During cataract surgery your eye’s natural lens is removed:
This is necessary because the protein build-up on the lens cannot be separated from the lens. After the lens is removed, your cataract doctor will insert a new lens to restore clear vision. The good news is that the replacement lens options are amazing.
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses that provide clarity to your vision. In the past, cataract patients only had one option: monofocal lenses that provided clear vision for one distance only.
This process does not happen overnight. It is typically a slow development that makes it increasingly difficult to see things clearly and perform daily tasks.
Lifestyle Lens Options
Monofocal IOLs
Alcon Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal IOL
Alcon Clareon® Vivity™ Extended Depth of Focus IOL
Clareon®
Toric IOLs
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens™ IOL
Monofocal lenses (IOLs)
Monofocal lenses (IOLs) provide a single fixed focusing distance, meaning it provides clear vision at one range – either near, intermediate, or far – but not all three. Most people selected a monofocal IOL will choose distance vision, so they can see clearly for driving or watching tv. For tasks like reading or using a phone, you will typically need reading glasses after surgery. These lenses are still available and widely used but today there are a variety of Lifestyle Lenses that have advanced features for clear vision at multiple distances.
Alcon Clareon® PanOptix® Pro Trifocal IOL
Alcon Clareon® PanOptix®Pro Trifocal IOL which is clinically shown to deliver an exceptional combination of near, intermediate and distance vision while significantly reducing the need for glasses after surgery. Most patients who choose this lens are able to read text messages on their smart phones, work on a computer and even drive without the need for glasses. This is due, in part, to ENLIGHTEN® Optical Technology, a proprietary design that optimizes intermediate vision without compromising near and distance vision.
Alcon Clareon® Vivity™ Extended Depth of Focus IOL
Alcon Clareon® Vivity™ Extended Depth of Focus IOL, the first and only non-diffractive extended depth of focus intraocular lens (IOL) that incorporates X-WAVE™ technology to stretch and shift light entering your eyes so you can obtain a continuous, extended range of vision. The Vivity lens provides patients with monofocal quality distance, excellent intermediate vision, and functional near vision. Vivity’s new non-diffractive technology may also provide:
- Sharper vision in bright and dim lighting
- Reduction of halos, starbursts or glare
- Better vision for nighttime driving
- Protection from damaging UV rays and blue light
Clareon Toric IOLs
Clareon Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism. Additionally, these toric IOLs are available in a trifocal version, which not only corrects astigmatism but also accommodates both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL)
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL) is the first and only adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) that can be customized after cataract surgery. The LAL is made of a special photosensitive material that responds to ultraviolet (UV) light. After your eye has healed from cataract surgery, your doctor can optimize your vision results (if necessary) using a series of 2-4 non-invasive, painless light treatments over 1-2 weeks. You have the unique ability to test drive your vision during this timeframe to get it just right. When you have reached your vision goals, a final light treatment is used to lock in the results.
The Choice is Yours
You will make the decision about which IOL to choose during your consultations and exams with your doctor. The various pros and cons of each IOL will be discussed in detail, allowing you to make the best decision for your lifestyle, vision goals and budget. Your doctor can make recommendations for you, but ultimately the choice is yours.
