Overview
EN ISO 11979-4:2026, Ophthalmic implants - Intraocular lenses - Part 4: Labelling and information sets out the standardized requirements for labelling intraocular lenses (IOLs) and defining the essential information supplied within or on their packaging. Developed by CEN and ISO, this standard aims to harmonize labelling best practices worldwide, supporting regulatory compliance, safety, and effective communication between manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients.
Reliable, standardized labelling ensures accurate identification, traceability, and informed use of IOLs, maximizes patient safety, and supports regulatory obligations across diverse international markets.
Key Topics
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Essential Packaging Information
The standard details mandatory information that must appear on primary and secondary packaging. This includes:
- Manufacturer’s name, address, and country of origin
- Product trade name and model designation
- Device identification details (batch/serial number, UDI code)
- Description of device contents
- Sterilization status and method
- Expiration and manufacturing dates
- Technical details (dioptric power, dimensions)
- Special indicators for lens types, such as toric and SVIOL
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Instructions for Use (IFU)
- Required contents for user instructions provided in physical or electronic form
- Device specification sheet: materials, optical and technical properties
- Handling, loading, use instructions, and compatible accessories
- Warnings, contraindications, adverse events, and safety precautions
- Storage and transport conditions
- Clinical information supporting safe implantation
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Self-Adhesive Labels
- Minimal required content if provided: product and manufacturer identifiers, device parameters, UDI
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Patient Information Materials
- Patient information leaflets (PIL): clear explanations of known risks, benefits, precautions, and device purpose
- Patient implant card (PIC): supports device traceability, containing key details and blank fields for patient and procedure specifics
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Use of Symbols
- Adoption of internationally recognized symbols (referencing ISO 15223-1) for clarity and multilingual usability
Applications
Implementation of EN ISO 11979-4:2026 is critical in several practical contexts:
Related Standards
EN ISO 11979-4:2026 aligns with and supports a suite of relevant standards in the field of ophthalmic devices and medical device labelling, including:
- ISO 11979-1: Vocabulary and definitions for intraocular lenses
- ISO 11979-2: Optical properties and test methods for IOLs
- ISO 11979-3: Mechanical properties and test methods
- ISO 11979-7: Clinical investigation requirements for IOLs
- ISO 13485: Quality management systems for medical devices
- ISO 15223-1: Symbols to be used with medical device labelling
- ISO 20417: General labelling requirements for medical devices
Compliance with EN ISO 11979-4:2026 ensures that intraocular lenses are clearly, consistently, and safely labelled, supporting patient outcomes and global regulatory requirements in ophthalmic implant production and use.
