Full Press Release Details
FDA Approves Alcon's
+ 3.0 D Intraocular Lens
lens corrects for cataracts with presbyopia
HUENENBERG, Switzerland - December 23, 2008 - Alcon,
Inc. (NYSE: ACL), the world's leader in eye care and cataract surgery
announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its +3.0
diopter add power AcrySof IQ
This new lens, which was introduced in many major markets outside the United
States earlier this year, is now approved in the U.S. for cataract surgery in
patients with presbyopia. This lens is another technology advancement for the
platform, which has been the number one choice of surgeons to correct presbyopia
in cataract patients since it was introduced in 2005.
"The introduction of this lens allows
me to deliver a full range of quality vision for my patients' needs, lifestyles
and personal preferences. In my experience, the AcrySof IQ
add IOL gives my patients a more comfortable reading distance, improved
intermediate vision for tasks such as computer work and excellent distance
vision," said study investigator, Kerry Solomon, M.D., Professor of
Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina and Medical Director at the
Storm Eye Institute. "In addition, the lens does so with the same accurate and
predictable outcomes I have come to expect from the AcrySof IQ lens
clinical trials included a three-month follow-up exam of near, intermediate and
distance visual acuities. The percentage of patients who achieved 20/20 or
better at all three distances with the AcrySof IQ
was nearly fourfold the rate of patients who received the control lens,
The clinical studies also showed a high rate of patient satisfaction with over
95 percent of patients stating that they would have this lens implanted
"Advanced technology IOLs that correct
for presbyopia and astigmatism are the fastest growing IOL segment of cataract
surgery. The addition of this new lens meets a growing desire on the
part of cataract patients for spectacle independence after cataract
surgery. With the availability of the AcrySof IQ
lens, surgeons can deliver true performance at all distances for their cataract
patients," said Kevin Buehler, senior vice president, global markets and chief
AcrySof intraocular lenses
are the most frequently implanted lenses in the world, with more than 35 million
implants since their introduction in the early 1990s. Alcon's
offer cataract patients a variety of benefits that give cataract patients a full
range of quality vision. The AcrySof IQ,
part of Alcon's AcrySof product
portfolio. Since the introduction of the Acrysof
platform, Alcon has accounted for more than half of all presbyopia correcting
lenses implanted. For more information visit www.acrysofrestor.com.
cataract is a "clouding" of the eye's natural lens, which results in blurred or
defocused vision. IOLs are implanted during cataract surgery to
replace the patient's natural lens that has been removed during surgery.
Cataracts cannot be prevented and are the leading cause of treatable blindness
worldwide. For more information visit www.cataractsurgery.com.
Inc. is the world's leading eye care company,
with sales of approximately $5.6 billion in 2007. Alcon, which has been
dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 60 years, researches, develops,
manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices,
contact lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases,
disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon's majority shareholder is
Nestl , S.A., the world's largest food company. For more information visit
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within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Any forward- looking statements reflect the views of our
management as of the date of this press release with respect to future events
and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these
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we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these
forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events
or circumstances or otherwise.
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