FDA Approves Lens for Patients with Cataracts

The FDA today approved a new lens for patients undergoing cataract eye surgery.

Alcon’s AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +2.5 Diopter (D) Intraocular Lens (IOL) will be an option for individuals undergoing surgery who struggle with near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Most patients who are faced with cataract surgery have weak near vision and require reading glasses or contact lenses, Alcon noted in a press release. The new AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +2.5 D IOL can be used in patients with or without presbyopia—a difficulty seeing close objects.

According to Alcon, the new product will be eligible for reimbursement as a Medicare-covered service for treating cataracts and as a non-covered service for presbyopia correction.

"With the addition of AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +2.5 D IOL, surgeons now have a broader range of treatment options to meet the vision needs of cataract patients seeking presbyopia correction, based on various lifestyle requirements," said Lisa Cibik, MD, FACS, director of cataract services at Associates in Ophthalmology, in a press release. "The ReSTOR +2.5 D IOL helps surgeons meet the needs of cataract patients with active lifestyles."

More than 3 million cataract surgeries are performed in the United States each year, the press release noted.