Ace Vision Group Secures $29.4M Series B Funding to Advance LSM Therapy for Presbyopia, Targeting a $40 Billion Global Market

May 06, 2025 11:33 CST Updated 11:33

AceVision

Ophthalmic Medical Device Developer

Source: AceVision

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Recently,Ace Vision GroupAnnounced Successful Completion$29.4 million (approximately 213 million RMB)B Round Financing, the funds will support the company to continue developmentVisioLite Ophthalmic Laser System, used to provide minimally invasive laser scleral microporation(LSM) SurgeryIn 2021, the company completed a $13.4 million Series A round of financing.

Currently, about 2.1 billion people globally suffer from near vision impairment (presbyopia), and this number is expected to increase to 4 billion by 2050 (approximately 40% of the world's population).%). In 2023, there were approximately 461 million presbyopia patients aged 45 and above in China, an increase of about 15 million compared to 2022, indicating significant growth potential in the near-vision impairment (presbyopia) market.

Ace Vision Group (AVG) is a U.S.-based privately held ophthalmic medical device company that develops laser microperforation therapy technology to address age-related ocular dysfunction and restore the eye's natural biomechanical properties.AVG's Laser Scleral Microporation (LSM) isCurrently the only method that does not require vision correction, artificial implants, or devices.Ophthalmic Laser Treatment Method for Natural Restoration of Visual Function。

# Development Background

Presbyopia Treatment Pain Points

Presbyopia: A physiological phenomenon where the eye's lens hardens and the ciliary muscle function weakens with age, leading to a decline in the eye's accommodative ability, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects.

Classification of Presbyopia Correction Methods: Non-surgical Treatment, Surgical Treatment. Non-surgical treatment mainly refers to eyeglasses correction, wearing contact lenses, etc. Surgical treatment includes laser refractive correction (Conductive Keratoplasty, PresbyLASIK), lens treatment (IOL implantation, etc.).

Although the above methods have improved the vision of presbyopia patients to a certain extent, most of them achieve this by increasing the depth of focus or altering optical properties., rather than truly restoring the dynamic adjustment ability of the eyes (Dynamic Range of Focus, DROF).DROF refers to the eye's ability to adjust focus through the contraction of the ciliary muscle and deformation of the lens, which is the function truly lacking in presbyopia patients.

Laser Scleral Microporation

Laser Scleral Microporation (LSM) is an innovative treatment method, aimed atReverse the effects of scleral aging, softening it and restoring the natural biomechanical movement of the ciliary muscle and lens.。

By using a 2.94-μm Er:YAG laser (VisioLite) on the sclera, a series of micropores are created in the four oblique quadrants outside the visual axis to restore the eye's dynamic range of focus (DROF).The size of each matrix is5.0 mm × 5.0 mm,Including a series ofMicropores with a diameter of 225 micrometers,The laser can create these micropores in one go.Delivered to the sclera with 85% depth.

The treatment time for each quadrant does not exceed 15 seconds, and the total treatment time for both eyes is approximately 10 minutes.. This surgery is a non-invasive, extraocular procedure that does not penetrate the sclera or cornea, thusCan be performed on an outpatient basis.。

In the process of laser scleral microporation, a matrix of scleral micropores is created in four oblique quadrants outside the visual axis.

# VisioLite Ophthalmic Laser System

VisioLite®Er:YAG Laser SystemThe laser wavelength and energy parameters can be precisely controlled to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surgery, while integrating multiple technologies and functions. It officially entered clinical trials in the United States in 2024.

Product Composition:

Iris Tracker:During the treatment process, the patient needs to focus on a specific point (such as a fixed light source or pattern). The iris tracker automatically adjusts the position of the laser device by identifying and tracking the characteristics of the iris, ensuring that the laser remains accurately targeted at the designated area.

Real-time Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging:During the laser treatment process, the OCT imaging system continuously monitors the depth of the scleral micropores to ensureIt will neither damage important structures too deeply nor affect the treatment effect too shallowly.

Proprietary Software:Proprietary software serves as the "brain" of the device, controlling the entire surgical process, including laser emission, iris tracker adjustment, and OCT imaging analysis.

Advantages of Implementing LSM with the VisioLite Ophthalmic Laser System:

This is aNon-invasive extraocular surgery, without affecting the optical system of the eyes, it will not cause corneal complications or increase the risk of dry eye syndrome, nor will it affect night vision and long-distance vision, ensuring the safety of the treatment.
Regardless of the degree of presbyopia in patients,Can significantly improve near vision, and most patients can achieve better vision on the first day after treatment.
LSM'sRepeatabilityWhich means that as presbyopia progresses, patients can receive treatment multiple times to restore their vision. The treatment process is fast, with a short recovery time, allowing patients to almost immediately return to normal activities.
LSM TreatmentGood compatibility, without affecting other potential ophthalmic surgeries that may be required in the future, such as phacoemulsification or corneal refractive surgery, and can be combined with other optical interventions to maximize near vision outcomes.

# Clinical Trial Results

LSM as an innovative treatment for presbyopia, itsClinical study results demonstrate good safety and efficacy.In a 2-year clinical trial, 100 eyes of 50 patients with presbyopia and emmetropia wereUnderwent LSM treatment.

Study Design

After LSM, the patient received prednisolone four times a day for 2 weeks, moxifloxacin four times a day for 1 week, and artificial tears as needed, while avoiding the use of reading glasses to allow the ciliary muscle to reattach.

Research Data

Short-term Effects: At 24 months postoperatively, the patients' near corrected visual acuity (DCNVA) and intermediate corrected visual acuity (DCIVA) improved significantly, while the distance visual acuity remained unchanged.
Long-term Effects: At the 24-month postoperative follow-up, the patient's accommodative ability continued to improve, with the reading add decreasing from +2.0D preoperatively to +1.32D. The patients' quality of life significantly improved, and most no longer required reading glasses after surgery.
Safety: In clinical studies, LSM did not cause vision-threatening complications, such as scleral perforation or excessively low intraocular pressure.

Most patients achieved improvement in near vision within the first week of treatment, continued to improve over 3 months, remained stable from 3 to 6 months, and maintained the effect for up to 24 months.. However, the current study has a relatively small sample size, and larger-scale clinical trials are still needed to further verify its long-term effects and indications.

Currently, LSM surgery is quick and easy, with good patient experience, no pain or adverse side effects. LSM does not affect distance vision, and patients do not need to sacrifice distance visual acuity or visual quality for the treatment.With further research and optimization of LSM technology, it is expected to bring greater benefits to presbyopia patients worldwide.

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