Johnson & Johnson Vision has announced the launch of its TECNIS Eyhance IOL for the treatment of cataracts in Europe. This next-generation monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) allows patients to experience high-quality vision at both intermediate and far distances.

This is an important first for the monofocal IOL category, as today most lenses in the monofocal category only correct vision to help patients with cataracts see things at a distance, and thus do not improve the intermediate vision that is required for many important daily tasks.

Tom Frinzi, Worldwide President, Surgical, Johnson & Johnson Vision said, “With the availability of TECNIS Eyhance IOL in Europe, we are proud to deliver another meaningful solution for patients with cataracts. We saw an opportunity to build upon the legacy of the TECNIS® Family of IOLs and the proven design of our 1-piece platform to reimagine what was possible with the standard aspheric monofocal IOL.”

As per the company statement,”TECNIS Eyhance IOL allows patients to achieve significantly improved intermediate vision, compared with a standard aspheric monofocal IOL, along with 20/20* distance vision. In addition, data has shown a low incidence of halo, glare or starburst (bright circles of light that surround headlights and other light sources) comparable to what has been reported with the TECNIS® 1-piece IOL. According to patient-reported outcomes, TECNIS Eyhance IOL enables most patients to perform certain activities with greater ease, such as being able to walk on uneven surfaces, and to engage in activities of personal interest, including favorite hobbies.”

Dr. Oliver Findl, Chief of Department of Ophthalmology, Hanusch Hospital Vienna and ESCRS Board Member and Secretary said, “Today, patients with cataracts are forced to make a trade-off decision on their vision when selecting a monofocal intraocular lens. They can have corrected vision at a distance, but require glasses for near and intermediate vision activities, which refers to everything at arm’s length such as computer work or looking at a car speedometer. TECNIS Eyhance IOL offers high quality intermediate as well as distance vision, which is an important advancement to allow patients greater ease in certain activities in their day-to-day lives.”

TECNIS Eyhance IOL has European CE Mark approval and is now commercially available across Europe, including UK, Italy, France, Spain and Germany. This product is not currently approved or commercially available in other countries. In some countries, TECNIS Eyhance IOL is covered by medical insurance making it an important option for patients when a monofocal IOL is being considered.

TECNIS Eyhance IOL is part of the TECNIS® Family of IOLs, which offer a variety of personalized vision options for people with cataracts, all with the goal of ensuring clear, sharp vision to meet individual needs and lifestyles. In particular, presbyopia-correcting IOLs, like TECNIS Symfony® IOL, also exist that may be able to address other visual conditions, help patients wear glasses less often, and enhance focus at a full range of vision – near, intermediate and distance.

An estimated 253 million people live with vision impairment: 36 million are blind and 217 million have moderate-to-severe vision impairment. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness globally account for 35 percent of the blindness and 24 percent of the moderate-to-severe visual impairment. More than 90 percent of people develop cataracts by age 65. Left untreated, cataracts cause vision to deteriorate over time. Cataract surgery is the most common surgery performed around the world.