With the 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting this weekend, Alcon is highlighting an extensive array of new product innovations and clinical research.
Our focus: Alcon’s LenSx femtosecond laser and its inclusion of the new OnAxis Technology for astigmatism management.
Got it. Let’s begin with this laser, then.
The LenSx Laser system is Alcon’s image-guided femtosecond laser platform designed to perform laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).
- See here for its specific indications, here for contraindications, and here for potential warnings associated with use.
Its purpose: The laser is designed to automate and improve the accuracy of the cataract surgery process via ultrafast laser pulses in lieu of manual blade steps (hence the term “bladeless” cataract surgery).
Before we get to that new tech, what capabilities come with the laser?
The LenSx system is based on image guidance and customizable laser control, offering:
- High-definition (HD) 3D spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) or spectral imaging to visualize the anterior segment, lens, capsule, and corneal geometry
- More precise, reproducible, centered, and continuous (360°) circular capsulotomy
- Lens fragmentation by pre-fragmenting the lens nucleus into segments or patterns
- The creation of corneal incisions and arcuate cuts tailored to the surgeon’s preferences
- Use of a curved (SoFit) patient interface with a hydrogel lens insert to dock the eye with minimal corneal distortion and less intraocular pressure (IOP) increase
See here (and scroll down) for more capabilities—including how it compares to manual procedures (with clinical data stats here).
Now to this new technology.
The OnAxis Technology software feature is integrated into the LenSx laser system to manage astigmatism during cataract surgery.
How it does this: By providing precise, automated tools to create incisions and mark the eye for toric intraocular lens (IOL) alignment—ideally helping to reduce errors associated with manual methods.
Go on …
Thanks to OnAxis’ automated functions, the technology enables:
- More precise toric IOL alignment
- Based on permanent demarcations on the capsule
- Advanced, versatile fragmentation patterns (enabling customizable size and shape of the lens’ fragmentation)
- Reduced surgical time (due to reduced manual steps)
- See the numbers (and
- Fewer data entry errors (via direct entry of preoperative data)
- Intraoperative IOL verification (by capsular toric marking)
- Postoperative IOL verification of rotational stability
Now explain its role during surgery.
Essentially, this software technology uses preoperative biometric data to automatically identify the correct incision depth, location, and length required to reduce astigmatism.
Once this is determined: It then uses the LenSx’s femtosecond laser to create the arcuate incisions and laser marks on the eye that are needed
- Take note: During the surgical procedure, the laser marks ensure the toric IOL’s precise alignment for more accurate results.
And the result?
With the OnAxis’s new and advanced features—specifically its LaserArcs nomogram—the LenSx system is designed to significantly reduce astigmatism in patients undergoing FLACS with arcuate incisions.
- Quick refresh on LaserArcs nomogram: This is an online tool and specific surgical formula that utilizes a mathematical model (nomogram) to help surgeons calculate precise arcuate incisions.
The clinical data to support it: Check out this 2023 research published in Clinical Ophthalmology that found the LaserArcs nomogram yielded a “significant reduction in preoperative astigmatism.
Very cool … so is this integrated technology available with the LenSx system yet?
It is, actually. According to Alcon, LenSx with OnAxis Technology is currently available to U.S.-based customers.
- Contact the company for details on pricing and accessibility.
And if you’re attending AAO, stop by the Alcon booth (#2120) for an in-person demonstration of the duo in action.
Sticking with AAO, what else can we look forward to at the Alcon booth?
The company is showcasing a number of new scientific data (don’t miss last week’s unveiling of phase 3b data on TRYPTYR [acoltremon ophthalmic solution] 0.03%) as well as innovative products this weekend.
These include (but are certainly not limited to):
- The newly-acquired (and re-launched) Valeda Light Delivery System (LDS)
The UNITY Vitreoretinal Cataract and Cataract Systems (VC | CS)