NEW ORLEANS, November 9, 2017 – Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, will introduce the newly optimized UltraSert^® delivery system pre-loaded with the AcrySof^® IQ aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) for people undergoing cataract surgery at the 2017 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting, taking place November 11 – 14 in New Orleans. Data will be presented at AAO on the UltraSert^® system, designed to deliver a pristine, untouched IOL directly into the eye of cataract surgery patients in less time.

“We are proud to introduce enhancements to the cutting edge UltraSert^® delivery system during such an important time for our company and the eye care space in general,” said Sergio Duplan, Region President, North America, Alcon. “After 70 years, we continue bringing forth best-in-class innovations that offer value beyond the technical aspects of cataract surgery. This latest innovation demonstrates Alcon’s commitment to optimizing the surgery experience by simplifying the surgical process in order to help enhance outcomes for the patient.”

The optimized design allows predictable delivery of the IOL in just three simple preparation steps. The new design features a longer 3 mm nozzle tip with a proprietary depth guard, and is designed for incisions as small as 2.2 mm. UltraSert^® is pre-loaded with the AcrySof^® IQ aspheric monofocal IOL, which is intended for the replacement of the human lens to achieve visual correction of aphakia (the absence of the lens of the eye) in adult patients following cataract surgery.

The UltraSert^® pre-loaded IOL delivery system reduces device preparation time and total case time by eliminating manual loading of the IOL. Alcon will present data from a study entitled, “US Multicenter Study of Time, Operational, and Cost Efficiencies Associated with a New Preloaded IOL Delivery System.” The study looked at the time and associated cost efficiencies of using the UltraSert^® pre-loaded IOL delivery system compared to the Monarch^® manually loaded IOL system. Findings will be presented on Monday, November 13 from 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. in Hall C of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

In addition, Alcon has planned numerous panel discussions and events highlighting technologies to address cataracts and other vision conditions, as well as a retina film festival.

The Difference is in the Distance: Presbyopia Correction Discussion

Alcon is hosting a dynamic panel discussion, “The Grand Essential of Presbyopia Correction: The Difference is in the Distance,” that will highlight real-world successes with the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® +2.5 Toric IOL with the unique ACTIVEFOCUS™ design. The panel, moderated by Dr. Bonnie An Henderson of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston and Tufts University School of Medicine, will focus on cases and techniques using this innovative advanced technology lens platform.

The event will take place on Friday, November 10 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the River City Complex at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.

CyPass^® Micro-Stent Symposium

Physicians can learn more about micro-invasive glaucoma surgery featuring real-world cases using the CyPass^® Micro-Stent presented in 3D. CyPass^® is a micro-invasive glaucoma surgical (MIGS) device to treat adult patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma in conjunction with cataract surgery.

The program, moderated by Dr. Ike Ahmed of the University of Toronto, will take place on Saturday, November 11 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the River City Complex at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.

Third Annual Retina Film Festival

Help Alcon celebrate its 70^th anniversary at the Third Annual Retina Film Festival, an interactive event driven by surgical case videos that feature the latest technologies designed to help surgeons deliver a higher level of precision and efficiency during vitreoretinal surgery. The videos, to be presented by esteemed faculty and guest presenters, will feature technologies including Advanced ULTRAVIT^® Beveled High-Speed probes, VEKTOR^® Articulating Illuminated Laser Probes, and the NGENUITY^® 3D Visualization System.

The program, moderated by Dr. Donald J. D’Amico of Weill Cornell Medical College, will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Civic Theatre New Orleans.

Important Information About the Alcon Products Featured in this Release

UltraSert^® Pre-loaded IOL Delivery System

As with any surgical procedure, there is risk involved. Potential complications accompanying cataract or implant surgery may include corneal endothelial damage, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, vitritis, cystoid macular edema, corneal edema, pupillary block, cyclitic membrane, iris prolapse, hypopyon, and transient or persistent glaucoma. Only Alcon qualified viscoelastic(s) should be used with the UltraSert^® Pre-loaded Delivery System. The use of an unqualified viscoelastic may cause damage to the lens and potential complications during the implantation process.

AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® +2.5 Multifocal Toric IOL with ACTIVEFOCUS™

Side effects associated with the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® +2.5 Multifocal Toric IOL include visual disturbances such as glare, rings around lights and blurred vision. These side effects might make it more difficult to see while driving at night or completing tasks in low lighting such as at night or in fog, after surgery as compared to before surgery. This IOL corrects corneal astigmatism only when it is placed in the correct position in the eye. There is a possibility that the IOL could be placed incorrectly or could move within the eye. This may result in less improvement or a reduction in vision because your corneal astigmatism has not been fully corrected, or it may cause visual symptoms. The safety and effectiveness of the AcrySof^® IQ ReSTOR^® +2.5 Multifocal Toric IOL has not been established in patients with certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy (an increase in eye pressure or complications of diabetes in the eye).

CyPass^® Micro-Stent

The CyPass^® Micro-Stent is a prescription medical device that is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma. The use of the CyPass^® Micro-Stent is contraindicated in eyes with angle closure glaucoma and eyes with traumatic, malignant, uveitic or neovascular glaucoma or discernible congenital anomalies of the anterior chamber angle. If IOP is not adequately maintained after implantation of a CyPass^® Micro-Stent, additional therapy may be needed for IOP control.