Alcon, a global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, has received European CE Mark for its AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) for patients undergoing cataract surgery who elect to address their near, intermediate, and distance vision needs with a single lens.

The AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal IOL is an important addition to Alcon's broad portfolio of intraocular lenses for cataract patients.

"The AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal IOL is a significant innovation which further augments Alcon's presbyopia correcting portfolio, leveraging Alcon's market-leading AcrySof IQ IOL platform," said Franck Leveiller, head of research and development for Alcon's surgical franchise. "It is designed to provide exceptional functional vision from near to intermediate, in addition to providing excellent distance vision."

More than three million cataract surgeries are performed each year in Europe. Without presbyopia-correcting IOLs, most patients undergoing cataract surgery experience compromised near vision often requiring additional vision correction following surgery such as reading glasses or contact lenses. The AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal IOL is indicated for adult patients with and without presbyopia undergoing cataract surgery who desire near, intermediate and distance vision with increased spectacle independence.

"Today's patients undergoing cataract surgery are more likely to seek vision correction options to address various lifestyle tasks such as reading books, using electronic tablets, working on computers and performing outdoor activities without the need for glasses or contact lenses," said Richard Packard, MD, FRCS, FRCOphth, director and senior ophthalmologist, Arnott Eye Associates, London, United Kingdom.

"The AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal IOL is an important option that should provide these patients with a full range of vision and thus significantly reduced dependence on glasses."

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that affects vision. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes harder and cloudy which scatters light rays and allows less light to pass through it, thus reducing the patient's ability to see. The vast majority of cataracts occur as part of normal aging but radiation exposure, taking steroids, diabetes, and eye trauma can accelerate the development of cataracts. Additionally, cataracts can be hereditary and congenital and can present shortly after birth. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults 55 and older. Cataracts are treated by surgically removing the eye's cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. More than 98 per cent of cataract surgeries are considered successful and patients can usually return to their normal routines very soon after surgery.

Presbyopia is an eye condition that occurs as part of natural aging. The lens of the eye loses the ability to change shape to focus on close objects, such as smart phones, computers, books and menus. The first signs of presbyopia are eyestrain, difficulty seeing up close in dim light and problems focusing on small objects and/or fine print. Once a person is in their 40s, it is likely they will experience presbyopia and will require vision correction such as reading glasses or multifocal contact lenses.