Summary
The US Clinical Investigation of the Tecnis Multifocal demonstrated 88% complete freedom from glasses at 6 months, and 95% satisfaction at one year. A comparable study of the ReStor lenses, with both 3 and 4 diopter adds, demonstrated 76% freedom from glasses at 4 - 6 months. Despite a one line lower performance at intermediate range for the Tecnis the overall results favor its adoption for providing presbyopia correction after cataract surgery.
Analysis
Currently less than 10% of all intraocular lenses implanted in the US fall into the category of presbyopia correction. Nevertheless, for some individual surgeons the proportion is much higher (in my practice it is above 40% this year). These implants provide real value for patients -- they can drive, read and pursue recreational pursuits without finding or fogging up their bifocals. Their use will increase as both patients and surgeons derive greater satisfaction from their results.
Abbott's confidence in this market is highlighted by their recent acquisition of Visiogen and its dual optic accommodative intraocular lens (Synchrony) for $400M. Market share for the crystalens (Bausch & Lomb) is reportedly lower this year, at least in part due to the success of the Tecnis. A truly functional accommodative implant, without optical side effects, the Synchrony has found some early allegiance among surgeons in Europe and has great promise for approval in the US next year.
Mark Packer consults with leading institutions through GLG
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
