American Medical Optics Makes New Cataract Lenses

American Medical Optics, the Santa Ana eye product division of American Hospital Supply Corp., has developed and will begin marketing two kinds of permanent lenses for people who have had cataract surgery, American Hospital said Monday.

The intraocular lenses, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, correct the vision and serve as artificial replacements for eye lenses removed during cataract surgery. An intraocular lens is surgically implanted in the eye and does not require handling, adjustment or cleaning.

American Medical, which developed the two lenses, also will begin clinical trials in early 1986 on two smaller intraocular lenses for use in less extensive cataract operations, called small-incision operations. Smaller incisions are believed to result in reduced post-operative astigmatism and shorter patient recovery time. Three trials are needed for FDA approval.

About 90% of all cataract removals in the United States involve replacement with an intraocular lens, according to American Hospital.

American Hospital of Evanston, Ill., is a subsidiary of Baxter Travenol Laboratories Inc. of Deerfield, Ill., which, through its domestic and international subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets a diversified line of medical care products and related services.