Johnson & Johnson to Highlight IOL Contrast Data, Smartload Delivery Technology at AAO

Johnson & Johnson announced its scientific and educational program for the 2026 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting, with a focus on new IOL data, a milestone for its Tecnis portfolio, and the launch of Smartload Delivery Technology.

The company highlighted 3 developments in cataract care:

“Today’s cataract patients expect more than improved visual acuity alone,” Erin Powers, president, North America, Surgical Vision, MedTech, Johnson & Johnson, said in a statement. “They want confidence in daily activities across a variety of lighting conditions, and surgeons want technologies that help them consistently deliver excellent outcomes.”

Ms. Powers added that surpassing 1 million Tecnis PureSee and Tecnis Odyssey IOL implants underscores the impact of the platform and the company’s efforts to advance cataract care.

Although visual acuity remains an important measure of cataract surgery outcomes, contrast can affect patients’ ability to perform everyday activities under different lighting conditions, including driving, mobility, and object recognition. At AAO 2026, Johnson & Johnson plans to present data evaluating image contrast with the Tecnis PureSee and Tecnis Odyssey IOLs. According to the company, both lenses demonstrated higher image contrast than leading competitive IOLs in the reported evaluations.

Tecnis PureSee and Tecnis Odyssey have now been implanted in more than 1 million eyes globally, according to Johnson & Johnson.

Smartload Delivery Technology launches with Tecnis Eyhance

Johnson & Johnson is also launching Smartload Delivery Technology with the Tecnis Eyhance IOL at AAO 2026. The company describes Smartload as the first and only IOL delivery system to combine a reusable titanium inserter with a preloaded disposable cartridge.

Developed in response to surgeon feedback, the system is intended to address challenges involving lens loading, procedural efficiency, and waste generation during cataract surgery.

Johnson & Johnson reported that Smartload may help reduce risk factors associated with contamination during lens preparation and demonstrated high surgeon satisfaction in clinical evaluations.

The company also reported reductions in product and packaging waste compared with other delivery systems:

Veritas Vision System receives updates

Johnson & Johnson will also showcase enhancements to the Veritas Vision System developed in response to surgeon feedback.

The updated Ellips FX Phaco Handpiece incorporates a new locking Luer connector designed to help maintain a secure irrigation tubing connection throughout surgery. It also features a lighter cable intended to improve ergonomics and wrist mobility and reduce surgeon fatigue.

According to the company, the enhancements are designed to provide a more seamless surgical experience without requiring changes to existing operating or maintenance procedures.

AAO attendees will be able to participate in hands-on demonstrations and wet lab sessions featuring Johnson & Johnson technologies at booth 2318.