
+ 817 551 4328 (Fort Worth)
+ 1 682 321 2897 (Fort Worth)
[email protected]