ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, April 20, 2006, /MARKET WIRE -- Lenstec,
Inc, -- a provider of technologically advanced lenses for treating
vision disorders -- today announced the introduction of its Precision
Series™ intraocular lens implants (IOLs) for treating patients with
cataracts.
Based on the company's proprietary lens manufacturing technology,
these premium lenses are designed to improve predictability in cataract
surgery by reducing the variability (i.e., tolerance or margin of
error) inherent in any manufactured lens. They reduce variability,
measured as the difference between a lens' labeled prescription
and its actual power, up to 300 percent compared to other cataract
replacement lenses manufactured in accordance with less stringent
ISO standards.
In addition, Lenstec's high precision manufacturing process makes
it possible to produce lenses in 0.2D to 0.25D increments, compared
to the standard 0.5D increments offered by other IOL manufacturers.
As a result, doctors are afforded a greater choice of lenses, which
helps them tailor treatment more precisely for each patient.
"Our new Precision Series greatly reduces lens variability, which
is one of the leading causes of refractive error when it comes to
treating cataract patients," said Lenstec Vice President Jim Simms.
William F. Maloney, M.D., associate clinical professor at UC
Irvine, recently warned doctors about the problems associated with
such lens variability. "The IOL label itself is now likely to be
the greatest source of refractive error in your surgery. When it
comes to power, what you see is definitely not what you get. The
tolerance for error in most IOL labeling is now obsolete, and it
too fails today's refractive accuracy test. Until that changes,
your efforts at refractive recalibration will be hostage to this
outdated industry standard" (Maloney W., Ocular Surgery News, Sept.
2005).
Lenstec's Precision Series includes the Softec PS™ mono-focal
lens and the Tetraflex™ presbyopic accommodating lens, which is
designed to provide cataract and presbyopia patients with seamless
clear near, intermediate and far vision. The Softec PS is available
in 0.25D steps, with a tolerance of 0.125D. The Tetraflex is available
in 0.2D steps, with a tolerance of 0.10D. The Tetraflex lens is
currently in clinical trials in the U.S., while the Softec lens
is awaiting IDE status.
Intraocular lens implants (IOLs) are used to treat cataracts
-- a vision disorder characterized by cloudy or opaque areas in
the eye's natural lens that usually develop gradually with advancing
age (environmental factors, metabolic diseases and certain medications
can also accelerate cataract formation). Cataract surgery involves
replacing the eye's damaged lens with an implantable IOL. Accommodating
IOLs such as Lenstec's Tetraflex are designed to treat both cataracts
and presbyopia, which is the progressive, age-related loss of the
eye's ability to focus for reading and other close tasks.
An estimated 2.5 million people annually in the U.S. undergo
cataract surgery with an IOL implant, and an estimated 10-15 million
IOLs are implanted worldwide each year.
About Lenstec
Lenstec is a leading designer and manufacturer of intraocular
lenses (IOLs) to treat patients with a range of vision disorders.
Founded in 1992, the company is dedicated to advancing possibilities
for ophthalmic doctors and their patients worldwide. More information
about Lenstec is available at www.lenstec.com.
