Advanced Lens Options
An Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that is implanted in your eye during cataract surgery to replace the natural lens that has developed a cataract. Until recently, nearly everyone received basically the same type of intraocular lens.
Today, advances in technology have led to new types of IOLs – even ones that can correct presbyopia and astigmatism (toric lenses). Dr. Young will review the benefits of each IOL and help determine the type that is right for you.
New Advanced Technology IOLs can do even more than just cure cataracts. For many patients, they can correct additional vision problems and offer excellent near, intermediate, and distance vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Depending on the health of your eye and your vision needs, the surgeon will work closely with you to determine the best IOL for your eye prior to the procedure.
AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision IOL
Vivity is a first-of-its-kind, non-diffractive extended depth of focus IOL with Alcon’s proprietary X-WAVE™ technology, which stretches and shifts light without splitting it. Vivity delivers monofocal-quality distance (far) with excellent intermediate (at arm’s length) and functional near vision (up close). X-WAVE™ technology even protects your eyes from UV rays and damaging blue light from electronic devices. The Vivity IOL is a good option for patients who want more independence from glasses, but who may not be candidates for other diffractive IOLs.
Multifocal IOLs make it possible to see far and near more clearly. On the surface of the lens, there is usually a form of concentric rings etched onto it. This allows objects at a variety of distances to focus on the retina. They rely on the eye muscles to move when necessary to focus. Multifocal IOLs often allow you to stop wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.
AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL
This is the first and only trifocal lens of its kind available in the United States. It is designed to deliver focusing power at near (reading), intermediate (computer work), and far (street signs) vision. This is the first and only trifocal lens of its kind available in the United States. The PanOptix® Trifocal IOL provide patients with enhanced vision and clear, complete focus. PanOptix® IOLs are designed designed to deliver focusing power at near, intermediate, and far vision.
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® Multifocal IOL
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL is the only multifocal optic featuring a central portion 100% dedicated to distance. By combining the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies, this IOL provides a full range of enhanced vision quality at all distances: near, intermediate and far, giving patients increased independence from reading glasses and bifocals.
Astigmatism is a common problem affecting about 1 in 3 adults. In this condition, due to the shape of the cornea or eye itself, light that enters the eye is not uniformly refracted and light rays are bent causing a blur to the vision. In the past, intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery could not correct astigmatism. However, special Toric IOLs have been developed to more predictably correct astigmatism during cataract surgery. Toric IOLs have special markers on the peripheral parts of the lens that enable the surgeon to see the orientation of the astigmatism correction in the lens. Once the toric IOL is implanted in the eye, the surgeon then rotates the lens so the astigmatism correction is properly aligned for best results.
AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision Toric IOL
Vivity™ is a first-of-its-kind, non-diffractive extended depth of focus IOL with Alcon’s proprietary X-WAVE™ technology, which stretches and shifts light without splitting it. This unique non-diffractive technology uses all available light to create continuous, extended range of vision. This means patients experience optimal vision in both bright and dim lighting. Not only can astigmatism be corrected at the time of cataract surgery with the Vivity™ Toric lens, but it also delivers monofocal-quality distance (far) with excellent intermediate (at arm’s length) and functional near vision (up close). X-WAVE™ technology even protects your eyes from UV rays and damaging blue light from electronic devices. The Vivity IOL is a good option for patients who want more independence from glasses, but who may not be candidates for other diffractive IOLs.
AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Toric IOL
This is the first and only trifocal lens of its kind available in the United States for patients undergoing cataract surgery. While the PanOptix® lens restores vision in patients with cataracts and presbyopia, the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Toric IOLs are recommended for patients suffering from astigmatism. This is because Toric lenses are shaped in a way that makes them more suitable for patients who have the unusual corneal shape associated with astigmatism. PanOptix® Trifocal Toric lenses have different refractive powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations that address the patient’s astigmatism, while still offering all of the benefits of a trifocal lens. Since it is essential that IOLs fit your eyes correctly, the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Toric lenses are custom fit with specific features for patients with astigmatism.
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® Multifocal Toric IOL
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® Multifocal Toric IOL combines two technologies that help correct presbyopia and corneal astigmatism simultaneously. This IOL is designed for patients who desire good near, intermediate and distance vision, reducing the need for glasses and other types of corrective eyewear after cataract surgery.
AcrySof® IQ Toric IOL
The AcrySof® IQ Toric lens is a monofocal IOL that is also designed to help correct corneal astigmatism. This lens is ideal for patients who want clear distance vision and are comfortable wearing glasses for some tasks. The AcrySof® IQ Toric lens has proprietary blue light filtering technology that helps to reduce glare and halos caused by lights at night.
Monofocal IOLs are the most common type of lens used in cataract surgery. As the name implies, a monofocal IOL has one focusing distance. It can be set to focus for near, intermediate, or distance vision. Most patients choose to have them set for clear distance vision, and they wear eyeglasses for some tasks such as reading, sewing or computer work.
AcrySof® IQ Monofocal IOL
The AcrySof® IQ Monofocal IOL is a single-piece lens with proprietary blue light filtering technology and provides clear vision at one point of focus, usually distance. Unlike many standard Monofocal IOLs, the AcrySof® IQ Monofocal lens is designed to reduce glare and halos caused by lights at night.