January 31, 2006
Dougherty Laser Vision Recruits Patients for
Tetraflex™ Cataract/Presbyopia Clinical Study
Patients Eligible to Receive Free Next-Generation Accommodating Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant Designed for Clear Vision at All Distances
Los Angeles – January 31, 2006 –
Dougherty Laser Vision -- one of Southern California’s
leading centers for vision correction research -- is recruiting
patients with cataracts and presbyopia to participate in a
clinical study of the new Tetraflex accommodating intraocular
lens (IOL).
Patients who meet the eligibility criteria and participate
in the study will receive the Tetraflex lens at no cost. Other
currently available IOLs for presbyopia can cost patients
up to $3000 per implant, in addition to the fee for standard
cataract surgery typically covered by medical insurance.
Already in widespread use throughout Europe, the Tetraflex
is a new generation intraocular lens implant intended to provide
permanent clear reading, intermediate and distance vision
for patients with cataracts and presbyopia. It is designed
to replace the patient’s aging natural lens with an
implant that restores more youthful clarity and zooming power,
while eliminating or greatly reducing the need for reading
glasses.
Dougherty Laser Vision is one of just seven vision centers
nationwide selected to participate in the research study conducted
under the auspices of FDA regulations. Medical Director Paul
Dougherty, M.D. performed the first Tetraflex procedure in
Western North America last November. In addition to serving
as an investigator for the Tetraflex clinical trial, Dr. Dougherty
was among the first ophthalmologists in the nation to offer
the FDA-approved CrystalensTM accommodating IOL.
“What makes the new Tetraflex lens so exciting is its
advanced design, which has been developed to restore zooming
power in a way that closely replicates the eye’s natural
lens,” said Dr. Dougherty. “Results from earlier
international studies are very promising, and show that the
Tetraflex may provide superior results to the current crop
of accommodating IOLs already approved by the FDA.”
Earlier generation IOLs attempt to restore reading vision
by diverting incoming light in a multifocal fashion, rather
than focusing a single point of light at various distances.
Using this approach, they try to trick the brain into perceiving
clear all-distance vision. In contrast, the Tetraflex has
been developed to emulate the eye’s natural lens by
moving forward and backward within the eye. This movement
is designed to allow the lens to focus on a single point of
light, and truly accommodate (i.e., zoom) to see clear vision
at all distances.
“The clinical trial launched at our center offers qualified
patients a unique opportunity to benefit from the latest lens
implant technology,” added Dr. Dougherty. Patients interested
in learning more about the trial should contact Dougherty
Laser Vision at (888) 89-LASIK.
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the eye’s
lens that usually develops gradually with advancing age. Environmental
factors, injuries, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and
certain medications can also accelerate cataract formation.
Presbyopia is the progressive, age-related loss of the eye’s
ability to focus for reading and other close tasks.
The investigational Tetraflex lens implant procedure takes
just minutes, and is essentially identical to standard intraocular
lens insertion during cataract surgery. The lens is made from
100% biocompatible material, and is inserted into the eye
through a 3-mm or smaller clear corneal incision. It is designed
to be readily removed and exchanged through the same incision.
The Tetraflex IOL is manufactured by Lenstec (St. Petersburg,
FL).
About Dougherty Laser Vision
Dougherty Laser Vision serves an expansive three county area,
with offices in Los Angeles (Larchmont Village), Ventura County
(Camarillo) and Santa Barbara. These centers offer a full
range of customized treatment options, from wavefront-guided
LASIK to intraocular lens (IOL) implants. For more than a
decade, Dougherty Laser Vision has also been a leader in clinical
research, participating in numerous clinical trials on the
latest vision correction techniques and technology. Dr. Dougherty
is one of just 39 surgeons in the world to serve on the editorial
board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery – the American
Academy of Ophthalmology’s peer-reviewed scientific
journal about new developments in refractive surgery. More
information about Dougherty Laser Vision is available by calling
(888) 89-LASIK or visiting www.doughertylaservision.com.
CAUTION: INVESTIGATIONAL DEVICE. Limited
by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use.
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