Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) has announced that the US FDA has approved the Tecnis intraocular lens (IOL) on an acrylic platform.

The Tecnis foldable acrylic IOL offers surgeons and their patients the same unique benefits as the Tecnis silicone IOL. AMO is the only company to market IOLs with a claim approved by the FDA for reduced spherical aberration and improved functional vision.

"FDA approval of the Tecnis acrylic IOL marks an important milestone for AMO because it represents the first approved product that combines the outstanding optical technology from our 2004 acquisition of the Pfizer ophthalmic surgical business, with our existing advanced IOL materials expertise," said AMO president and CEO Jim Mazzo.

According to a company release, the Tecnis lens reduces spherical aberration and improves functional vision in varying light conditions, which is likely to provide a meaningful safety benefit for older drivers and pedestrians with whom they share the road.

The Tecnis lens also provided a 45-foot advantage in detection and identification distance. At 55 MPH, this would provide an additional 0.5 seconds to perceive and react to a pedestrian hazard.

AMO plans to release the Tecnis foldable acrylic IOL commercially in the US and Europe in September 2005.