Douglas Koch joins PowerVision

The developer of the first Fluid Based Accommodating Intraocular Lens called FluidVison has taken on a maverick of ophthalmology. Dr. Douglas D. Koch, Harvard grad, the Allen, Mosbacher, Law Chair of Ophthalmology, and Professor of Ophthalmology, at Baylor College of Medicine joins PowerVision. With three million people suffering from cataracts each year, one of several conditions FluidVision addresses, bringing Dr. Koch onto PowerVision’s Scientific Advisory Board continues to maintain high standards for PowerVisions mission statement, “…to provide a family of fluid-based lens implants that meet the clinical and lifestyle needs caused by these conditions, and develop the most significant innovation in vision correction surgery since the introduction of the intraocular lens.”

FluidVison is designed to “permanently restore clear vision at all distances for patients with cataracts and presbyopia.” Dr. Koch explains, “Many people still carry reading glasses post-surgery, since current procedures have yet to provide adequate visual clarity at all distances. The FluidVision lens addresses the other half of vision impairment problems, and will alleviate a source of frustration for my future patients. I’m excited and extremely happy to play a role in the development of a truly groundbreaking technology that can revolutionize the capabilities of intraocular lenses.”

Traditional intraocular lens implants are the current procedure to assist cataract sufferers in seeing long distances however corrective lenses are often needed. FluidVision uses True Accommodation™, which was coined due to its ability to change the shape and adjust the focus of a healthy eye. In essence it is “accommodating” to the preventative measures needed to be taken regarding the development of cataracts. With FluidVision corrective lenses should not be needed. Positive studies continue with one recently presented in April at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Symposium. The study revealed, “patients who received the FluidVision lens in one eye during cataract surgery [who] had impressive results of 20/33, 20/25 and 20/20 respectively for near, intermediate, and distance vision.”

The two main optical challenges that FluidVision will address are presbyopia and cataracts. Presbyopia is the slow degeneration of the eye’s crystalline lens. The lens loses its flexibility and therefore creates difficulty for the patient to see close objects. For many it presents as occurring rapidly when it is actually a slow progression that manifests when one is in their forties. Presbyopia is a condition, not a disease. Cataracts are when part of the eye lens becomes foggy creating difficulty seeing clearly. It can occur when one is in their mid-50’s or older but minimal cases have also been seen in infants and children. If the cataract becomes too obstructive, surgery is the only option which requires removal of the lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

FluidVision is getting closer to market everyday. With Dr. Koch joining the advisory team hopefully it will soon go from investigative device to a full on application that can help those struggling with optical challenges.