5/21/2006 10:00:00 PM EST -- BIOWIRE --Alcon, Inc. (NYSE:ACL)
announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) recognized the AcrySof IQ intraocular lens (IOL) as belonging
to the New Technology Intraocular Lens (NTIOL) classification of
Reduced Spherical Aberration. This NTIOL designation is effective
on May 19, 2006 and will increase the Medicare payment to ambulatory
surgery centers (ASC) for cataract surgery by $50 when surgery is
performed with an AcrySof IQ IOL. This NTIOL subset and adjusted
payment for the AcrySof IQ IOL will remain in effect until February
27, 2011.
The AcrySof IQ IOL is an aspheric lens that is designed to reduce
spherical aberration and has been shown to improve night driving
performance versus a conventional spherical IOL. In order to gain
inclusion in the NTIOL category, AcrySof IQ demonstrated the same
or greater clinical benefit as the lens that established the NTIOL
subset.
All currently available artificial lenses filter UV light, but
the AcrySof IQ IOL filters both UV and blue light. The AcrySof
IQ lens is transparent yellow -- the color necessary to filter blue
light. The patented yellow tint does not alter the natural colors
of the things you see or the quality of your vision.
The AcrySof IQ IOL is designed to conform to the natural
shape of the lens capsule. This helps it stay stable and centered
in the eye. But what makes the AcrySof IQ IOL unique is its
ability to filter blue light.
"We are pleased that CMS has recognized the clinical advantages
that patients gain from this advanced lens technology versus conventional
IOL implants," said Kevin Buehler, senior vice president, United
States and chief marketing officer. "Studies have shown that by
reducing spherical aberration, the AcrySof IQ IOL enhances image
quality and improves contrast sensitivity."
About Alcon
Alcon, Inc. (NYSE: ACL) is the world's leading eye care company
with sales of $4.4 billion in 2005. Alcon, which has been dedicated
to the ophthalmic industry for more than 50 years, develops, manufactures
and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts
lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases,
disorders and other conditions of the eye. For more information
on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company's web site at www.alconinc.com.
