Roll-out expanded for presbyopia-correcting IOL

Johnson & Johnson announced that it is expanding the roll-out across the U.S. of its TECNIS Odyssey presbyopia-correcting IOL. In addition to better contrast sensitivity in low-light conditions and the ability to read smaller print, compared to a competing IOL, 93% of patients with this lens had no or only mild dysphotopsias 1 month postop, according to the company. The TECNIS Odyssey IOL received FDA approval in 2023 and also has approval in Japan, the European Union, Korea, Canada, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

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Study: Phase 3 clinical trials evaluate phentolamine ophthalmic solution

Ocuphire Pharma announced the publication of full results from its two Phase 3 clinical trials for RYZUMVI (phentolamine ophthalmic solution, 0.75%) in the journal Ophthalmology. According to the company’s press release, the data showed that this non-selective alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist could “rapidly and effectively [reverse] pharmacologically-induced pupil dilation with a favorable safety profile.” The studies found that a statistically significant greater percentage of patients in the phentolamine group achieved reversal of mydriasis at 90 minutes after instillation, compared to the placebo group (48.9% and 58% in the two trials compared to 6.6% and 6%, respectively). In addition to treatment for pharmacologically induced mydriasis, the company is investigating phentolamine ophthalmic solution, 0.75%, for presbyopia and in mesopic conditions after keratorefractive surgery. The Phase 3 clinical trial for presbyopia is enrolling now, with topline data expected in the first half of 2025. The Phase 3 trial evaluating the solution in low-light conditions after keratorefractive surgery is enrolling with topline data expected in the first quarter of 2025.

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AI listening innovation for ophthalmologists

NextGen announced the availability of NextGen Ambient Assist for ophthalmologists and optometrists, a technology the company described as an “AI-driven ambient listening solution.” The technology assists in transcribing patient-provider conversations in real time, with summaries of patient encounters available within 60 seconds of the visit. The technology is designed to also deliver the note, once reviewed by the physician, to the NextGen Enterprise EHR.

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ASCRS news and events

• ASCRS Business of Refractive Cataract Surgery (BRiCS) Summit: ASCRS held the inaugural BRiCS Summit last week. Read the recap in EyeWorld Onsite.
• 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting: Registration is now open for the ASCRS Annual Meeting, taking place April 25–28, in Los Angeles, California.
• ASCRS Live!: This educational dinner series is heading to several cities across the U.S. in 2024. Registration is open for the events in San Diego, California, on November 7 and Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 14.
• ASCRS Foundation: Nominations are open for the Resident Excellence Award, which awards 10 exemplary residents a travel grant, 4 nights’ accommodation, complimentary registration, and invitations to leadership and social events at the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting.
• ASCRS 50th Anniversary: ASCRS members from the 50 states are sending in their perspectives on the Society, its impact on their career, and its influence on the specialty as a whole. Stay tuned each week through April 2025 for a new video.

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Research highlights

• A prospective, multicenter, double-masked, randomized controlled trial evaluated a crosslinked hyaluronate canalicular filler (Lacrifill Canalicular Gel, Nordic Pharma) compared to the Form Fit Hydrogel Intracanalicular Plug (Oasis Medical). The study enrolled 157 patients who were randomized to receive the crosslinked hyaluronate filler (n=99) or the hydrogel plug (n=52). The research, published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, found that the filler was non-inferior to plugs in mean Schirmer score change from baseline and the proportion of patients having a clinically significant improvement in OSDI scores. The filler was deemed safe, well-tolerated, and effective at treating dry eye, with clinically and statistically significant improvements in signs and symptoms sustained out to 6 months.
• A meta-analysis published in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology evaluated the efficacy and safety of Dextenza intracanalicular dexamethasone insert (Ocular Therapeutix) for treatment of seasonal/perennial allergic conjunctivitis. The analysis included randomized controlled trials that compared Dextenza to a placebo with the primary efficacy endpoint being change in the conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) model. The study identified four trials that included a total of 323 participants and found a statistically significant increase in mean CAC change for conjunctival itching and conjunctival redness. There was no significant difference between Dextenza and placebo when it came to the number of adverse events.

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Product news

• Eyenovia is beginning to manufacture a second-generation Optejet device for drug delivery. Enhancements in the second-generation device, according to the company, include one-button use and compatibility with a digital compliance monitoring program.
• Zeiss announced broad distribution and commercial availability within the U.S. of MICOR 700, which the company described as the first hand-held lens removal device that is ultrasound-free.

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