Healthcare titan Abbott’s (NYSE:ABT) Medical Optics division announced European market approval for the company’s next-generation Tecnis Symfony intraocular lenses for treating patients with cataracts.
Unlike traditional IOLS which focus on improving distance vision, Tecnis Symfony is the 1st device of its kind that aims to boost near, intermediate and far distance vision, Abbott said.
"The Tecnis Symfony Extended Range of Vision IOL represents the latest advancement in cataract technology and expands Abbott’s portfolio of the Tecnis family of IOLs," AMO senior vice president Murthy Simhambhatla said in prepared remarks. "This new IOL demonstrates Abbott’s consistent innovation in bringing new treatment options to market, enabling physicians to offer their patients clear vision after cataract surgery."
Cataract treatment is a booming industry in Europe, where incidence of cataracts is expected to outpace population growth as people age. With younger patients turning to surgery, Abbott is banking on demand for better post-treatment outcomes and devices that can offer independence from eyeglasses.
Abbott has also launched a 150-patient European clinical trial to evaluate post-treatment vision in patients with Tecnis Symfony implanted in both eyes. Researchers will also gauge "patient and surgeon satisfaction," the company said. A separate, ongoing post-market study will enroll around 400 patients across Europe, with results expected at the end of this year.