Alcon Unveils Innovations and Study Results at ESCRS 2025

09/08/2025 – 01:01 AM

• Cutting-edge technologies UNITY VCS, Clareon Vivity, Voyager DSLT, now commercially available in Europe, to be featured at Alcon booth and throughout conference activities
• New data on Vivity IOLs underpin positive outcomes, patient satisfaction after cataract surgery in patients with special considerations^1-3
• Reduced breakthrough pain medication use and less patient discomfort demonstrated in a study performing cataract surgery at more physiologic IOP with CENTURION with Active Sentry^4,5
• Wavelight plus head-to-head data demonstrate outstanding refractive outcomes^6,7

GENEVA – Alcon (SIX/NYSE: ALC), a global leader in eye care, is set to make a significant splash at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 12-15. The company will showcase its latest advancements in cataract, refractive, and glaucoma technologies at booth C2.033, accompanied by the presentation of over 40 studies highlighting the benefits of Alcon technologies.

Alcon Launches Bold Innovations in Europe, Eyes Market Share

Alcon is strategically positioning itself to capture a larger share of the European ophthalmic market with the commercial launch of several key technologies:

• UNITY^® Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and UNITY^® Cataract System (CS): These systems offer advanced efficiency, intelligently transforming vitreoretinal and cataract surgery with first-to-market innovations. This addresses the growing demand for streamlined surgical procedures driven by increasing patient volumes.^8-13*†
• Clareon^® Vivity^® intraocular lens (IOL): Now available across Europe, completing the Clareon Collection. Vivity is the most implanted extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL globally, offering presbyopia correction with a monofocal visual disturbance profile. This product directly competes with other EDOF IOLs from companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Zeiss, and its success hinges on clinical outcomes and surgeon adoption rates.^14-17**
• Voyager^® DSLT: The first and only Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device simplifies selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) by streamlining practice workflows, aiming to accelerate the adoption of laser as a first-line therapy for glaucoma. This technology aims to disrupt the traditional glaucoma treatment landscape and potentially reduce reliance on medication.^18-22
• Intelligent Service Solutions℠ (ISS): A global launch designed to maximize customer productivity through remote diagnostics and software updates. The ISS customer portal provides a comprehensive dashboard view of Alcon devices, including warranty information, contract details, and a device connectivity overview. This service offering aims to differentiate Alcon by providing enhanced customer support and reducing downtime for crucial surgical equipment.

*Based on bench testing.

†Compared to CENTURION and CONSTELLATION Vision Systems. Based on bench data.

**Based on worldwide unit sales of AcrySof^® IQ Vivity and Clareon Vivity IOLs, as of Q4, 2024.

“As ophthalmic practices face rising procedural volumes and increasing pressure to deliver both precision and efficiency, Alcon remains committed to providing integrated solutions that elevate every stage of the surgical journey,” stated Sunil Vasanth, Vice President Surgical, Alcon Europe. “With the launch of UNITY VCS, the completion of our Clareon IOL portfolio, and a growing body of clinical evidence to support their use, we’re empowering surgeons with a comprehensive, connected platform designed to streamline workflows and deliver exceptional outcomes for patients across a broad range of needs.”^{1-5,16,17,23-25}

The launch of these innovations reflects Alcon’s strategic focus on integrated solutions. By offering a complete platform encompassing surgical equipment (UNITY), premium IOLs (Clareon Vivity), and glaucoma treatment (Voyager DSLT), Alcon aims to increase its value proposition for ophthalmic surgeons and clinics.

Data to Bolster Portfolio

Alcon will present over 40 studies at ESCRS, showcasing the benefits of its technologies across cataract, refractive, vitreoretinal, and glaucoma procedures. The focus will be on demonstrating effectiveness and safety, crucial for driving adoption by surgeons.

Specific research highlights to watch include:

• Studies presented on Vivity EDOF IOL in populations with different co-morbidities, including some that were not previously considered candidates for a presbyopia-correcting IOL. This data has potential to expand the addressable market for EDOF IOLs.
• Data on UNITY VCS versus CENTURION^® Vision System with Active Sentry^®.
• Data presentations including early single-arm data from UNITY VCS demonstrating accurate IOP control, with validation and verification supported by video analysis.
• Data on reduced breakthrough pain medication use and less pain after performing cataract surgery at more physiologic IOP with CENTURION with Active Sentry.

Wavelight plus Head-to-Head Data

• Research supporting superior visual outcomes with ray-tracing-guided LASIK using Alcon’s wavelight plus, compared to lenticule extraction (SMILE Pro, Zeiss) for myopia correction. If further confirmed, this can help Alcon regain some lost market share in refractive surgery, a space dominated by Zeiss.⁶
• Efficacy and safety data comparing automated ray-tracing-guided LASIK using Alcon’s wavelight plus, compared to wavefront-optimized LASIK.⁷

Alcon is betting on these new products and clinical data to strengthen its position in the European market amidst increasing competition from other players. Whether these innovations can translate to revenue growth and market share gains remains to be seen.

Alcon medical device(s) comply with the current legislation for the medical devices. Please refer to relevant products directions for use or operator’s manuals for complete lists of indications, contraindications and warnings.

Products mentioned may not be approved in all markets; please reach out to your Alcon Representative for questions about availability in your local market.

This content is intended for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) only. Please note that product-related promotion of Medical Devices to non-HCPs may be subject to restrictions based on local rules and regulations.

About Alcon

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com.

References

All ESCRS Abstracts can be accessed here: Abstracts-ESCRS-2025.xlsx

1. Cartabellotta, A. Visual Outcomes Of A Non-Diffractive EDOF IOL in Cataract Patients With Dry Early Or Intermediate Stage AMD. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
2. Bonacci E., Pedrotti E., et al. Evaluation Of Visual Outcomes And Tolerance After Bilateral Implantation Of An Extended Depth Of Focus Intraocular Lens In Patient Suffering From Cataract And Mild Keratoconus. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
3. Schartmuller, D. Visual Performance Of An Extended Depth Of Focus Intraocular Lens In Eyes With Low To Moderate Irregular Astigmatism. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen
4. Rauen M., Joiner R., et al. Less Discomfort And Less Pharmacology: Cataract Surgery At Physiologic Intraocular Pressure – The Patient Experience. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
5. Rauen M., Kohler R., et al. Less Discomfort And Less Pharmacology: Cataract Surgery At Physiologic Intraocular Pressure – Breakthrough Discomfort And Surgeon Experience. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
6. Kanellopoulos, AJ. Raytracing LASIK (wavelight plus) vs. Small Lenticle Extraction (SMILE) For Myopia Correction: A Randomized, Prospective, Contralateral Eye Study. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
7. Khoramnia R., Naujokaitis T., et al. Prospective Intraindividual Comparison Of Functional Outcomes After Automated Customized Ray-Tracing-Guided Vs. Wavefront-Optimized Laser In Situ Keratomileusis. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
8. Alcon Data on File, 2024. REF-24644.
9. Alcon Data on File, 2024. REF-24615.
10. Alcon Data on File, 2024. REF-24379.
11. Alcon Data on File, 2024. REF-24576.
12. UNITY Phaco Handpiece Directions for Use.
13. UNITY VCS and CS User Manual.
14. Alcon Data on File, 2025. REF-26299.
15. Market Scope. 2024 Premium Cataract Surgery Market Report, October 2024.
16. Bala C, Poyales F, Guarro M, et al. Multicountry clinical outcomes of a new nondiffractive presbyopia-correcting IOL. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022;48(2):136-143. doi:10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000712.
17. McCabe C, Berdahl J, Reiser H, et al. Clinical outcomes in a U.S. registration study of a new EDOF intraocular lens with a nondiffractive design. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2022;48(11):1297-1304. doi:10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000978.
18. Voyager DSLT Device User Guide.
19. Gazzard, Gus, et al. “Randomized non-inferiority trial of direct selective laser trabeculoplasty in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: GLAUrious.” Ophthalmology (2025).
20. Takusagawa HL, Hoguet A, Sit AJ, et al. Selective laser trabeculoplasty for the treatment of glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2024;131(1):37-47. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.07.029.
21. European Glaucoma Society Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, 5th Edition. Br J Ophthalmol. 2021;105(Suppl 1):1-169. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-egsguidelines.
22. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Glaucoma: Diagnosis and Management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2022.
23. Miller, K. Occlusion Break Surge Performance Of A Novel Phacoemulsification System. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
24. Thompson, V., Berdahl, J., et al. Intraocular Pressure Control Using A Novel Phacoemulsification Device. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.
25. Suzuki H., Yalamanchili S., et al. Anterior Chamber Stability of a Novel Phacoemulsification Machine Via the Slit Side View Method. To be presented at: ESCRS Annual Meeting; September 2025; Copenhagen.

*Based on bench testing.

†Compared to CENTURION and CONSTELLATION Vision Systems. Based on bench data.

**Based on worldwide unit sales of AcrySof^® IQ Vivity and Clareon Vivity IOLs, as of Q4, 2024.