Corneal implants get FDA approval

Addition Technology, Inc., the maker of Intacs corneal implants, AlphaSphere orbital implants and the AlphaCor artificial cornea has received FDA approval for an expanded range of additional sizes of Intacs corneal implants for keratoconus.

“The availability of the larger sizes in the US expands its use when treating keratoconus patients. In my practice, where we manage over 1,000 keratoconic patients, I can definitely see a broader subsection of patients benefiting from these new Intacs sizes,” said Dr Yaron Rabinowitz, Director of eye research at the Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and clinical professor of ophthalmology, University California, Los Angeles. “I have been pleased with the results and now see this as an additional option to delay or avoid a corneal transplant for keratoconic patients.”

Dr David Schanzlin, of Shiley Eye Clinic in California is one of the original FDA medical monitors and first US surgeon to work with Intacs for keratoconus pioneer Prof. Joseph Colin, said: “Our colleagues in Europe have been presenting data for over 10 years regarding the benefits of the larger sizes. Based on the impressive results they have reported, I view this as an important breakthrough in addressing keratoconus, particularly in younger people where a transplant may not always be the first option.”