New data shows astigmatism tends to worsen following cataract surgery with a standard monofocal IOL, while patient awareness about advanced technology treatment options is limited

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LISBON, Portugal, Oct. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcon, the global leader in eye care and a division of Novartis, presented a real-world data analysis that looks at the impact of not treating astigmatism during cataract surgery, and results from the "More to See" survey that reveal a widespread lack of awareness about cataract disease and available treatment options^1,2. Findings from these two studies were presented at the XXXV European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) congress taking place October 7 – 11 in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Residual astigmatism after cataract surgery presents an additional challenge for patients as it distorts vision and may increase the requirement for glasses," said David F. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., FRCOphth. "Taking the opportunity to treat cataracts and astigmatism during the same surgery can carry significant benefits for patients. Therefore, it is important for people to fully understand their treatment options."

The first study, "Distribution of preoperative corneal astigmatism and postoperative refractive astigmatism in a large population of patients undergoing cataract surgery in the UK," is a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from eight ophthalmology clinics in the UK including 110,468 eyes from 76,910 patients aged 65 and older.¹ Seventy-eight percent of eyes had pre-existing corneal astigmatism ≥0.5 diopter (D), 42%≥1.0D, 21%≥1.5D, and 11% ≥2.0D.

During cataract surgery, non-toric standard monofocal IOLs were implanted in 99 percent of eyes included in the analysis. Data showed the level of astigmatism tends to become more severe after cataract surgery. After surgery, a trend towards greater post-operative astigmatism was observed. Postoperative refraction cylinder measures were available for 39,744 eyes receiving standard monofocal IOLs, of which 90 percent had refractive astigmatism ≥0.5D and 58% ≥1.0D.

The second study, "Survey in twelve countries reveals major gap in cataract awareness," looked at the results of the "More to See" survey involving more than 5,000 people over the age of 60.² Findings showed that 80 percent of respondents had little or no understanding of cataract disease. The survey also shows that, of those who had undergone cataract surgery, 75 percent were not informed of advanced surgical options that could treat their cataracts along with other visual impairments, like astigmatism, at the time of surgery. The survey spanned 12 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Romania, Turkey and Egypt. 

This survey provides the foundation for the "More to See" campaign, sponsored by Alcon, designed to drive and deepen understanding of cataracts, available treatment options and the risks of delayed treatment. The campaign aims to help patients explore treatment choices with their doctors by highlighting innovative technology in eye care. Educational campaign elements include a patient brochure, videos about cataracts and cataract surgery, and a new patient website (www.moretosee.org) that includes a cataract risk/symptom checklist and quiz. 

"Alcon believes that sight is one of our most precious gifts, and as such, is collaborating with local scientific societies to conduct patient education and awareness activities such as the 'More to See' campaign," said Ian Bell, Region President, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Alcon. "We want to connect patients with educational resources that will inform discussions with their doctors, and ultimately, lead them to the treatment that best fits their needs and desired outcomes."

The two studies were presented Tuesday, October 10 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) congress center:

• Paper Presentation: Distribution of preoperative corneal astigmatism and postoperative refractive astigmatism in a large population of patients undergoing cataract surgery in the UK, A. Day (8:30 - 8:36 a.m., Room 4.4, FIL congress center)
• Poster Presentation: Survey in twelve countries reveals major gap in cataract awareness, Dr. M. Morral (10:35 - 10:40 a.m., Poster village: Pod 1, FIL congress center)

Learn more at the Alcon Booth #P272 in the exhibition area of the FIL congress center.

About Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye that affects vision. As a cataract develops, the eye's lens gradually becomes harder and cloudy which scatters light rays and allows less light to pass through it, thus reducing the patient's ability to see. Cataracts are the most common age-related eye condition and the leading cause of preventable blindness. Cataracts are treated by surgically removing the eye's cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens (IOL).^3,4

About Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects both children and adults in which the eye does not focus light evenly onto the retina. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea, which normally is curved like a round ball, is curved more like a rugby ball. This abnormal shape can cause images to appear blurry and stretched out. Symptoms include headaches, eye strain and squinting. Astigmatism is treated with contact lenses, reading glasses or through surgical options.⁵

About Alcon
Alcon is the global leader in eye care. As a division of Novartis, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our products touch the lives of more than 260 million people each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors, and there are millions more who are waiting for solutions to meet their eye care needs. Our purpose is reimagining eye care, and we do this through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals and programs that enhance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

Alcon is on Facebook. Like us at www.facebook.com/AlconEyeCare

References

1. Distribution of preoperative corneal astigmatism and postoperative refractive astigmatism in a large population of patients undergoing cataract surgery in the UK, Session Title: Pseudophakic IOLs: Toric, Session Date/Time: Tuesday 10/10/2017 | 08:30-10:30, Paper Time: 08:30, Venue: Room 4.4, First Author:  A. Day UK, Co Author(s): M. Dhariwal   M. Keith   F. Ender   C. Perez-Vives   S. Kalson-Ray   D. Anderson     
2. Survey in twelve countries reveals major gap in cataract awareness, M. Morral SPAIN, Date/Time: Tuesday 10/10/2017 | 10:35, Poster village: Pod 1, Session Title: Presented Poster Session: FLACS & Others.
3. NIH, NEI, Facts About Cataracts, September 2015. Available at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts (link is external)
4. World Health Organization (WHO). Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment: Cataract. Accessed October 2017. Available at: http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/en (link is external)
5. UK National Health Service (NHS).  Astigmatism.  Accessed October 2017.  Available at http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Astigmatism/Pages/Introduction.aspx (link is external)

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