ESCRS 2023 Recap: Leading Biotech Companies Shaping the Future of Eye Health

As OBN, we had the privilege of participating in the ESCRS Congress 2023 held in Vienna, where we witnessed the remarkable efforts of various companies dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes.

In this exclusive article, we present a compilation of ten standout companies from ESCRS 2023, listed in no particular order.

● Johnson & Johnson Vision

Johnson & Johnson Vision made a significant announcement by launching the ELITA Platform at the ESCRS Congress. This cutting-edge platform was introduced as a next-generation laser vision correction solution, marking a significant advancement in ophthalmic technology. With 510(k) approval in the United States for FLAP procedures, the ELITA Platform utilizes the innovative Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis (SILK) procedure.

In addition to the ELITA Platform launch, Johnson & Johnson Vision also likely hosted satellite symposia during the ESCRS 2023. These symposia provided a platform for professionals in the field to gain insights into the latest advancements and technologies in ophthalmic surgery. Their presence at ESCRS 2023 likely emphasized their dedication to innovation, education, and potential sustainability within the realm of eye health and vision correction.

● VSY Biotechnology

VSY Biotechnology made waves in the field of ophthalmology at the ESCRS 2023 by introducing their groundbreaking innovation, the Enova AdvancedTM Non-Diffractive Hydrophobic Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) IOL. The Enova Advanced EDoF IOL offers patients a unique blend of visual acuity, enhanced contrast sensitivity, and minimized optical side effects, making it a game-changer in the world of intraocular lenses.

It offers exceptional visual acuity for far vision, providing patients with clear and sharp eyesight for distant objects. What sets this IOL apart is its ability to maintain great visual acuity not only for intermediate vision but also extending into the near vision zone, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of visual needs. Additionally, the lens exhibits a monofocal-like halo and glare profile, minimizing visual disturbances for patients.

With a 100% glistening-free design and dry-packed packaging, it ensures the highest quality and clarity of vision. Even in the varying temperature settings of the operating room, this lens boasts controlled unfolding, demonstrating its reliability and precision in surgical procedures.

● Bausch + Lomb

At ESCRS 2023, Bausch + Lomb presented a cutting-edge array of ophthalmic products, including their groundbreaking SeeLuma™ Fully Digital Surgical Visualization Platform. This innovative technology provides surgeons with a fully digital and immersive experience during surgeries, enhancing depth of field and offering superior image quality. Alongside SeeLuma™, Bausch + Lomb showcased their MIMS® (Microincisional Microstent) technology, which represents a significant advancement in the field of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

Additionally, the IC-8® Apthera IOL was featured, revolutionizing cataract surgery with its advanced design for improved vision outcomes. These products collectively demonstrate Bausch + Lomb's commitment to pushing the boundaries of ophthalmic surgery and improving patient care.

In terms of satellite symposia, Bausch + Lomb likely hosted educational events that provided insights into their latest surgical technologies, including SeeLuma™. These symposia served as a platform for knowledge exchange among professionals in the field.

● Alcon  

At ESCRS 2023, Alcon made a significant impact with its products, showcasing its commitment to innovation in ophthalmology. Among the highlights were the revolutionary Vivity® intraocular lens, designed to provide patients with a continuous range of vision, reducing the need for glasses. The PanOptix® trifocal intraocular lens also took center stage, offering excellent vision at varying distances. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Clareon® Monarch® IV delivery system, a state-of-the-art platform for cataract surgery.

Alcon's commitment to advancing glaucoma treatment was evident with the presence of the Hydrus® Microstent, which offers a minimally invasive solution to reduce intraocular pressure. These innovative products underscore Alcon's dedication to improving eye care outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients worldwide.

Moreover, Alcon hosted three satellite symposia as part of the official ESCRS scientific program, covering topics such as digital and 3D visualization, clinical impacts of intraocular pressure (IOP), astigmatism management, and patient-centric intraocular lens selection. These symposia provided a platform for sharing new data and insights, fostering collaboration within the ophthalmic community.

● Ophtec

Ophtec made a significant impact at the ESCRS 2023 with its innovative product lineup. The company showcased two standout products, Artiplus and Precizon Go, garnering attention from the ophthalmic community. Artiplus, an iris-fixated presbyopia correction IOL, received rave reviews for its effectiveness in addressing presbyopia. Ophtec's Continuous Transitional Focus (CTF) was employed in the development of Artiplus, leading to remarkable patient outcomes and instilling confidence in this new lens.

Additionally, Precizon Go, another addition to the Precizon Family of IOLs, received CE approval and offers a wider range of clear vision, extending from far to intermediate distances by enhancing the depth of focus. Ophtec's presence at ESCRS 2023 showcased their commitment to advancing vision correction technology and improving the quality of life for individuals with various vision-related issues.

● BVI Medical

BVI Medical's presence at the ESCRS Congress was marked by a compelling showcase of their pioneering ophthalmic products. The star of their exhibit was the R-Evo Smart®, a compact platform for cataract and retinal surgery platform poised to revolutionize ophthalmic surgery with its innovative features and intelligent design.

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Isopure® IOL, an intraocular lens engineered to deliver exceptional visual clarity and patient satisfaction. In addition to these remarkable offerings, BVI highlighted the Endo Optiks® Laser Microendoscopy, a sophisticated tool that empowers clinicians with precise, minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of glaucoma.

Furthermore, BVI Medical's commitment to innovation was evident in its booth activities and engagement with partners at the conference. Their presence at ESCRS 2023 was an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the company's ever-growing portfolio of high-quality surgical products, reinforcing BVI Medical's position as a trusted and progressive player in the ophthalmic industry.

● iStar Medical

At ESCRS 2023, iSTAR Medical showcased its pioneering product, MINIject®, which is a game-changer in the field of glaucoma treatment, specifically designed for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. MINIject® harnesses the distinctive properties of iSTAR Medical's proprietary STAR material, known for its porous structure. This remarkable material is strategically placed in the supraciliary space, where it leverages the power of the eye's natural fluid dynamics. By optimizing fluid outflow, MINIject® effectively reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) and lessens the dependency on medication.

What sets MINIject® apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate with surrounding ocular tissues, mitigating inflammation, fibrosis, and the risk of postoperative complications. iSTAR Medical's presence at ESCRS 2023 underscored its commitment to advancing ophthalmic solutions and improving the well-being of patients with glaucoma.

● Elios Vision

ELIOS™ by Elios Vision took center stage at the ESCRS 2023 event, presenting a groundbreaking glaucoma treatment approach. ELIOS™ is a game-changing procedure that offers a unique approach to managing glaucoma while also addressing cataracts. This procedure stands out for its ability to preserve the trabecular meshwork, a crucial component of the eye's drainage system, making it an attractive option for surgeons and patients alike. An exceptional feature of ELIOS™ is its compatibility with simultaneous cataract surgery, eliminating the need for multiple surgeries and reducing patient inconvenience.

Unlike traditional glaucoma treatments that may require implants, ELIOS™ relies on excimer laser technology to create minuscule openings within the trabecular meshwork, thus facilitating the outflow of aqueous humor. This approach not only simplifies the procedure but also offers a minimally invasive option for glaucoma management. Moreover, with CE-marking in Europe and ongoing investigational trials in the United States, ELIOS™ holds promise as a global solution for glaucoma treatment and has garnered significant attention at ESCRS 2023 for its potential to improve patients' quality of life.

● SIFI

At the ESCRS 2023, SIFI made a significant impact by showcasing its cutting-edge products and innovations. During this prestigious event, the company presented extensive data on its latest advancements in the field of ophthalmology, focusing on cataract refractive surgery and its leading products.

One of the highlights of SIFI's presence at ESCRS 2023 was the Satellite Symposium titled "The Unstoppable Rise of Advanced Technology IOLs: Harnessing Visionary Power," scheduled for Sunday, September 10. This symposium provided insights into SIFI's advanced IOL technology, including innovations like the Mini Well Fusion, Mini Well Toric, and Xanterdes. These products aim to revolutionize cataract surgery and enhance patients' visual outcomes.

Moreover, SIFI presented a series of oral presentations and e-posters that delve into clinical study outcomes, patient satisfaction, quality of vision, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of their pioneering solutions.

● Cristalens

Cristalens made a significant presence at the ESCRS 2023, showcasing its cutting-edge ophthalmic products, with a spotlight on the premium IOL, Artis Symbiose. This innovative lens combines a unique continuous vision concept, offering patients seamless visual acuity across various distances. Artis Symbiose IOL is available in multifocal and toric versions, with the toric version specially designed to correct corneal astigmatism, offering an effective solution for astigmatic patients.

During the ESCRS 2023 Congress, Cristalens emphasized the clinical outcomes and advantages of Artis Symbiose, presenting compelling data that highlights its efficacy in providing patients with clear and continuous vision. With a commitment to improving the lives of individuals with presbyopia, cataracts and astigmatism, Cristalens's Artis Symbiose lens stood out as an innovative solution that aligns with the evolving needs of ophthalmology patients.