More than 1.7 million Australians living with presbyopia1 (age-related loss of near vision) are set to benefit
from the launch of Australia’s first laser eye treatment that can eliminate the need for reading glasses in just
20 seconds.2
The groundbreaking IntraCORT procedure, to be unveiled today (Tuesday, November 23, 2010) at the
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) 42nd Annual Scientific Conference in
Adelaide, uses a minimally invasive laser to reshape the cornea without damaging the outer layers of the eye.
Because the procedure requires no general anaesthetic, injections, or blades, it promotes fast healing, with a
minimal risk of infection and can significantly improve near vision one day post-procedure.2
Ophthalmic surgeon and Australian pioneer of this breakthrough technology, Dr Kerrie Meades, will present clinical
outcomes demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment for presbyopia at the RANZCO conference today.
“Presbyopia is one of Australia’s most common eye conditions.
“To date, the only treatments available to correct near vision were reading glasses, contact lenses or invasive laser eye
surgery,” 3 said Dr Meades.
“Conventional laser eye surgery typically involves cutting open the outer layers of the eye in order to direct the laser
to the inner cornea. This method results in longer healing times and higher risks of infection.
“With the IntraCORTM procedure, no surgical cuts to the outer eye or removal of tissue is required,” Dr Meades said.
“The procedure is quick and painless, taking just 20 seconds to perform.”
Without damaging the outer layers of the eye, the non-surgical procedure involves delivering a painless laser beam
directly into the stroma (deep layer of the cornea), where gas bubbles form into microscopic rings.
The gas bubbles dissolve within two-to-three hours post-surgery. When the cornea clears, distance vision returns, and
the patient may immediately notice a change in near vision. By the end of the first day post-procedure, patients can
already see an improvement in their near vision.
As the entire pattern of applied laser depends on the patient’s visual disturbance, the result is a personalised and
accurate treatment with minimal risk of infection.4
“The IntraCORTM procedure not only improves near vision, but can also enhance distance vision in some instances.4
Also, the shadow or halo effect in night time vision associated with conventional treatments is significantly reduced
with this new procedure,4” said Dr Meades.
“This is the first time this level of visual independence has been achieved without invasive laser surgery. The
improvements to quality of life mean that our patients can maintain an active, independent lifestyle without
constantly reaching for or worrying about their reading glasses.”
The IntraCORTM procedure is suitable for adult patients seeking to improve their near vision and permanently reduce
their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
According to former presbyopic patient, Mr Andrew Davis, 46, Sydney, the life-changing IntraCORTM procedure has
restored his near vision. He is now able to read fine print without the use of his reading glasses.
“My near vision started deteriorating about two years ago, and it became progressively harder for me to focus on the
fine print.
“My work requires me to be able to see long distance as well as up close. I wasn’t accustomed to wearing glasses, so
was frustrated with constantly having to put my reading glasses on, have my eyes adjust to them, only to have to take
them off again. Then after removing my glasses it would take time for my eyes to readjust. The strain on my eyes from
the constant readjustment would cause me to experience headaches almost every day,” said Mr Davis. more#
“On the day of my procedure I was a bit anxious, but it was all thoroughly explained to me, so I knew what to expect.
Before I knew it, the procedure was already over and I was allowed to go home.”
On the day of treatment, anaesthetic drops are placed in the patients’ eye while they are lying down on a laser bed.
A laser beam is then accurately positioned on the cornea using a sterile patient interface device. The treatment takes
only 20 seconds to complete and near vision typically improves within just a few hours.
“When returning home after the procedure, I was surprised that I could already read the newspaper without my
reading glasses,” Mr Davis said.
“I am no longer plagued by headaches from eye strain and am enjoying my new life post-glasses. To virtually restore
my near vision is extraordinary.”
For patients who may have lost the ability to read for up to several decades, the procedure can provide a welcome
restoration of vision, where daily tasks such as reading, using a mobile phone, and leafing through catalogues, can
become hassle-free once again.
Not only does IntraCORTM improve quality of life, but the long-term cost savings from a one-off IntraCORTM procedure
compared to a lifetime of prescription lenses can be significant. The total treatment cost for IntraCORTM is less than
$5,000.
For more information about IntraCORTM, call 1300 68 3937 or visit www.intracor.com.au.
References
1.MedMarket Diligence LLC. Products, Technologies, Markets and opportunities in Ophthalmology Surgical Device and Drug Markets Worldwide 2007; Report 3G125.
2. Holzer, MP. Update on intraCOR. J Cataract Refract Surg 2009; 44-45.
3. Holzer MP, Mannsfeld A, Ehmer A, Auffarth GU. Early outcomes of INTRACOR femtosecond laser treatment for presbyopia. J Refract Surg 2009; 25: 855-861.
4. Ruiz LA, Cepeda LM, Fuentes VC. Intrastromal correction of presbyopia using a femtosecond laser system. J Refract Surg 2009; 25: 847-854.
5. Holden BA, Fricke TR, May Ho S, Wong R, Schlenther G, Cronje S, Burnett A, Papas E, Naidoo KS, Frick KD. Global vision impairment due to uncorrected presbyopia.
Arch Ophthalmol 2008 126; 12; 1731-1739.
6. Croft MA, Glasser A, Kaufman, PL. Accomodation and presbyopia. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2001; 41: 33-46.
7. Patel I, West SK. Presbyopia: prevalence, impact, and interventions. Com Eye Health J 2007; 20: 40-41
