A new replacement lens for cataract sufferers blends treatment for both distance and close-up visual defects has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
Alcon's AcrySof IQ ReSTOR multifocal intraocular lens had cleared the final hurdle before it can be sold in the United States, according to a company press release.
"Alcon's ACTIVEFOCUS(TM) toric IOL is a breakthrough for these patients, correcting astigmatism and allowing them to achieve uncompromised distance vision with an increased range of vision at the same time," Sergio Duplan, North American region president of Alcon, said in the release.
Astigmatism causes blurred vision due to corneal abnormalities, whereas presbyopia (difficulty reading or seeing small objects up close) increases as patients age.
Almost half the 4 million patients receiving replacement lenses during cataract surgery every year could be helped with the new lens, according to the release.
Alcon is a division of pharma giant Novartis.
