LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Articles from
Los Angeles Vision Specialist Dr. Paul Dougherty

Dougherty Laser Vision Recruits Patients for Tetraflex™ Cataract/Presbyopia Clinical Study
Patients Eligible to Receive Free Next-Generation Accommodating Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant Designed for Clear Vision at All Distances
Dougherty Laser Vision

January 31, 2006

Los Angeles-January 31, 2006-Dougherty Laser Vision -- one of Southern California's leading centers for vision correction research -- is recruiting patients with cataracts and presbyopia to participate in a clinical study of the new Tetraflex accommodating intraocular lens (IOL).

Patients who meet the eligibility criteria and participate in the study will receive the Tetraflex lens at no cost. Other currently available IOLs for presbyopia can cost patients up to $3000 per implant, in addition to the fee for standard cataract surgery typically covered by medical insurance.

Already in widespread use throughout Europe, the Tetraflex is a new generation intraocular lens implant intended to provide permanent clear reading, intermediate and distance vision for patients with cataracts and presbyopia. It is designed to replace the patient's aging natural lens with an implant that restores more youthful clarity and zooming power, while eliminating or greatly reducing the need for reading glasses.

Dougherty Laser Vision is one of just seven vision centers nationwide selected to participate in the research study conducted under the auspices of FDA regulations. Medical Director Paul Dougherty, M.D. performed the first Tetraflex procedure in Western North America last November. In addition to serving as an investigator for the Tetraflex clinical trial, Dr. Dougherty was among the first ophthalmologists in the nation to offer the FDA-approved CrystalensTM accommodating IOL.

"What makes the new Tetraflex lens so exciting is its advanced design, which has been developed to restore zooming power in a way that closely replicates the eye's natural lens," said Dr. Dougherty. "Results from earlier international studies are very promising, and show that the Tetraflex may provide superior results to the current crop of accommodating IOLs already approved by the FDA."

Earlier generation IOLs attempt to restore reading vision by diverting incoming light in a multifocal fashion, rather than focusing a single point of light at various distances. Using this approach, they try to trick the brain into perceiving clear all-distance vision. In contrast, the Tetraflex has been developed to emulate the eye's natural lens by moving forward and backward within the eye. This movement is designed to allow the lens to focus on a single point of light, and truly accommodate (i.e., zoom) to see clear vision at all distances.

"The clinical trial launched at our center offers qualified patients a unique opportunity to benefit from the latest lens implant technology," added Dr. Dougherty. Patients interested in learning more about the trial should contact Dougherty Laser Vision at (888) 89-LASIK.

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the eye's lens that usually develops gradually with advancing age. Environmental factors, injuries, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and certain medications can also accelerate cataract formation. Presbyopia is the progressive, age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus for reading and other close tasks.

The investigational Tetraflex lens implant procedure takes just minutes, and is essentially identical to standard intraocular lens insertion during cataract surgery. The lens is made from 100% biocompatible material, and is inserted into the eye through a 3-mm or smaller clear corneal incision. It is designed to be readily removed and exchanged through the same incision. The Tetraflex IOL is manufactured by Lenstec (St. Petersburg, FL).

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