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Why did Alcon® Surgical invent AcrySof? |
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When intraocular lenses (IOL) were introduced in 1949, they were made of a hard plastic material called PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate). Surgeons had to use a large incision to implant these lenses because they were not flexible.
Alcon® Laboratories Inc. was founded in 1947. One of the cornerstones of Alcon's success is the company's commitment to research and development. In the 1980s, Alcon began developing an intraocular lens that could be implanted through a small incision. Historically, small incision implantation depended upon foldable lenses made from silicone. This material was originally invented for purposes other than implantation in the eye; therefore, it did not possess exactly the right qualities for use as intraocular lenses. These lenses were thick and demonstrated spring-like behaviour that could prove disastrous during surgery.In 1994, Alcon® Surgical introduced the AcrySof® Acrylic Foldable IOL.
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Why do more cataract surgeons prefer the AcrySof lens than any other IOL material? |
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AcrySof is made of the first material developed exclusively for use as an intraocular lens.
AcrySof is a great advance in the evolution of intraocular lenses because it is chemically similar to the PMMA material that has been used for almost 50 years, but also provides postoperative outcomes that meet or exceed those of PMMA lenses. PMMA and AcrySof lenses have similar properties with one major difference: PMMA is a rigid lens, while AcrySof lenses are foldable. This flexibility means that AcrySof can be folded and then inserted into the eye through a smaller incision. Smaller incisions often do not require stitches. Furthermore, AcrySof unfolds gently, meaning the surgeon has better control over this type of lens than silicone or hydrogel lenses. Surgery is safer and more predictable, because the lens is easier to handle. AcrySof also contains a UV absorber that provides protection equal to or better than other UV-absorbing IOL materials. Now, Alcon has reshaped IOL history once again by creating the first single-piece, all-acrylic foldable lens. AcrySof® Single Piece Intraocular Lens incorporates the proven advantages of AcrySof® acrylic into a seamless, single-piece design. The fact that there are no gaps or cracks in the lens, contributes to excellent long-term visual results following cataract surgery. |
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What does AcrySof mean for cataract patients? |
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Evidence that AcrySof is an excellent ocular implant material continues to grow. Recent studies show that patients with AcrySof lenses experience less postoperative complications than those patients with silicone lenses. In addition, fewer AcrySof patients require YAG laser procedures postoperatively. For patients, the selection of the modern IOL material, AcrySof, means that the long-term risks of cataract surgery can be reduced.
For a comparison of nonfoldable and foldable IOL implants, please click here. The AcrySof lens is now used in more cataract procedures than any other lens material in the world.
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