AVALA FIRST ON THE NORTHSHORE TO OFFER NEW CATARACT LENS IMPLANT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | brussell@avala.com
Covington, Louisiana – AVALA is proud to be the first on the Northshore to offer Bausch + Lomb IC-8™ Apthera™ Intraocular Lens (IOL) with small aperture technology that filters away the unfocused light that causes blurry vision. Dr. Satya Reddy, Medical Director at Louisiana Cornea Specialists, was the first ophthalmologic surgeon to perform this procedure at AVALA.
“The new FDA approved IC-8™ Apthera™ IOL allows me to provide cataract patients that have irregular corneas with more precise near vision correction than ever before without the side effects of older lens options”, said Satya Reddy, MD. “At AVALA, we strive to provide the latest advancements in vision technology with quality care and better outcomes. With this new lens, our patients have a clearer future!”
Cataracts are a common condition and, for many, a normal part of aging that causes your eye’s natural lens to become cloudy and your vision impaired. Over four million eyes are treated for cataracts in the United States each year4, and 71% of cataract patients have a low amount of astigmatism2.
If you have cataracts, you may have noticed:
- Blurry Vision, Dull, Yellow, or Muted Colors
- Difficulty Seeing, Even with Glasses
- Sensitivity to Bright Lights and Glare or Difficulty Seeing at Night
- Near Vision Loss (Presbyopia) or Distorted Vision (Astigmatism)
Most commonly performed surgical procedure in the world1 is cataract removal where the cloudy lens is removed from the eye. You surgeon replaces the cataract with the Apthera™ IOL assist with vision restoration where you will see more clearly from near to far and everything in between.
Your world, in focus – before you know it. You’ll be back to enjoying everyday activities with a new level of focus, allowing you to capture all of life’s moments with the power of focused light. Your eyes naturally work together as a visual system, focusing light onto your retina (the back of the eye), where light receptors turn that light into an image for your brain to “see.”
When selecting a lens to be part of your visual system, it’s important to consider how that lens focuses light. The Apthera™ IOL is the only lens with small aperture technology that filters away the unfocused light that causes blurry vision. Unlike other lenses that split, shift, or stretch light, the Apthera IOL focuses light entering the eye through its small aperture and seamlessly expands your range of vision—so you can see text, people, and objects—across a full range of focal distances.3 The Apthera IOL is designed to be paired with a monofocal or monofocal toric IOL in your other eye, allowing you to see with excellent vision from near to far.
Your Apthera lens includes small aperture technology to help you see clearly, even if you have a low amount of astigmatism – up to 1.5 diopters.3 Performing well in bright and low light conditions, this lens will help you see more clearly without blur.
“Cataracts are the largest contributor to global blindness in adults aged 50 years and older, with more than 15 million individuals, or approximately 45 percent of the more than 33 million cases of global blindness. We believe that the IC-8 Apthera EDOF IOL will bolster our surgical portfolio by enhancing our IOL offerings, a strategic area of focus for Bausch + Lomb,” said Joseph C. Papa, CEO of Bausch + Lomb. “We will continue to focus on areas of unmet medical need that we believe will help drive long-term growth in our core segments and, importantly, help us achieve our mission of helping people see better to live better.”
Talk With Your Doctor
They have been trained in lens technologies and can explain what lens options you have, considering your current personal vision profile and your vision expectations. Your doctor can also explain how to prepare for as well as the risks and benefits of your cataract surgery.
FAQS
Will I feel anything during surgery?
Your surgeon will use a special device to stabilize your eye and keep your eyelids open. Typically, you may experience some slight pressure during the procedure, but you should experience very little to no pain. Ask your doctor about their pain management plan.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Typical cataract surgery takes between 10-15 minutes. Expect the entire visit to take a few hours.
Will I be able to see without glasses?
Every patient case, surgery plan, and eye recovery is different, but with the Apthera IOL, you can expect to be spectacle free for your distance and intermediate vision. You may need glasses for very small print or low-light conditions. Talk with your doctor on what outcomes you can expect with your personal vision.
When can I return to normal activities?
You will need transportation assistance on the day of your surgery. Typically, you will be able to return to normal activities within several days. Your eyes may be sensitive to touch for a few days, and you should avoid rubbing them. It is important to avoid any lifting or straining that could increase pressure on your eyes. Make sure you follow all of your doctor’s post-operative instructions.
How often will I need my eyes checked after surgery?
Your doctor will advise you based on your procedure. Patients typically have follow-ups up to 30-days after surgery. Make sure you follow the appropriate recommendations from your doctor for the best outcomes.
Does my insurance cover my lens choice?
Private insurance carriers and Medicare cover the cost of monofocal lenses (distance vision correction only). Advanced technology lenses like the Apthera IOL require a patient out-of-pocket cost. Speak with your doctor on available payment plans or other ways you can invest in your vision if cost is a factor in your decision-making.
About Bausch + Lomb: Founded in 1853, Bausch & Lomb has over 160 years of eye health experience and has been at the forefront of some of the most significant lens technology advancements in eye health.
References
- https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/traditional-vs-laser-assisted-cataract-surgery
- Warren Hill, MD, Keratometry Databases (6,000 patients)
- IC-8 Apthera Directions for Use, Bausch + Lomb, Inc.
- Marketscope
