Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, introduces new technological enhancements to the LenSx Laser, its market-leading femtosecond laser system, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2018 annual meeting from April 13-17 in Washington, D.C.

The latest enhancements will provide new indications for use of the LenSx Laser during cataract and refractive surgeries, and will be widely available in 2018. The laser has been used in more cataract surgeries than any other femtosecond laser worldwide and recently reached a milestone of one million procedures performed in the US.

“It is our goal to continually innovate for surgeons – not only by introducing new products and technologies, but also by enhancing our existing ones,” said Jim Di Filippo, vice president and general manager, US Surgical, Alcon. “By taking surgeon and staff feedback into consideration, the new technological enhancements to the LenSx Laser showcase our continued commitment to enhancing the cataract and refractive surgery experience for surgeons and patients, and adding even more value to our existing technologies.”

The latest enhancements received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration on March 27, 2018. With these enhancements, the LenSx Laser is indicated for two new uses – tunnels for intracorneal rings and pockets for presbyopia-correcting inlays. In addition, software updates were implemented to support the new indications and improve graphical user interface functionality. New gold and white exterior skin colors will be introduced, which are intended to harmonize the appearance of the LenSx Laser with other Alcon technology in the surgical suite.

In addition, data will be presented at ASCRS that show the clinical relevance of the LenSx Laser. Dr. Elizabeth Yeu will present data that show that femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using the LenSx Laser can offer more predictable post-operative spherical equivalent outcomes, likely due to the standardized auto-centration and capsulotomy size provided by FLACS, which delivers reproducible circumferential optic coverage, less lens tilt, and consistent effective lens position. The data will appear in a paper presentation held on Tuesday, April 17 from 1:07 – 1:12 p.m. in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Level 1, 143B.

The LenSx Laser is for use in patients undergoing cataract surgery. The laser is used as a tool to break up a cataract and to create incisions in the cornea as part of a cataract surgery. The LenSx Laser may also be used for the creation of corneal flaps in LASIK surgery, or for the creation of pockets or tunnels in the cornea to accommodate the placement of corneal implants.

The LenSx Laser uses a SoftFit Patient Interface to hold the eye still by applying light suction. Some bleeding and foreign body sensation may occur. As with any cataract surgery, there are risks involved. These risks may include but are not limited to infection, pain, corneal abrasion and capsular tear.