October 24, 2009
San Francisco, CA - WaveTec Vision Systems, Inc. announced today that it has successfully used its ORange Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometer to measure the refractive power of aphakic eyes. To date, aphakic ORange measurements have been captured on more than 100 normal eyes at 6 sites in the United States.
"These early results demonstrate the ability of ORange to obtain an accurate refractive measurement following the removal of a cataract," said Thomas Berryman, the CEO of Wavetec Vision. "We believe that the initial findings validate the approach that WaveTec Vision has developed for IOLpower calculations."
ORange translates wavefront data into intraoperative power calculations for IOL's of all types. By incorporating Talbot-Moiré interferometry, ORange maintains a high resolution throughout a large dynamic range. Taking measurements after the cataract is removed allows the physician to obtain a refraction measurement based on the "true" optical power of the eye. Based upon this reading, the physician can confirm or change the preoperatively planned IOL power before the lens is implanted.
ORange technology is available and recommended for patients who desire spectacle free vision. This goal is particularly challenging for eyes that have undergone previous corneal refractive surgery. Dan B. Tran, MD, Newport Beach, CA, commented that, "these eyes are notoriously difficult to obtain an accurate IOL calculation, often leading to the need for IOL exchanges or further enhancements after cataract surgery." Now, with the ability to take a refraction and measure the optical system of the eye right in the operating room, ORange may be the tool that allows patients and their physicians to achieve the goal of spectacle independence-without a secondary procedure.
Prior to the release of the next generation ORange, physicians have had success confirming the power of the lens intraoperatively using ORange in the pseudophakic state. "I estimate that the use of ORange to take pseudophakic measurements has reduced my enhancement rates in these patients by a factor of four. I am encouraged by the initial aphakic power calculation results I am getting and can imagine even better outcomes using ORange to guide my decisions," said Dr. Tran. "This is extremely important, as we are increasingly seeing post-LASIK patients reach the age for cataract surgery. Reducing enhancement rates in the OR rather than months later is not only better for the patient, but also helps with practice economics."
Since its introduction at the 2009 American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), increasing numbers of refractive-cataract surgeons are realizing the value ORange brings to their practices. This next generation ORange System provides the promise of further improving visual outcomes and patient satisfaction. It is anticipated that data on more than 500 aphakic IOL power calculations with ORange will be presented at the 2010 ASCRS meeting in Boston.
ORange users are confident that the ability to perform aphakic IOL power calculations in the next generation ORange System, will be a strong addition to the technology's current indications in optimizing astigmatic correction on the table (limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) and toric IOL positioning) and pseudophakic IOL power confirmations. In addition to LRI and toric IOL applications, the ability to perform aphakic IOL power calculations is integral to the next generation ORange System, which the company will be previewing during the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, (Booth 241). Additionally, there will be four poster presentations on ORange at AAO. (Please see below details of poster presentations).
About WaveTec Vision
WaveTec Vision is a privately held medical device company with headquarters in Aliso Viejo, CA. Founded in 1997, the company and is focused on intraoperative wavefront technology for refractive cataract surgeons.