Geneva, May 1, 2019– Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, will feature new clinical data along with innovative product designs and technologyfor the Cataract Refractive Suiteduring the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2019 annual meeting, taking place May 3-7 in San Diego, CA. The company – which recently became an independent, publicly-traded entity – will be included in 170 scientific abstracts at the meeting, underscoring its efforts to support surgeons with the most complete line of ophthalmic surgical devices.

“It’s an exciting time at Alcon. We are the largest independent eye care device company in the world, with a powerful plan for innovation and growth, fueled in part by the data and technology we will be showcasing at ASCRS this year,” said Sergio Duplan, Region President, North America, Alcon. “This meeting offers another opportunity to demonstrate our focus in delivering advancements in areas we know are important to our customers – especially personalization, precision and efficiency during surgery to deliver better patient outcomes.”

Innovating in Phacoemulsification (Phaco) Technology 

In an effort to improve safety, consistency and control during cataract surgery, Alcon will launchthe ACTIVE SENTRY^®Handpiece and INTREPID^®Hybrid Tip. The ACTIVE SENTRY^®Handpiece is the first and only phaco handpiece with a built-in fluidics pressure sensor that detects pressure in real time and communicates with the CENTURION^®Vision System.The INTREPID^®Hybrid Tip is an update to the popular INTREPID^®BALANCED Tip, and includes a rounded polymer edge designed to reduce the risk of capsular tears and improve patient safety in the OR.¹Several posters and presentations will highlight the clinical significance of these devices.

• Monday, May 6
  • Paper Presentation: Occlusion Break Surge Volume Reduction with Active Sentry, Presented by Dr. Kevin M. Miller (3:40 – 3:45 p.m., San Diego Convention Center [SDCC], Upper Level, Room 1B).
• Tuesday, May 7
  • Paper Presentation: Evaluation of the Capsular Safety of a Novel Hybrid Phacoemulsification Tip in a Cadaver Eye Model, Presented by Dr. Caleb L. Shumway, et al. (10:07 – 10:12 a.m., SDCC, Upper Level, Room 1A).

Changing the Paradigm in Visualization

Alcon will feature two technologies that aim to improve surgeon visualization during cataract surgery.

• The new LuxOR Revalia™ Ophthalmic Microscope delivers enhanced visualization during all stages of cataract surgery through unique and personalized LED illumination technology.²
• NGENUITY^®3D Visualization System will now be available in the Cataract Refractive Suite to bring unprecedented 3D visualization for the anterior space.³In addition to offering greater depth of focus during cataract surgery, the system enables a full view of the surgical procedure for the entire OR staff, and enhances training and teaching capabilities for residents and fellows. It also allows the surgeon to operate with a more ergonomic posture during surgery.⁴ 

Highlighting Advantages of Intraoperative Aberrometry 

The ORA SYSTEM^®powered by AnalyzOR™Technology is the only intraoperative aberrometer to bring precise, real-time tracking of refractive outcomes for continual optimization during surgery. Key data shared at the meeting will examine the results of using intraoperative aberrometry versus pre-operative formulas. 

• Saturday, May 4
  • Paper Presentation:Refractive Outcomes Using Intraoperative Aberrometry for Highly Myopic, Highly Hyperopic, and Post-Refractive Eyes, Presented by Dr. Terry Kim, et al. (1:45 – 1:50 p.m., SDCC, Upper Level, Room 1B).
• Tuesday, May 7
  • Paper Presentation: Use of a Refractive Analysis Database for Intraocular Lens Power Optimization in Cataract Surgery, Presented by Dr. Robert J. Cionni et al. (9:00 – 9:05 a.m., SDCC, Upper Level, Room 1B).

Alcon will be hosting a symposium titled Intra-Operative Aberrometry (IOA) In Modern Cataract Refractive Surgery for Current and Future Users Summitfor existing or interested ORA SYSTEM^®technology users; the symposium will focus on ORA intraoperative aberrometry with preoperative formulas. This event will be held on Friday, May 3 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Marriott Marquis, San Diego Marina, Ballroom 10.

Examining the Benefits of Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs

Alcon’s ReSTOR^®+2.5D ACTIVEFOCUS™ is the only multifocal toric IOL that delivers uncompromised distance vision and unrivaled stability.^5-10New data will be presented which looks at the satisfaction of patients implanted with a ReSTOR^®2.5 and 3.0 add lens combination and therotational stability with ACTIVEFOCUS™Toric IOLs versus TECNIS^®Toric IOLs*.

• Saturday, May 4
  • Paper Presentation: Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Spectacle Independence Using Mini-monovision with the Multifocal IOLs in Cataract Surgery, Presented by Dr. John A. Hovanesian (2:10 – 2:15 p.m., SDCC, Upper Level, Room 7B).
• Tuesday, May 7
  • Paper Presentation: Residual Astigmatism after IOL Placement: An Update in Rotational Trends, Presented by Dr. Brent A. Kramer, et al. (10:32 – 10:37 a.m., SDCC, Upper Level, Room 1B).

Alcon will also have the following events onsite:

• The Focal Point: Teachable Moments in Cataract Surgeryfrom the Alcon Experience Academy, during which world-class surgeons will discuss cataract cases via a wide-screen, high-definition 3D video presentation. The event will take place on Saturday, May 4 from 6:15 – 7:45 p.m., SDCC, Hall E.
• Surgeon to Surgeon gives surgeons who visit the Alcon booth #921 the opportunity to talk one-on-one with other surgeons about some of the most innovative eye care technologies in the industry.
• Alcon (ALC):Our Next Chapter lunch event enables attendees to learn more about the new, independent Alcon including a look at how the company plans to shape the future of ophthalmology. This will take place on Sunday, May 5 from 11:30 – 1:00 PM, SDCC, Hall E.

Visit Alcon booth #921 to learn more and experience hands-on demonstrations of the Alcon cataract and refractive portfolio, including our newest innovations.

All educational content of the ASCRS•ASOA Annual Meeting is planned by its program committee, and ASCRS•ASOA does not endorse, promote, approve, or recommend the use of any products, devices, or services.

About Centurion^®Vision

The CENTURION^® Vision system is indicated for emulsification, separation, irrigation, and aspiration of cataracts, residual cortical material and lens epithelial cells, vitreous aspiration and cutting associated with anterior vitrectomy, bipolar coagulation, and intraocular lens injection. Appropriate use of CENTURION^®Vision System parameters and accessories is important for successful procedures. Please refer to the ORA SYSTEM^®Operator’s Manual for a complete description of proper use and maintenance, as well as a complete list of contraindications, warnings and precautions.

About LuxOR Revalia™ Ophthalmic Microscope

The LuxOR Revalia™ Ophthalmic Microscope features unique technologies designed to optimize both anterior and posterior procedures, providing superior visualization¹for every type of ophthalmic surgery.As with all ophthalmic microscopes, exposure during aphakia should be limited to reduce the risk of damage. During aphakia, limit exposure to red reflex light to no more than 7 minutes.

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.

About ORA SYSTEM^®powered by AnalyzOR™ 

The ORA SYSTEM^®technology utilizes wavefront aberrometry data to measure and analyze the refractive power of the eye (i.e. sphere, cylinder, and axis measurements) to support cataract surgical procedures. Please refer to the User Manual for a complete list of appropriate uses, warnings and precautions.

About ReSTOR^®+2.5D with ACTIVEFOCUS™ optical design

The AcrySof^®IQ ReSTOR^®Posterior Chamber Intraocular Multifocal IOLs include AcrySof^®IQ ReSTOR^®and AcrySof^®IQ ReSTOR^®Toric and are intended for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia secondary to removal of a cataractous lens in adult patients with and without presbyopia, who desire near, intermediate and distance vision with increased spectacle independence. In addition, the AcrySof^®IQ ReSTOR^®Toric IOL is intended to correct pre-existing astigmatism. The lenses are intended to be placed in the capsular bag. Careful preoperative evaluation and sound clinical judgment should be used by the surgeon to decide the risk/benefit ratio before implanting a lens in a patient with any of the conditions described in the Directions for Use labeling for each IOL. Some patients may experience visual disturbances and/or discomfort due to multifocality, especially under dim light conditions. Prior to surgery, physicians should provide prospective patients with a copy of the Patient Information Brochure available from Alcon informing them of possible risks and benefits associated with the AcrySof^®IQ ReSTOR^®IOLs.

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. In particular, our expectations could be affected by uncertainties regarding the success of our separation and spin-off from Novartis. 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. Alcon Data on File.
2. Alcon Data on File.
3. Alcon Data on File. 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. Eckardt C, Paulo EB. HEADS-UP SURGERY FOR VITREORETINAL PROCEDURES: An Experimental and Clinical Study. Retina. 2016 Jan;36(1):137–47.
5. Alcon Data on File (Jul 2016).
6. AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +2.5 D Multifocal Toric IOL Directions for Use.
7. Vega F, Alba-Bueno F, Millán MS, Varon C, Gil MA, Buil JA. Halo and through-focus performance of four diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015;56(6):3967-3975 (study conducted with corneal model eye with 0.28μ spherical aberration).
8. Wirtitsch MG, Findl O, Menapace R, et al. Effect of haptic design on change in axial lens position after cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2004;30(1):45-51.
9. Visser N, Bauer NJ, Nuijts RM. Toric intra-ocular lenses: historical overview, patient selection, IOL calculation, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and complications. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2013;39(4):624-637.
10. Potvin R, Kramer BA, Hardten DR, Berdahl JP. Toric intraocular lens orientation and residual refractive astigmatism: an analysis. Clin Ophthalmol. 2016;10;1829-1836.

*TECNIS^®is aregistered trademark of Johnson & Johnson.

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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