• Studies on the PanOptix trifocal IOL showcase high patient satisfaction and low incidences of visual disturbances, especially severe disturbances^1-3
• The first-ever outcomes study on SMARTCataract demonstrates refractive target accuracy and excellent monocular distance visual acuity⁴
• Phase 4 data presentations further support the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of Rocklatan while maintaining convenience of once-daily dosing^5-8

FORT WORTH, April 2, 2024 – Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, will showcase approximately 100 company-supported and investigator-led data presentations demonstrating its latest innovative efforts aimed at optimizing patient outcomes at the 2024 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, April 5-8 in Boston. In addition, the company will host multiple peer-to-peer symposia and in-booth demonstrations of its industry-leading implantables and devices, including the Clareon^® intraocular lens (IOL) portfolio, cloud-based SMARTCataract surgical planner, Hydrus^® Microstent and more.

“All research and advancements we are bringing to ASCRS share one underlining theme: Alcon's eye care innovations empower surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes for their patients,” said Sergio Duplan, President of North America at Alcon. “Not only are we excited to display the unmatched breadth of our eye care innovation portfolio, but perhaps most importantly, to demonstrate the real-life impact these innovations have on the lives of eye care patients around the world.”⁹

Studies that spotlight optimized patient outcomes include:

• New evidence supports that PanOptix^® provides a similar range of vision compared to TECNIS Synergy^† from distance to near (33 cm) under bright (photopic) and dim (mesopic) conditions with a better visual disturbances profile and high rates of patient satisfaction.^1,2 In a prospective, randomized, subject and examiner masked, multicenter study, a group of five surgeons led by Satish Modi, MD, compared the range of vision and patient-reported outcomes in patients bilaterally implanted with the trifocal AcrySof^® PanOptix IOL and the extended depth of focus/multifocal TECNIS Synergy IOL. Dr. Modi will share his findings in a two-part presentation beginning on Saturday, April 6 at 4:00 p.m. (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Meeting Level 2, Room 256).
• Data collection showcases low incidences of visual disturbances, especially severe disturbances.³ In a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis of recently published evidence of patient-reported visual disturbances after bilateral implantation of PanOptix, Dagny Zhu, MD, found the risks of “severe” and “very bothersome” visual disturbances (halos, glares and starbursts) to be low (~5% and 3%, respectively) in patients with bilateral implantation of PanOptix IOLs. These findings are potentially attributable to the implementation of optical technology, which enables 88% light utilization.³ Zhu will present her findings on Sunday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Meeting Level 2, Room 257B).

• The first-ever study to evaluate the impact of SMARTCataract on patient outcomes demonstrates refractive target accuracy and excellent distance monocular visual acuity.⁴ In the study, Visual Outcomes of Spherical Monofocal IOL Implantation Using a Cloud-Based Surgical Planning Platform, author Eric Jennings, MD, demonstrates that 93% of eyes planned using Clareon monofocal IOLs and the cloud-based SMARTCataract planner were within ±0.5 D of the planned target and achieved excellent monocular distance visual acuity.⁴ This study is available as an electronic poster.

• Phase 4 data presentations further support the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering efficacy of Rocklatan^® (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.02%/0.005%) while maintaining convenience of once-daily dosing.^5-8 A four-part series of presentations will take place at the Boston Convention and Exhibit Center.
  • “Overview of switching from latanoprost alone or adjunctive therapy to netarsudil/latanoprost fixed-dose combination for more IOP lowering” will be presented by Jason Bacharach, MD, on Saturday, April 6 at 10:05 a.m. (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 257B)
  • “Consolidating drops: switching from latanoprost-based adjunctive therapies to netarsudil/latanoprost fixed-dose combination to lower IOP” will be presented by Inder Paul Singh, MD, on Saturday, April 6 at 10:10 a.m. (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 257B)
  • “Patient-reported outcomes and investigator impressions after switching to netarsudil/latanoprost fixed-dose combination therapy” will be presented by Valerie Trubnik, MD, on Saturday, April 6 at 10:15 a.m. (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 257B)
  • “The impact of switching patients on latanoprost monotherapy to netarsudil/latanoprost fixed-dose combination for additional IOP reduction” will be presented by Gagan K. Sawhney, MD, on Sunday, April 7 at 3:30 p.m. (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Meeting Level 2, Room 259A)

Please see below for Full Important Safety Information for Rocklatan.

• Additional long-term outcomes data on Hydrus Microstent will be presented at ASCRS. Hydrus Microstent remains the first and only minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device to report significant safety and effective outcomes from a pivotal trial at five years.^10,11 Encouraging new two-year data show medication reduction and IOP-lowering outcomes in Black and Afro-Latino patients with mild to moderate primary open angle glaucoma.¹² Daniel Laroche, MD, will present “Two Year Retrospective Study on Cataract Surgery and Microstent in Black and Afro–Latino Patients” on Friday, April 5 at 8:10 p.m.

Peer-to-Peer Events

To complement Alcon’s sweeping scientific presence, the company will host peer-to-peer events promoting best practice sharing with the industry’s leading surgeons.

• “Leading Innovation: The Alcon Vision Suite Impact.” A conversation with Jennifer Loh, MD, Robert Melendez, MD, and Eric Rosenberg, DO, moderated by Quentin Allen, MD, discussing how SMARTCataract enables practices to work smarter by connecting diagnostics in their clinics to the surgical equipment in the operating rooms. (Friday, April 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m., The Exchange.)

• “Why it matters to perform cataract surgery at near physiologic IOP.” A discussion with Cathleen McCabe, MD, Nicole Fram, MD, John Hovanesian, MD, and Matthew Paul Rauen, MD, about performing surgery at near physiologic IOP and the growing body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of the technique.13 (Saturday, April 6, 7:00-8:00 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 210ABC.)

• “How to rule patients in, not out, with Vivity and Hydrus.” A conversation hosted by Farrell “Toby” Tyson, MD, between Brian Shafer, MD, Emily Schehlein, MD, and Zarmeena Vendal, MD, on reframing the patient-physician discussion around premium cataract and glaucoma surgery implantables. (Saturday, April 6, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 210ABC.)

Product Demonstrations and More at Booth #747

Additional educational opportunities and experiences for surgeons will be available at the Alcon booth #747. This year, the booth will feature Alcon’s strides to reduce the environmental footprint in the operating room. Innovations include:

• Shipping ophthalmic viscosurgical devices in green cell foam significantly reduces waste produced in temperature-controlled shipping.¹⁴
  • Transitioning to digital “Directions for Use” in IOL packaging reduces paper waste.
  • Eliminating plastic overwrap on IOL cartons saves 1.92 grams of plastic per carton, resulting in at least 26,000 pounds of plastic reduction annually.¹⁵

To register for Alcon-sponsored events and gain more information about the Alcon products on display at ASCRS, please visit www.AlconatASCRS.com.

About Clareon^® IOLs and Delivery Systems 

The family of Clareon^® intraocular lenses (IOLs) includes the Clareon^® Aspheric Hydrophobic Acrylic and Clareon^® Aspheric Toric IOLs, the Clareon^® PanOptix^® Trifocal Hydrophobic IOL, Clareon PanOptix^® Toric, Clareon Vivity^® Extended Vision Hydrophobic Posterior Chamber IOL and Clareon^® Vivity^® Toric IOLs. Each of these IOLs is indicated for visual correction of aphakia in adult patients following cataract surgery. In addition, the Clareon^® Toric IOLs are indicated to correct pre-existing corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. The Clareon^® PanOptix^® lens mitigates the effects of presbyopia by providing improved intermediate and near visual acuity while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity with a reduced need for eyeglasses, compared to a monofocal IOL. The Clareon^® Vivity^® lens mitigates the effects of presbyopia by providing an extended depth of focus. Compared to an aspheric monofocal IOL, the lens provides improved intermediate and near visual acuity while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity. All of these IOLs are intended for placement 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 any IOL in a patient with any of the conditions described in the Directions for Use that accompany each IOL. 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 these IOLs. Reference the Directions for Use labelling for each IOL for a complete listing of indications, warnings and precautions. 

About SMART Solutions 

SMART Solutions by Alcon is a comprehensive cloud-based digital health solutions platform designed specifically for ophthalmology practices. Through its SMARTCataract application, it enables automatic evaluation of patient data and surgeon preferences to make optimized recommendations that improve surgical accuracy and help surgeons provide better patient outcomes for the treatment of cataracts. Surgeons and their staff should refer to the equipment product manuals for Important Product Information. 

About Rocklatan^®

Rocklatan^® (netarsudil and latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.02%/0.005%) is a once-daily eye drop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Launched in the United States in May 2019, it is a fixed-dose combination of netarsudil (0.02%) and latanoprost ophthalmic solution (0.005%), a commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. In clinical trials of Rocklatan^®, the most common adverse reactions were conjunctival hyperemia, corneal verticillata, instillation site pain and conjunctival hemorrhage. More information about Rocklatan^®, including the product label, is available at www.rocklatan.com.

About Hydrus^® Microstent 

Roughly the size of an eyelash, the Hydrus^® Microstent is a next-generation MIGS device designed to reduce eye pressure by reestablishing flow through Schlemm's canal, the eye's natural outflow pathway. When placed in the canal during minimally invasive microsurgery, the device restores the flow of fluid in the eye, using a Tri-Modal^® mechanism of action: the Hydrus^® Microstent dilates and scaffolds Schlemm's canal to augment outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. It maintains an opening through the trabecular meshwork from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal. Its length spans approximately 90 degrees of the canal to provide consistent access to multiple fluid collector channels in the eye. Approved by the FDA in August 2018 for use in conjunction with cataract surgery, the Hydrus^® Microstent is one of the most rigorously researched and thoroughly studied MIGS devices. 

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.

^†Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

References

1. 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.
2. Modi S., Lehmann R. Patient-Reported Outcomes of Two Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lenses: A Randomized Bilateral Study. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
3. 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.
4. Jennings E. Visual Outcomes of Spherical Monofocal IOL Implantation Using a Cloud-Based Surgical Planning Platform. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
5. Bacharach, J. Overview of Switching From Latanoprost Alone or Adjunctive Therapy to Netarsudil/Latanoprost Fixed-Dose Combination for More IOP Lowering. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
6. Trubnik, V. Patient-Reported Outcomes and Investigator Impressions After Switching to Netarsudil/Latanoprost Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
7. Singh, I. Consolidating Drops: Switching from Latanoprost-Based Adjunctive Therapies to Netarsudil/Latanoprost Fixed-Dose Combination to Lower IOP. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
8. Sawhney, G. The Impact of Switching Patients on Latanoprost Monotherapy to Netarsudil/Latanoprost Fixed-Dose Combination for Additional IOP Reduction. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
9. Groessl EJ, Liu L. Sklar M, Tally SR, Kaplan RM, Ganiats TG. Measuring the Impact of Cataract Surgery on Generic and Vision-specific Quality of Life. Qual Life Res. 2013;22(6):1405-1414. Doi:10.1007/s11136-012-0270-z.
10. Ahmed IIK, et al. Long-term Outcomes from the HORIZON Randomized Trial for Schlemm’s Canal Microstent in Combination Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery. Ophthalmology. 2022;129(7):742-751.
11. Safety and Effectiveness Study of the Hydrus Microstent for Lowering IOP in Glaucoma Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery (HORIZON). ClinTrials.gov (NCT01539239).
12. Laroche, D., Adebayo, A. Two Year Retrospective Study on Cataract Surgery and Microstent in Black and Afro-Latino Patients. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 5-8, 2024; Boston.
13. Rauen MP. Phacoemulsification at High IOP and Physiologic IOP: Impact on Anterior Segment Physiology. Paper presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; May 5-8, 2023; San Diego.
14. Green Cell Foam website: https://greencellfoam.com/.
15. Alcon Data on File, 2024.

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