Historical Archives

Bausch + Lomb Invites Surgeons to “Test Drive” New Next-Generation Phacoemulsification Platform at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in Los Angeles

FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2017

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, today announced that surgeons can sign up to “test drive” the new Stellaris Elite™ vision enhancement system, the company’s next generation phacoemulsification platform, at a wet lab in its booth (#2023) at the Academy Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) this week in Los Angeles, CA. The company announced the new platform received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April.

“We know how critical hands-on experience can be when selecting new capital equipment, so we are thrilled to offer our customers the opportunity to test drive this new adaptable, dual-function surgical platform,” said Chuck Hess, vice president and general manager, U.S. Surgical, Bausch + Lomb. “As the industry celebrates 50 years of phacoemulsification, we’re proud to help usher in the future with this innovative technology by demonstrating all of the features this next-generation machine has to offer.”

Among the many new cutting-edge innovations that Stellaris Elite features are Adaptive Fluidics™ and the Attune^® energy management systems, which are designed to work synergistically to deliver responsiveness and optimized control throughout the entire procedure.  Additionally, while traditional capital equipment has a decade-long life cycle, Stellaris Elite will offer surgeons the opportunity to add upgrades and enhancements continuously, allowing them to customize and expand their capabilities over time to provide optimal performance and long-term visual outcomes for their patients now and in the future.  For example, this summer, the company plans to launch Stellaris Elite for retina applications, which will exclusively feature the Vitesse™ vitreous cutter, the first and only hypersonic, 100% open port vitrectomy system, which represents the first major vitreous removal innovation in 40 years.

During the interactive 30-minute wet lab sessions, surgeons will gain real time, hands-on experience with the new Stellaris Elite platform, as well as the VICTUS^® femtosecond laser, and an extremely broad selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and delivery systems, which include the iSert^® delivery system, a market-leading preloaded IOL, and the Crystalens^® AO, TRULIGN^® Toric, and the enVista^® glistening-free acrylic IOLs. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from the engineers and researchers who are responsible for the development of Bausch + Lomb’s surgical suite of technologies. 

For more information and to schedule an appointment in the wet lab visit: www.testdrivebausch.com.

New Storz^® Ophthalmic Instruments Offerings
The Bausch + Lomb Storz^® ophthalmic instrument portfolio for cataract and refractive surgery will be on display and available for purchase at the company’s booth. The new Osher “No Fly” instrument set, developed in partnership with Bausch + Lomb and Robert Osher, M.D., professor of Ophthalmology at the College of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati and medical director emeritus of the Cincinnati Eye Institute, is the newest series of instruments added to the comprehensive Storz^® line of products. The Osher “No Fly” set of cataract instruments were designed to work under overhead technology to help minimize the risk of instruments hitting attachments, such as aberrometers, that fall below the scope, potentially rendering them no longer sterile.  The new instrument set will provide the same functionality as commonly used instruments in cataract procedures, but feature shorter handles to help improve surgeon’s maneuverability.

Bausch + Lomb’s Branded Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals
Many of the company’s wide range of branded ophthalmic pharmaceuticals will be featured in the Bausch + Lomb booth. This includes PROLENSA^® (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.07%, which was introduced to the market five years ago and remains a widely recognized NSAID with approximately 2.2 million prescriptions since launch.¹ Powered for penetration, PROLENSA^® is an advanced bromfenac formulation to facilitate corneal penetration and target ocular tissues.^2,3 Additionally, LOTEMAX^® Gel (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel) 0.5% is a corticosteroid used to treat post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery. Bausch + Lomb’s loteprednol products have been trusted by eye care professionals since they were first introduced by providing efficacy to treat the FDA-approved indicated disease states with the established safety of loteprednol.

Featured Educational Programs
Bausch + Lomb will support a variety of educational events during the ASCRS meeting featuring a diverse group of highly regarded speakers. The full schedule of events includes:

Cataract-Focused Symposia on Sunday, May 7
Led by program chair, John Hovanesian, M.D., “Integrating Premium Technology for Excellent Outcomes,” will be open to meeting attendees on Sunday, May 7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (West Hall B). The educational program will include the following faculty; Cynthia Matossian, M.D., Inder Paul Singh, M.D., and Mitch. C. Shultz, M.D. Registration and breakfast begins at 6 a.m., with the program commencing at 6:30 a.m. Attendees can register online at: http://meetings.eyeworld.org/bausch.

Industry Spotlight Theater
The Industry Spotlight Theater offered by ASCRS ASOA Symposium & Congress is a new series of exhibit hall-based educational programming designed to provide attendees the opportunity to learn about different ophthalmic products and categories. A distinguished group of speakers will moderate the sessions, several of which will include discussion of technologies from the Bausch + Lomb surgical portfolio. These events include:   

• Sunday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to Noon p.m., the FLACS/Capsulotomies session, featuring the VICTUS femtosecond laser;
• Monday, May 8, from 9 to 10 a.m., the Cataract Surgery Small Instruments/Devices session, featuring the Osher “no fly” instrument set;
• Sunday, May 7 from 9 to 10 a.m., the Phaco Machines session, featuring the company’s new next-generation phacoemulsification system, Stellaris Elite.

Scientific Podium Presentations and Posters

20 podium presentations, e-posters, and films will feature Bausch + Lomb’s surgical technologies during the meeting.  The full schedule includes:

Saturday, May 6

Ang, Robert. “Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Visual Outcomes of an Accommodating and Two Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOLs): 5-Year Follow-up.” Saturday, May 6 at 3:36 p.m.; Room 402B.

Liang, Eva. “Effects of Co-Implantation with Capsular Tension Ring (CTR) in Patients Implanted with an Accommodating Intraocular Lens (IOL).” Saturday, May 6 at 3:27 p.m.; Room 402A.

McKee, Yuri. “Effectiveness of Femtosecond Laser Corneal Arcuate Incisions for Correction of Low-Grade Keratometric Astigmatism during Cataract Surgery.” Saturday, May 6 at 1:57 p.m.; Room 402A.

Page, Timothy. “Surgical Techniques and Intraoperative Events Associated with Vaulting of Accommodative Intraocular Lens (IOL).” Saturday, May 6 at 3:07 p.m.; Room 402B.

Whitman, Jeffrey. “Post-Operative Signs of Vault in Accommodative Intraocular Lens (IOL) and Post-Operative Management Techniques.” Saturday, May 6 at 3:02 p.m., Room 402B.

Stahl, Brian. “Potential Impact of Surgical Variables on Refractive Outcomes for Accommodative Intraocular Lens (IOL).” Saturday, May 6 at 3:17 p.m.; Room 402B.

Sunday, May 7

Harvey, Thomas. “Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Residual Refractive Cylinder of a Low-Toricity IOL and an Accommodative IOL.” Sunday, May 7 at 3:47 p.m.; Room 410.

Shultz, Mitchell. “Subjective and Objective Measurements of Enhanced Depth of Focus with Monofocal Intraocular Lens (IOL).” Sunday, May 7 at 8:47 a.m.; Room 409AB.

Whitman, Jeffrey. “Refractive and Visual Outcomes for Cataract Surgery following Radial Keratotomy.” Sunday, May 7 at 3:55 p.m.; Room 402A.

Monday, May 8

Liang, Eva. “Combined Treatment with Toric Accommodating Intraocular Lens (IOL) and Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI) for Correction of Corneal Astigmatism.” Monday, May 8 at 2:05 p.m.; Room 402B.

O’Brien, Terrence P. “Scanning Electron Micrographic Comparison of Manual Capsulorhexis and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Capsulotomy Methods.” Monday, May 8 at 2:07 p.m.; Room 402A.

Tyson, Farrell C. “Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of a New Acrylic Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL).” Monday, May 8 at 3:07 p.m.; Room 410.

Thompson, Vance. “Clinical Evaluation of the Effect of Capsulorhexis Diameter on Refractive Outcomes with Accommodative IOL.” Monday, May 8 at 3:47 p.m.; Room 410.

Solomon, Jonathan. “Reduction in Effect of Corneal Astigmatism with Low-Toricity Toric IOL in Cataract Patients.” Monday, May 8 at 3:52 p.m.; Room 410.

Tuesday, May 9

Page, Timothy.  “Pre-Operative Risk Factors for Vault in Accommodative Intraocular Lens (IOL).” Tuesday, May 9 at 10:55 a.m.; Room 409A.

Posters/Films

Berdahl, John. “Visual Refractive Outcomes with Limbal Relaxing Incisions in Accommodative Intraocular Lens Patients.” Poster available online May 5-9.

Cornell, Peter. “Accuracy to Refractive Target after Implantation with Accommodative IOL: Comparison of Three IOL Calculation Formulae.” Poster available online May 5-9.

Packer, Mark. “Optical Characteristics and Quality of Vision – Comparison of Diffractive Extended Depth of Focus and Aspheric Refractive IOLs.” Poster available online May 5-9.

Packer, Mark. “Comparison of Image Quality of Refractive and Diffractive IOLs with Shift in Pupil Center under Mesopic Conditions.” Poster available online May 5-9.

Shultz, Mitchell. “Comparative Analysis of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Fluctuation between Two Adaptive Fluidics Phacoemulsification Systems.” Poster available online May 5-9.

Singh, Inder Paul. “OVD Release and Confirmation of a Free-Floating Anterior Capsule after Femtosecond-Assisted Cataract Surgery.” Film available online May 5-9.

Indications and Usage for PROLENSA^®

PROLENSA^® (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.07% is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have undergone cataract surgery.

Important Safety Information About PROLENSA^®

• PROLENSA^® contains sodium sulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people.
• All topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including bromfenac, may slow or delay healing. Concomitant use of topical NSAIDs and topical steroids may increase the potential for healing problems.
• There is the potential for cross-sensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid, phenylacetic acid derivatives, and other NSAIDs, including bromfenac. Use with caution in patients who have previously exhibited sensitivities to these drugs.
• There have been reports that ocularly applied NSAIDs may cause increased bleeding of ocular tissues (including hyphemas) in conjunction with ocular surgery. Use with caution in patients with known bleeding tendencies or who are receiving other medications which may prolong bleeding time.
• Use of topical NSAIDs may result in keratitis. Patients with evidence of corneal epithelial breakdown should immediately discontinue use of topical NSAIDs, including bromfenac, and should be closely monitored for corneal health. Patients with complicated ocular surgeries, corneal denervation, corneal epithelial defects, diabetes mellitus, ocular surface diseases (e.g., dry eye syndrome), rheumatoid arthritis, or repeat ocular surgeries within a short period of time may be at increased risk for corneal adverse events which may become sight threatening. Topical NSAIDs should be used with caution in these patients. Post-marketing experience with topical NSAIDs suggests that use more than 24 hours prior to surgery or use beyond 14 days post-surgery may increase patient risk for the occurrence and severity of corneal adverse events.
• PROLENSA^® should not be instilled while wearing contact lenses. The preservative in PROLENSA^®, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Lenses may be reinserted after 10 minutes following administration of PROLENSA^®.
• The most commonly reported adverse reactions in 3%-8% of patients were anterior chamber inflammation, foreign body sensation, eye pain, photophobia, and blurred vision.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for PROLENSA^®, here.

Indications and Usage for LOTEMAX^® GEL
LOTEMAX^® Gel (loteprednol etabonte ophthalmic gel) 0.5% is indicated for the treatment of post-operative inflammation and pain following ocular surgery.

Important Safety Information About LOTEMAX^®

• LOTEMAX^® Gel is contraindicated in most viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and field of vision. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, IOP should be monitored.
• Use of corticosteroids may result in posterior subcapsular cataract formation.
• Use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation and occurrence of perforations in those with diseases causing corneal and scleral thinning. The initial prescription and renewal of the medication order should be made by a physician only after the examination of the patient with the aid of magnification, and where appropriate, fluorescein staining.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infection. In acute purulent conditions, steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. 
• Use of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution. Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex).
• Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local steroid application. Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a steroid has been used or is in use.
• Patients should not wear contact lenses when using LOTEMAX^® Gel.
• The most common ocular adverse drug reactions reported were anterior chamber inflammation (5%), eye pain (2%) and foreign body sensation (2%).

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information for LOTEMAX^® Gel, here.

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing and restoring people’s eyesight. Its core businesses include over-the-counter supplements, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Bausch + Lomb develops, manufactures and markets one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry, which is available in more than 100 countries.

References
1. Data on file, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
2. PROLENSA Prescribing Information.
3. Baklayan GA, Patterson HM, Song CK, Gow JA, McNamara TR. 24-hour evaluation of the ocular distribution of (14)C-labeled bromfenac following topical instillation into the eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2008;24(4):392-398.

^®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
Any other product/brand names are trademarks of the respective owners.
© 2017 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. MTB.0051.USA.17

News Media Contacts

Kristy Marks
Director, Corporate Communications, Bausch + Lomb
(908) 927-0683 or kristy.marks@bausch.com

Teresa Panas
BioComm Network, on behalf of Bausch + Lomb
(973) 809-8590 or tpanas@biocommnetwork.com