The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) has convened a task force to review data from the COMPASS-XT study and associated research, and to develop a physician guidance document associated with the voluntary withdrawal of Alcon’s CyPass Micro-Stent.

The task force, comprised of ASCRS Clinical Committee leaders specialising in glaucoma and cornea, will conduct an independent evaluation of the data and release an objective summation of its findings. Published as a guidance document, the report will summarise the data, provide preliminary clinical recommendations regarding monitoring corneal health, and include suggestions for managing patients with indwelling CyPass devices.

“ASCRS takes seriously its responsibility to empower its members to provide the absolute best surgical care,” said ASCRS president, Dr Thomas Samuelson. “With clinical committees in both glaucoma and cornea, each comprised of nationally recognised experts, ASCRS is uniquely suited to provide independent analysis and guidance concerning the clinical implications of the CyPass withdrawal. As the leading US society principally dedicated to meeting the needs of anterior segment surgeons and their patients, we believe it is our responsibility to serve in this capacity.” The document will be shared with anterior segment surgeons globally to help improve outcomes for CyPass patients.

Alcon announced the voluntary withdrawal of the CyPass Micro-Stent from the global market August 29, 2018.