There are many companies reported to be currently working on Dual-Optic Accommodating Lenses (IOL). Of the many companies, of drastically different sizes, all seem to be looking to capitalize on the soon to be exploding cataract surgery market. Cataract Surgery is the most common type of surgery in the United States. With more Baby Boomers turning cataract age (usually around 50) every day, this market is set to boom in the next few years. This provides a tremendous opportunity to whichever lens maker develops the most popular (and hopefully best working) cataract lens. Of the various types of lenses, dual optic lenses are expected to be “the next generation lenses.”

What is a Dual-Optic Accommodating Lens?

A dual-optic lens is a type of lens used for cataract surgery that has two optics rather than the standard single optic design and that accommodates to allow for viewing at all distances. These lenses are not to be confused with “multi-focal” lenses, lenses that have a single optic, but multiple viewing ranges within the lens. Dual Optic lenses have two separate optics, usually connected by a bendable material. There are several lens designs being worked on around the world. Dual Optic lenses seek to increase the accommodative effect and therefore perform better than the standard cataract surgery lenses. Each lens currently being developed is quite different from its peers, and each has their own way of accomplishing the accommodative effect. Often, they type of material that is being used is of totally different nature from lens to lens. This makes choosing the best lens a very cumbersome task. Many lifestyle concerns need to be taken into account to find he right lens for the right patient.

As the cataract device industry grows it will be interesting to watch the development of the new dual-optic lenses. Over the next decade there will be many companies eying this vastly expanding market.