Alcon AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® trifocal intraocular lens shows superior visual performance in head-to-head trial post-cataract surgery

Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, unveils new data showing significantly improved near and intermediate distance vision with the AcrySof IQ PanOptix intraocular lens (IOL) compared to the ZEISS AT LISA®* tri 839MP IOL. These findings further strengthen the value of the PanOptix IOL ENLIGHTENTM optical technology, to provide enhanced image quality and more comfortable near to intermediate vision setting the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL apart from other trifocal IOLs. Results from a head-to-head study involving 180 patients were presented today at the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC), held June 16-18, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain.

"These results underscore the strength of the PanOptix IOL portfolio, and affirm the value of the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL for surgeons who want to treat cataracts and correct presbyopia in a single surgery. While 82% of people over 60 are open to this type of advanced surgical option[2], only a few patients are even aware that trifocal IOLs like the AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL exist," said Michael Onuscheck, President & General Manager, Global Surgical Franchise, Alcon. "As the leader in eye care, it's Alcon's responsibility to continue to deliver innovation that improves patient outcomes, and to connect patients to educational resources that can inform their treatment decisions."

AcrySof IQ PanOptix is the first hydrophobic trifocal lens built on Alcon's proven AcrySof IQ platform. Unlike other leading trifocal IOLs, AcrySof IQ PanOptix has an intermediate focal point at 60 cm, the distance for common intermediate vision activities like using a computer or reading a menu, combined with the excellent rotational and axial stability of the AcrySof single piece design[3]. The design features of the AcrySof platform with the ENLIGHTEN Optical Technology are intended to help patients adapt more naturally to their new lens. The ENLIGHTEN Optical Technology provides an exceptionally high light utilization (88%) and less pupil dependence[4],[5],[6] than previous generations of multifocal IOLs. This lens features a comfortable and continuous range of near to intermediate vision without compromising distance vision.

"At distance vision, AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOL performance is comparable to AT LISA tri 839MP, but at near and intermediate distance, AcrySof IQ PanOptix shows significant superior visual outcomes[1]. These clinical results confirm the superior performance of the Alcon trifocal IOL to perform daily activities like reading books or looking at tablet and smartphone screens," said Ruth Lapid-Gortzak, MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands and the Global Coordinating Investigator of the clinical trial.

Results from the trial will be presented during the WOC Congress on Monday, June 18, 14:00-18:00 - Cataract E-Poster Pod Session III. This prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-masked, post-market clinical study involved bilateral implantations and followed 180 patients for six months. The study was designed to clinically qualify bench studies and model predictions of the visual performance of AcrySof IQ PanOptix and the AT LISA tri 839MP Presbyopia Correcting IOL. Results showed the AcrySof IQ PanOptix group had superior visual outcomes at six months in uncorrected intermediate visual acuity at 60 cm (p<0.002) and uncorrected near visual acuity at 40 cm (p<0.003). In addition, the study showed that AcrySof IQ PanOptix was non-inferior in uncorrected distance visual acuity (95 percent SCI <0.1 logMAR)[1].

To raise patient awareness on cataract treatment options, Alcon has developed the More to See campaign, including a survey conducted in 12 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa in 2017 to understand the knowledge on cataract disease and treatment of consumers aged 60 and over. Results showed that few people (39%) are aware that some surgical options for cataract treatment can also provide vision correction. When asked, the majority (82%) would be willing to have an advanced surgical option that could treat their cataract and improve their vision. These results shows the need for further patient information at time of cataract surgery[2]. More details are available on www.moretosee.org.

* AT LISA® is a registered trademark owned by or licensed to ZEISS.

About Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions and one of the leading causes of vision loss[7]. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 18 million people are bilaterally blind from cataracts in the world, making the condition responsible for almost half of all global cases of blindness[8]. A cataract is a cloudy area in the naturally clear lens of the eye that affects vision. The vast majority of cataracts happen because of normal aging, but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes, and eye trauma can accelerate the development of cataracts[9]. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes cloudy, allowing less light to pass through, which makes it more difficult to see[10].

About the AcrySof portfolio

The AcrySof IQ portfolio comprises monofocal, toric and multifocal IOLs to address the individual needs of patients with cataract. The AcrySof IQ IOL platform leverages a unique BioMaterial, high-performance BioMechanics and advanced BioOptics to help maximize cataract patient outcomes. Since its first launch in 1994, the AcrySof IOLs have been implanted more than 100 million times, improving the sight and lives of tens of millions of patients over the past 20 years.

About Alcon

Alcon is the global leader in eye care. As a division of Novartis, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our products touch the lives of more than 260 million people each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors, and there are millions more who are waiting for solutions to meet their eye care needs. Our purpose is reimagining eye care, and we do this through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that enhance access to quality eye care.

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2017, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.1 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 124,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world.