Cataract Surgery Lens Implants

Cataract surgery today is better than ever. Eye surgeons can improve visual results to give the clearest vision with less dependence on glasses. Dr. Adam Friend, Dr. Kunal Merchant and Dr. Nathaniel Kheysin are leading experts in performing cataract surgery that can also get rid of the need for reading glasses (presbyopia) and astigmatism.

Cataract Surgery: Intraocular Lens Types

There are many intraocular lens (IOL) types available in the market. You and your surgeon can decide which is the best IOL for you based on your eye health, lifestyle and vision preferences.

The latest technological breakthroughs for cataract surgery allow patients to get greater freedom from glasses than ever before. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs have tiny ridges on their surface that break up light as it passes through, focusing at distance and near.

Presbyopia Correction

Presbyopia is caused by a loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye, occurring typically in middle and old age.  People with presbyopia lose the ability to focus up close and require reading glasses to function.

Up until a few years ago, patients who had cataract surgery loved their improved distance vision, but still suffered from presbyopia. Now, there are several lens implants that overcome presbyopia. Here are some of your IOL options:

PanOptix Trifocal IOL

The PanOptix was the first trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) approved by the FDA. Earlier multifocal IOLs had only two focal points, one for distance and one for near, which left a blurry gap in between. Unfortunately, that middle zone is where much of daily life happens, like reading a computer screen, glancing at your car’s dashboard, or seeing the face of someone across the table.

The PanOptix closes that gap with a third focal point for intermediate vision. The result is a smoother, more continuous range of sight, from the book in your hands to the road ahead. For many patients, this means far less reliance on glasses after cataract surgery. 

PanOptix Pro IOL

The PanOptix Pro is the next generation of the PanOptix lens. It offers the same three focal points for near, intermediate, and distance vision, with a refined optical design that makes more efficient use of incoming light.

Every multifocal lens divides light between its focal points, and a small portion is scattered instead of focused, which can slightly reduce contrast. Alcon redesigned the PanOptix Pro to cut that scattered light roughly in half and put it to work for clearer vision. The lens is designed to deliver sharper image contrast than the original PanOptix.

Vivity IOL

The Vivity IOL is the first and only FDA-approved non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL. It produces exceptional vision results like the PanOptix, but it works differently.

Unlike multifocal IOLs, the Vivity IOL doesn’t have rings in the lens creating focal points. Instead, it uses a technology called X-WAVE technology to extend your range of focus. X-WAVE technology doesn’t split light as it enters your eye. Instead, it stretches and shifts it to create a continuous range of vision, creating one long focal point with no gaps. This extended range of vision gives you seamless vision at all distances.

The Vivity IOL provides excellent vision at far and intermediate distances. It also gives you functional up-close vision. The Vivity IOL has the same low risk for glare and halos as a monofocal IOL.

You will likely need reading glasses for fine text, like food labels or prescriptions. Besides that, the Vivity IOL gives you clear vision without the need for visual aids.

Toric IOL for Astigmatism Correction

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball, causing blurry or distorted vision at all distances. A toric IOL has corrective power built into specific areas of the lens, and your surgeon carefully aligns it during cataract surgery to offset the uneven curve of your cornea. This lets you treat both your cataract and your astigmatism in a single procedure, which can greatly reduce or even eliminate your need for distance glasses.

If you also want a broader range of vision, toric correction isn’t limited to standard lenses. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs, including the Symfony, PanOptix, PanOptix Pro, and Vivity, are all available in toric versions.

Envy IOL

The enVista Envy is a trifocal IOL, designed to provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. With the Envy IOL, you can read, use a computer, and see across the room with less reliance on glasses. It uses a proprietary technology called ActivSync Optic, which distributes light to support good vision in a variety of lighting conditions. The Envy is also available in a toric version for patients with astigmatism.

PureSee IOL

The TECNIS PureSee is an extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL. Rather than splitting light into separate focal points, it stretches your range of focus to provide clear distance and intermediate vision, with some functional near vision. Many patients may still want reading glasses for fine print or prolonged close-up tasks.

The PureSee uses a purely refractive design, meaning it doesn’t rely on the diffractive rings found in many multifocal lenses. It is the first FDA-approved EDOF lens without a warning about loss of contrast sensitivity. For patients with astigmatism, the lens also comes in a toric model.

Trusted for over 60 years, Eye Care Associates of New Jersey provides the people of Glen Rock and surrounding communities the best possible treatment specifically designed for you so you can see better and feel better. Our cataract surgeons in Bergen County use state-of-the-art technology and a 100% customized approach to help you regain your vision in no time. Call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Friend or Dr. Merchant at (201) 797-5100.