Alcon Announces New Cataract Surgery Outcomes Data, Hosts Educational Program at ESCRS

Alcon is set to unveil new scientific data at the 42nd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Barcelona, from September 6-10, 2024. The company will showcase its surgical ophthalmic products and equipment, highlighting innovations designed to optimize patient outcomes and enhance operational efficiencies in ophthalmic practices.

A key focus at this year’s congress will be the Alcon Vision Suite portfolio, featuring advanced diagnostic technologies, IOLs, and the Wavelight refractive platform. The schedule of Alcon’s ESCRS events is available at MyAlcon.com.

“We are thrilled to continue championing innovation for our surgeons and patients with our robust collection of scientific data and education activities at this year’s ESCRS," Sunil Vasanth, Alcon’s Vice President of Surgical Franchise for Europe, said in a company news release. "The tangible impact that our groundbreaking research and development efforts are having on our customers—and ophthalmology as a whole—is clearer than ever, and we’re excited to demonstrate that in Barcelona.”

Key Scientific Highlights

Among the scientific presentations, a study led by Steel et al. demonstrates that operating cataract surgeries at a near physiologic IOP using the Centurion Vision System with Active Sentry can provide similar surgical efficiency and anatomical outcomes as operations at higher IOP (60 mmHg), with the added benefit of reduced impact on the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in patients with ocular comorbidities.[1] Additional presentations will explore the impact of different IOP settings on the safety and prognosis of phacoemulsification, including a study presented by Dr. Shouyan Wanga.[6]

Alcon’s Medical Affairs team will also host a symposium titled, “Why it matters to perform cataract surgery at a near physiologic IOP?” on Sunday, September 8, at 9:30 CEST, moderated by Prof. Dr. Gäbor Scharioth.

Advancements in IOL Technology

New data further reinforces the effectiveness of Alcon’s PanOptix IOLs. A study by Kohnen et al. on Clareon PanOptix has shown high levels of patient satisfaction and spectacle independence, along with good visual acuity at all distances and excellent contrast sensitivity without glistenings, 12 months postoperatively.[2] Additionally, research by Modi demonstrates that AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOLs have lower instances of visual disturbances at 6 months post-op compared to Tecnis Synergy.[3] Another study by Zhu highlights the low risk of severe visual disturbances in patients with bilateral implantation of AcrySof IQ PanOptix IOLs.[4]

In support of the Vivity IOLs, a study by Urcola, Lauzirika et al. shows that Vivity continues to deliver excellent visual outcomes at all distances, even in patients with mild and stable primary open-angle glaucoma.[7] Another study by Sararols et al. reports Vivity’s success in patients undergoing phacoemulsification in one eye and phacovitrectomy for epiretinal membrane in the fellow eye.[8]

Educational Initiatives and New Technology Launches

At this year’s ESCRS, Alcon will launch the Fidelis VR Surgical Simulator, a new virtual reality tool designed to enhance surgical training. The Fidelis software is now available worldwide, providing an immersive, haptic simulation experience that aims to improve training outcomes and bolster surgical confidence.

Alcon will also host several educational symposia, including:

• "Breaking Barriers on Presbyopia Correcting Surgery" on Sunday, September 8, at 13:00 CEST, moderated by Prof. Ike Ahmed.
• "Wavelight Refractive Platform: A paradigm shift in personalized precision" on Saturday, September 7, at 16:00 CEST, moderated by Mr. Arthur Cummings.
• "Alcon Eye to Eye – Innovations which bring you confidence to do better" on Saturday, September 7, at 13:00 CEST, moderated by Prof. Antoine Brezin.

A near-live cataract surgery session will be conducted by José F. Alfonso, MD, on Saturday, September 7, at 14:00 CEST, showcasing products from the Alcon Vision Suite and Alcon IOLs.

Social Impact and Sustainability

Alcon’s commitment to social impact and sustainability (SIS) will be highlighted at ESCRS with an interactive digital art exhibition titled “Gaze Machine – Your Gaze, Their Vision” by contemporary artist Solimán López. For every participant gaze captured at booth 6.F77, Alcon will fund an operation during an upcoming medical mission organized by Eyes of the World, a non-profit dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness.

Alcon is also a partner in the ESCRS’ Building Our Sustainable, Inclusive Society (BOSS) program, which aims to foster an inclusive and open culture. Alcon leaders will participate in this year’s mentoring sessions and symposia, and the company will contribute to environmental sustainability by providing water stations throughout the congress venue to help reduce plastic waste.

For more information on Alcon’s activities at ESCRS 2024 and their ongoing SIS initiatives, visit MyAlcon.com and the 2023 Social Impact and Sustainability Report.

References

1. Steel, David, et al. The Effect Of Intraocular Pressure During Phacoemulsification In Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy And Glaucoma; A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
2. Kohnen. Implantation Of A Presbyopia Correcting IOL With New Hydrophobic Material: 12 Months Results. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Khoramnia R, MD, Hassel O. Evaluation Of Reading Performance After Diffractive Trifocal IOL Implantation In Refractive Lens Exchange Using An Electronic Reading Desk. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
6. Wang, Shouyan. Comparison of clinical outcomes of cataract surgery using low IOP versus traditional intraoperative IOP setting. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
7. Urcola J A., Lauzirika, G., et al. Evaluation Of Visual Outcomes After Implantation Of An Extended Depth-Of-Focus Intraocular Lens In Patients With Mild Glaucoma. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.
8. Sararols, Laura. A Prospective Study Of The Bilateral Implantation Of An Extended Depth Of Focus Intraocular Lens In Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification In One Eye And Phacovitrectomy For Epiretinal Membrane In The Fellow Eye. ESCRS, Barcelona. September 2024.