Johnson & Johnson Vision has launched its TECNIS Eyhance intraocular lens for the treatment of cataracts in European commercial markets. Described as a next-generation monofocal lens, it's designed to provide vision at both intermediate and far distances.
While previous lenses would offer better vision of objects at a distance, cataract patients would still need to wear glasses for performing the most common day-to-day tasks, such as working on a computer or operating a car.
"We saw an opportunity to build upon the legacy of the TECNIS family of IOLs and the proven design of our one-piece platform to reimagine what was possible with the standard aspheric monofocal IOL," said Tom Frinzi, president of the worldwide surgical business at J&J Vision.
The medtech giant said the CE-marked Eyhance IOL offers 20/20 distance vision along with significantly improved intermediate vision, with patients reporting the ability to more easily perform certain activities such as walking on uneven surfaces and engaging in their hobbies.
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J&J estimates that 217 million people worldwide live with moderate to severe vision impairment, plus another 36 million are blind—with cataracts being responsible for nearly a quarter of all impairments and 35% of blindness cases. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed globally, with over 90% of people developing cataracts by age 65.
J&J picked up the TECNIS series of lenses in its $4.3 billion acquisition of Abbott’s medical optics division in early 2017, alongside devices for LASIK refractive surgery as well as contact solutions and dry eye drops.
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The deal boosted J&J’s worldwide vision care sales by 45.9% that year to just over $4 billion, according to the company’s earnings, while contributing 4.5% to the company’s worldwide operational sales growth as a whole.