LITTLE ROCK -- On Aug. 31, Dr. Evan Newbolt of McFarland Eye Care became the first surgeon in Arkansas to offer a new lens implant to his cataract patients. This closely followed the announcement by Abbott Medical Optics on July 15, 2016, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Tecnis Symfony Intraocular Lenses for the treatment of cataracts.
The first in a new category of Intraocular Lenses, the Tecnis Symfony lens is the only FDA approved lens implant which provides a full range of continuous high-quality vision following cataract surgery, while also reducing the effects of presbyopia by helping people focus on near objects. This recent FDA approval also includes a version of the lens for patients with astigmatism.
"We believe the Symfony is an improvement on the current multifocal lens technology," says Newbolt in the press release. "Studies show that patients enjoy improved intermediate vision for phones and computers, with reduced levels of halo and glare effect. The FDA trials are very encouraging, and eye surgeons have been using this lens in Europe and Canada for over two years."
Verdell Neely, of Little Rock, whose Symfony lens was implanted by Newbolt recently, had this to say at her one week post-operative visit. "I am beyond ecstatic! I am seeing things I haven't seen in years! I haven't been able to cross stitch or sew for so long, but now I'll be able to start again!"
When representatives from AMO, the lens manufacturer, informed Dr. Mike McFarland that the Symfony IOL had received FDA approval, he knew he wanted to offer this technology to his McFarland Eye Care cataract patients. As McFarland recalls, "We had been watching the development of this lens with interest, and feel it is an exciting step forward. The reduction in halo and glare following surgery is important. We are so pleased to be the first facility in Arkansas to offer this technology. I believe this new lens series will improve quality of vision, and, therefore, quality of life, for many of our patients. We've been waiting on it for a long time."
For more than 35 years, the doctors and staff of McFarland Eye Care have served the people of Arkansas, and their focus is on patient care. McFarlands offers safe and convenient outpatient surgery with the help of experienced and friendly staff, and provides skilled clinical care for glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and dry eye. In addition to state-of-the-art options for cataract surgery, the practice offers oculofacial plastics surgery, custom bladeless LASIK and advanced treatment by a glaucoma specialist. McFarland Eye Care medical team is led by nine well-trained and caring doctors who serve patients at clinics located in Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, Little Rock and Bryant.
For more information, call 800-934-3837.
Business on 09/19/2016