Approval of LensAR Laser System for laser-assisted cataract surgery expanded
Laser cataract surgery took another step forward this week with FDA approval of the LensAR Laser System for breaking up cataracts (a step called lens fragmentation) to make them easier to remove from the eye during cataract surgery.
The femtosecond laser system, developed by LensAR (Winter Park, Fla.), now can be used by U.S. cataract surgeons for three steps in laser-assisted cataract surgery: making the initial incisions in the eye, performing the anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation.
LensAR is one of several U.S.-based medical device companies advancing technology for laser cataract surgery. Others include Abbott Medical Optics (Santa Ana, Calif.), LenSx Lasers (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) and OptiMedica (Santa Clara, Calif.).
Background
The LensAR Laser System features proprietary 3D-CSI (“three-dimensional confocal structured illumination”) technology designed to provide high-contrast and high-resolution imaging of the lens and lens capsule for greater surgical accuracy and precision, according to the company.
The femtosecond laser system creates a customized capsulotomy incision for more accurate placement of refractive IOLs after cataract removal and breaks up (fragments) cataracts for easier removal, the company says.
To date, the LensAR Laser System has been used in more than 500 laser cataract surgery cases performed outside the United States, with excellent accuracy and safety.
“Receiving the additional FDA indication for lens fragmentation is a significant milestone achievement in getting our technology one step closer to commercialization,” said Randy Frey, founder and CEO of LensAR, in a press release issued by the company.
Ed. Note: It is likely that the use of femtosecond laser technology will increase your cataract surgery cost. Ask your cataract surgeon for details about the advantages, availability and cost of laser-assisted cataract surgery during your pre-operative consultation.
SOURCE: LensAR Laser System receives FDA clearance for lens fragmentation and anterior capsulotomy in cataract surgery. (LensAR press release issued March 22, 2011.)