Alcon has announced the commercial launch of its UNITY surgical equipment portfolio: the UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and the UNITY Cataract System (CS).
The technologies are making their debut at the 2025 annual meeting of the American Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) this weekend.
Let’s start with a look at this new UNITY brand.
Granted FDA 510(k) clearance in June 2024, the next-generation of systems are the latest additions to the Alcon Vision Suite (see here for a rundown).
The design combines vitreoretinal and cataract surgery-based indications into a combined console (VSC) and a standalone cataract system (CS).
- The intent: To enable cataract surgeons to operate with “increased stability and efficiency at more physiology conditions”—including maintaining a consistent level of IOP for optimal patient comfort during surgery (but more on that later).
Get specific on these indications.
- UNITY VCS: Indicated for use during anterior segment (phacoemulsification [phaco] and cataracts remova)l and posterior segment (vitreoretinal) ophthalmic surgery
- When used with the optional laser, the system is also indicated for photocoagulation (vitreoretinal and macular pathologies); iridotomy; and trabeculoplasty procedures
- UNITY CS: Indicated for use with compatible devices during only anterior segment ophthalmic surgery
See here for important product information.
So what’s included in the platform?
Alcon noted multiple “first-to-market” technologies for advanced vitreoretinal and cataract surgery, including:
- UNITY 4D Phaco
- Reportedly delivers up to two times faster nucleus removal and uses ~40% less energy than Alcon’s OZIL Torsional Phaco handpiece
- HYPERVIT 30K
- Marketed as “the world’s fastest vitrectomy probe” that executes 30,000 cuts per minute
- UNITY Intelligent Fluidics system
- A pressure and flow technology “pump system” with real-time sensing and independent, precise control over intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as flow both in and out of the eye
- Enables higher average vacuum while removing the lens
- The supporting data: This compares to the mean fluctuation at flow versus setpoint for:
- Phaco: 2.36 ± 2.13 mmHg
- Irrigation/aspiration: 4.19 ± 1.97 mmHg
- Vitrectomy: 1.84 ± 2.82 mmHg
- Extrusion/fragmentation: 2.13 ± 2.86 mmHg
- The supporting data: This compares to the mean fluctuation at flow versus setpoint for:
And the instrumentation?
Focusing on the VCS, the system offers three UNITY-specific advancements for vitreoretinal surgery:
- UNITY 27 Gauge Portfolio
- Utilizes Dynamic Stiffener technology, designed to enhance the performance and stability of smaller (27)-gauge instruments by providing a stiffness level comparable to or more than larger (25)-gauge systems
- For surgeons: This gives them greater control and precision to perform intricate procedures—as well as potentially reduces patient discomfort.
- Utilizes Dynamic Stiffener technology, designed to enhance the performance and stability of smaller (27)-gauge instruments by providing a stiffness level comparable to or more than larger (25)-gauge systems
- UNITY TetraSpot
- A multi-spot illumination probe that cuts laser application duration by up to three times (compared to single-spot laser probes)
- For surgeons: This enables them to apply one, two, or four laser spots simultaneous for greater procedural versatility
- UNITY Illumination
- Reduces blue light exposure to the eye
- Supplies customizable light profiles for enhanced tissue visualization—“providing up to 10,000 hours of reliability”
That’s quite a few capabilities … any other UNITY tech to know about?
Two more! The system also features:
- UNITY Intelligent Sentry
- What this does: Manages anterior chamber stability and reduces post-occlusion surge volumes by 44%
- As compared to its use in Alcon’s CENUTRION Vision System with ACTIVE SENTRY
- What this does: Manages anterior chamber stability and reduces post-occlusion surge volumes by 44%
- UNITY Thermal Sentry
- What this does: As a first-of-its-kind phaco handpiece with a thermal sensor, this uses an Alcon-developed algorithm to gauge real-time incision temperature and regulate ultrasound power
Impressive! So what kind of clinical data is there for UNITY?
As Alcon previously reported, the UNITY platform has undergone testing during investigational advisory wet lab sessions involving 200+ surgeons from over 30 countries across the globe.
- Note: No specifics were provided on the data from these sessions.
And more recently, the platform has received support from cataract surgery experts such as John Berdahl, MD, a globally-recognized leading cataract surgeon in practice at Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Featured in Alcon’s product launch announcement, Dr. Berdahl shared that UNITY VCS/CS has helped him to simultaneously streamline his surgical procedures and consistently deliver favorable patient outcomes.
“The UNITY 4D phaco technology in particular has been impressive—breaking up even large, dense cataracts efficiently, while maintaining more physiologic IOP throughout the surgery,” he stated. “Beyond the device performance, it expedites our surgical workflow and introduces significant usability improvements—which the entire team greatly appreciates.”
Anything else I should know?
One more thing: Users of the UNITY VCS/CS will also have access to Alcon’s Intelligent Services Solutions, which includes “remote service offering and predictive service capabilities to minimize downtown,” according to the company.
Gotcha. And where can I catch a glimpse of the system for myself?
If you’re attending ASCRS 2025, stop by the Alcon booth ( #1815) for a demo.
Otherwise, check it out in this promo video.
Lastly, when will this launch?
In the United States: The company shared that inventory will begin shipping in May.
- Reach out to your local Alcon sales representative for ordering details.
Notably: The platform has also received the CE Mark and regulatory approval in Australia and Japan, with inventory expected to ship to Australia, Europe, and Japan from May onwards—and to other markets in Q3 2025 (pending regulatory approvals).