Bausch + Lomb announced today that an affiliate acquired Elios Vision, developer of a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure.
The Elios procedure uses an excimer laser to treat glaucoma in conjunction with cataract surgery without implants. Bausch + Lomb believes the deal enhances its glaucoma portfolio which already features pharmaceutical and surgical approaches.
Compared to other glaucoma surgery techniques, MIGS offers a safe and effective approach to lowering intraocular pressure. It also features a faster recovery time, according to a news release. Elios’ version offers a tissue-friendly, precision, non-thermal laser-based and highly adoptable procedure for the treatment of glaucoma. The company currently offers the CE-marked technology in Europe and is pursuing FDA approval.
Former Elios Chair and CEO Elliot Friedman said the companies aim to make combining cataract and glaucoma treatment the new standard of care. Friedman said the global presence of Bausch + Lomb makes that “even more attainable.”
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates our commitment to investing in smart, innovative technologies that enable eye care professionals to better address the evolving needs of their patients,” said Luc Bonnefoy, president, Surgical, Bausch + Lomb. “The ELIOS system offers a differentiated approach for the treatment of glaucoma, a condition expected to increase in prevalence by 47% from 2020 to 2040.”
Written by: Sean Whooley