Key Takeaways

  • Rayner will introduce RayOne Galaxy Hydrophobic at ESCRS 2026, adding a hydrophobic acrylic option to its Galaxy full-range-of-vision IOL platform
  • The new lens combines the Galaxy spiral optic with Rayner's glistening-free hydrophobic material, Amon-Apple 360° Enhanced Square Edge, and a new precision laser-cutting manufacturing process
  • Commercial availability of RayOne Galaxy Hydrophobic in CE-marked countries is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026

Rayner announced it will expand its RayOne Galaxy IOL platform with the introduction of RayOne Galaxy Hydrophobic at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 2026 Congress, taking place September 11-14 in London.

The new IOL combines the spiral optic used in the existing hydrophilic RayOne Galaxy lens with Rayner's hydrophobic acrylic material. According to the company, the addition is intended to give surgeons a choice of lens material while maintaining the visual performance of the Galaxy optical design.

RayOne Galaxy was introduced in 2024 as a full-range-of-vision IOL. Rayner reported that more than 200,000 Galaxy lenses have since been implanted across 75 countries. The lens was designed using a proprietary artificial intelligence engine and employs a spiral optic intended to provide continuous vision from near through distance while minimizing dysphotopsias associated with diffractive trifocal designs.

According to Rayner, RayOne Galaxy Hydrophobic incorporates the same proprietary spiral optic in the company's glistening-free hydrophobic material. The lens also features the Rayner's Amon-Apple 360° Enhanced Square Edge and a new precision laser-cutting manufacturing process intended to minimize posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

Prelaunch evaluations conducted using the Real Artificial Lens Vision (RALV) simulator showed a minimal halo profile and range of vision consistent with the existing hydrophilic Galaxy lens, according to Rayner.

“When we launched Galaxy at ESCRS in 2024, our goal was to redefine what surgeons and patients could expect from premium lenses,” Tim Clover, CEO of Rayner, said in the announcement. “The momentum since then has been incredible. Introducing Galaxy Hydrophobic means that more patients can now benefit from the same quality of vision, whichever material their surgeon uses.”

Galaxy at ESCRS 2026

Rayner plans to demonstrate the expanded Galaxy platform at booth B.200 during ESCRS 2026. Attendees will be able to use the RALV simulator to experience the spiral optic in a simulated night-driving environment.

The company will also hold a lunchtime symposium, “Patients in Focus: Advanced Technology for Premium Eye Care,” on September 13. The program will include 12-month multicenter outcomes with the Galaxy IOL as well as comparative clinical data against another full-range-of-vision IOL.

Filomena Ribeiro, MD, PhD, will moderate the symposium, with Victor Caparas, MD; Başak Bostancı, MD; Josefina Botta, MD; and Kieren Darcy participating. The program will also address intraoperative approaches to endothelial cell protection using the Sophi phacoemulsification system.

Rayner said additional activities at its booth will include Sophi wet labs and expert presentations focused on operating-room workflow and clinical practice.

RayOne Galaxy Hydrophobic is expected to become commercially available in CE-marked countries beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026.