NORTH CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first intraocular lens or IOL that provides cataract patients with an extended depth-of-focus, which helps improve their sharpness of vision (visual acuity) at near, intermediate and far distances. The Tecnis Symfony Extended Range of Vision IOL is manufactured by Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. of Santa Ana, California.
Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens becomes clouded, impairing a patient's vision. According to the National Eye Institute, more than 20 percent of Americans will have cataracts by the age of 65, and the prevalence increases with age. In cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL.
Patients implanted with the Tecnis Symfony IOL may experience worsening of or blurred vision, bleeding or infection. The device may cause reduced contrast sensitivity that becomes worse under poor visibility conditions such as dim light or fog. Some patients may experience visual halos, glare or starbursts. The device is not intended for use on patients who have had previous trauma to their eye.
The Tecnis Symfony IOL is also available in four toric models, which are indicated for the reduction of residual refractive astigmatism or imperfections in the curvature of the eye.
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