Bausch + Lomb and Technolas Perfect Vision announced that the Victus Femtosecond Laser Platform received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration. The Victus platform is the first femtosecond laser capable of supporting cataract and corneal procedures on a single platform. The versatile system is designed to provide greater precision compared to manual cataract surgery techniques, potentially enhancing patient experience. 

The two companies plan to immediately introduce and begin placing the Victus platform at leading surgery centers in the United States. Together, B + L and TPV promote the Victus platform globally, leveraging their combined cataract and refractive expertise and commercial capabilities. The Victus platform received CE mark approval in Europe in November of 2011 and has been used in more than 2,000 cataract or refractive procedures around the world. The two organizations are working to gain approval for additional applications in the United States to maximize use of all of the unique capabilities of the Victus laser in cataract and refractive procedures.  

Early published data suggest that laser refractive cataract surgery, as offered by the Victus platform, may allow physicians to create a more precise, controllable and centered capsulotomy. The laser procedure may require less phaco energy and time during lens fragmentation, improve intraocular lens placement, and potentially enhance patient outcomes and experience, the companies report.

The Victus platform is cleared for creation of a corneal flap in patients undergoing LASIK surgery or other treatment requiring initial lamellar resection of the cornea and anterior capsulotomy during cataract surgery, with plans to submit additional indications to the FDA. The product is now available for shipment in the United States. For information, visit bausch.com or technolaspv.com.

The new Pediatric Near Contrast Test from Richmond Products provides a quick, effective and convenient way to detect and track ocular pathologies in children using LEA Symbols and LEA Numbers. Low-contrast acuity loss measurement can be used to demonstrate progress in disease treatment and help children’s parents understand the need for continued care.

The Pediatric Near Contrast Test provides six contrast sensitivity levels: 100 percent; 25; 5; 2.5; and 1.25. The test is administered at 16 inches (40 cm) making it quicker and more convenient than repositioning a patient to use a distance contrast test such as the (adult only) Pelli-Robson test. 

LEA Symbols and LEA Numbers at full contrast are presented 20/400 to 20/10 in 17 increments. The other contrast levels are presented in 15 levels from 20/400 to 20/16. Optotype sizes are listed in Snellen feet and meters, LogMAR, decimal and letter size for each line. A “mask” is provided to block the acuity measures and help focus the child’s attention on the test line. 

For information, visit richmondproducts.com. 

Abbott has expanded its Healon family of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices with the Food and Drug Administration approval of Healon EndoCoat OVD.

The surgical delivery system for Healon EndoCoat OVD includes a number of features for increased patient safety and ease of handling for the physician, including a smaller delivery device and improved ergonomics for a smooth and consistent delivery of the formula into the eye, the company says.

Dispersives such as Healon EndoCoat OVD are expected to account for approximately 50 percent of the total OVD market in 2012, according to the independent ophthalmic research firm Market Scope. Additionally, Healon EndoCoat OVD can be used in combination with any other Healon products such as Healon OVD, Healon GV OVD or Healon5 OVD. Healon EndoCoat OVD is also available in Europe, Canada and New Zealand. The product will begin shipping immediately in the United States. For more information, visit

abbottmedicaloptics.com.

Quantel Medical says its Compact Touch 3-in-1 Ultrasound system, combining the best image and measurement performance with outstanding ergonomics, is designed to provide a comprehensive functionality to meet all your ultrasound needs: image of the globe and orbit (10 MHz B-scan), optional biometry and optional pachymetry. 

The high-quality b-scan images are supported by Quantel’s ophthalmic imaging innovations: Cineloop automatic memorization of video examination sequences; Automatic adjustment of the gain on frozen images; Post-processing tools: calipers, surface, angle, image tags and comments; and Intuitive software with large patient data storage capacity.

Optical biometry provides a level of precision as the only technique that lets you measure axial length behind an opaque area (e.g., cataract) and ProBeam—the A-probe with built-in laser pointer for faster measurements.

Optional pachymetry is the ideal addition to glaucoma screening and refractive surgery, measuring corneal thickness to an accuracy of ±5 µm, including intraocular pressure and corneal thickness correlation tables.

For information, call 1 (888) 660- 6726 or visit quantel-medical.com.

Volk Optical reports that its HRX (High Resolution eXtreme field) Vit Lens provides the widest field of view to the far periphery for retinal surgical procedures. Expanded lens choices, including two sterilization and two contact options, offer surgeons unmatched imaging in a package tailored to individual working procedures.

For indirect image viewing of the entire retina during vitreoretinal surgical procedures, the HRX Vit’s super-wide field ensures visualization of retinal pathologies to the ora serrata. Its 150-degree field of view and .43X image magnification surpass the peripheral visualization and treatment power of a traditional Mini Quad lens.

The HRX Vit’s extreme wide view does not detract from image quality. High-grade, high-refractive-index glass and Volk’s patented aspheric design ensure linear image magnification and clarity across the entire field of view. This glass construction stands up to the rigors of repeated sterilization without clouding or degrading. The HRX Vit is available in either steam or gas (ETO) sterilizable options.

The lenses are also available in either a standard contact option or Volk’s patented SSV (Self Stabilizing Vitrectomy) design. SSV lenses eliminate the need for sutures or stabilizing rings–reducing associated patient discomfort and surgical prep time.

For information, visit volk.com or call (440) 942-6161.  REVIEW