Dr. Dougherty Helps Persuade FDA Panel to Support Toric ICL Approval

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Vision Blog > Dr. Dougherty Helps Persuade FDA Panel to Support Toric ICL Approval
by Dougherty Laser Vision

Patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness plus astigmatism should soon be able to benefit from this amazing lens implant

toric implantable lensDr. Dougherty recently gave a presentation to the FDA Medical Devices Advisory Committee that prompted a recommendation to approve STAAR Surgical’s Visian® Toric Implantable Collamer® Lens (TICL™) – the first lens implant designed to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism in a single procedure.

Dr. Dougherty explained to the Committee how the lens is safe and effective for patients who meet the treatment criteria, which includes nearsightedness up to an incredible -23 diopters, plus astigmatism up to -4 diopters. He also explained how it reduces the risk of surgery for such patients, given that without the Toric ICL they must undergo two separate procedures (typically ICL and LASIK or PRK).

Unlike LASIK, the ICL (and Toric ICL) do not require the surgeon to remove corneal tissue. The procedure keeps the eye’s structure intact, which is crucial for patients with thin corneas or who require high levels of correction. While it is intended to provide permanent vision correction, the lens can also be removed if necessary. Ancillary benefits include built-in UV protection to help delay the onset of cataracts.

Stay Tuned for Additional Toric ICL Updates

Dr. Dougherty’s presentation during the FDA Advisory Committee hearing included data from his nearly 15 years of experience implanting the non-Toric ICL on both an investigational and routine basis. He was an original clinical trial investigator for the lens, and has performed more than 1,000 ICL procedures since it was approved in 2005.

The Committee’s subsequent recommendation for approval was an important step in the approval process. A final decision by the FDA should be forthcoming.

Call (805) 870-9482 to learn more about the Toric ICL, its approval status and how the lens will soon be able to help your patients with moderate to severe nearsightedness plus astigamatism.