Synchrony Lens for Corneal Transplant Patient?

September 8, 2011

I had a corneal transplant as a result of an untreated infection and now need cataract surgery.

Is FDA approval of the Synchrony lens anticipated shortly?

Is this a lens that would be appropriate for a corneal transplant patient?

(editor note: we invite readers to peruse some of our own prior posts on the Synchrony IOL).

Synchrony IOL Gives Almost 3D of Accomodation

March 1, 2010

In a new study, the Synchrony IOL performed just as well as Restor but without the disabling glare issue. Researchers detected almost 3D of accomodation- that’s pretty good. We’ll see when more surgeons implant these things how it really performs. I remain a little skeptical- hard to believe that the ciliary body can squeeze so much accommodation after so many years of atrophy.

Will New Synchrony Lens Provide Better Outcomes for Cataract Patients?

November 5, 2009

As reported recently on MedPage Today, two recent studies have shown that a new “dual optic” accommodating intraocular lens (Synchrony) — which allows both eyes to simultaneously focus on far or near objects — improved intermediate distance vision and contrast sensitivity under low light conditions compared with existing multifocal lenses.

In one study, researchers compared three “premium” intraocular lenses (Tecnis, ReZoom and ReSTOR) with an experimental lens (Synchrony) designed with a dual optic to theoretically provide a more accommodative amplitude. The study included patients given the same lens in both eyes during different “eras” of lens implantation. For a functional, real life performance test of contrast sensitivity, patients were given a reading speed test under low-light conditions.

The second study was a randomized, multicenter, prospective, double-masked clinical trial comparing Synchrony to ReSTOR implanted in both eyes for 44 and 48 patients, respectively.

Read the full story on MedPage Today.

Visiogen Raises $40 Million to Support Global Commercialization of the Synchrony Dual Optic Accommodating Intraocular Lens

May 4, 2009

In a recent press release, Visiogen, Inc. of Irvine, California, announced that it had raised $40 million from new and current investors to support the global commercialization of the Synchrony® dual optic accommodating intraocular lens (IOL).

The Synchrony IOL is a 3-dimensional, single-piece, foldable, accommodating lens with two separate optics connected by a spring system. According to Visiogen, the device’s design may:

  • overcome the limitations of monovision and single-optic accommodating IOLs
  • enable patients to have sharp vision at all focal points without glasses
  • eliminate the glare, nighttime halos and reduced contrast sensitivity common with some other lenses.

The Synchrony dual optic accommodating IOL is provided in a pre-loaded injector, eliminating the need for surgeons to handle the lens before implantation. This patented technology allows the Synchrony to be implanted slowly and with great control. The 3-dimensional single-piece lens unfolds in the eye upon insertion. It features an anterior convex and posterior concave optic linked by a unique spring system. The posterior element of the lens has more surface area than the anterior element, providing stabilization and centration for the device within the capsular bag. The +32D anterior optic and the variable-powered, minus posterior optic work together to produce and maintain emmetropia at any distance.

Since the last round of financing in 2007, Visiogen has made significant progress in the development of the Synchrony IOL, including the completion of the U.S. phase III study, the formation of Visiogen Europe GmbH and the commencement of commercialization in Europe. Furthermore, a number of clinical investigators have published encouraging results from multiple comparative randomized double-masked trials as well as objective proof of mechanism of accommodation at up to five years.

Learn more

Synchrony Accomodative Lens- Just One Diopter

April 6, 2009

The Synchrony lens is a complicated, but ingenious piece of equipment- a double lens implant connected by adjustable “pistons”, where one lens is a high minus and the other is the plus lens. The plus lens moves back and forth to generate accomodation. The ability of engineers to design such a lens that can fit into a shooter is really something. But I recently read in one of the throwaways that after two years, the best the patients could muster is one diopter of accomodation. And that’s the average- that means plenty are doing less (and plenty doing some more). It’s frustrating that such a marvel of engineering still can’t deliver the “holy grail” of at least three diopters.

Abbott to Acquire Visiogen and Enlarge Ophthalmic Portfolio

September 8, 2009

Abbott has announced an agreement to acquire Visiogen, Inc. for $400 million in cash. This acquisition provides the company with a next-generation IOL technology that addresses presbyopia for cataract patients.

Visiogen’s accommodating IOL, called Synchrony, is designed to deliver improved vision at all distances, potentially eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses, reducing glare and nighttime halos, and improving contrast sensitivity. The Synchrony accommodating IOL is a significant advancement in artificial lens technology and is designed to mimic accommodation.

Synchrony has received CE mark designation and has been available commercially in Europe since January 2009. It also is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Read the release.