Welcome to the Cornea by Kane blog, your trusted source for an honest opinion about your eyes.
Today I’ll share with you my favorite cataract surgery lens implants, how lens implants work, and who might be a good candidate for the different types.
What is a cataract surgery lens implant?
During cataract surgery, the natural crystalline lens inside the eye which has become cloudy is removed and replaced with a permanent lens implant. There are many different types of lens implants each with different advantages and disadvantages. In general, these implants function similarly to a contact lens and help focus images in the eye. In planning for cataract surgery, the eye is carefully measured and highly sophisticated formulas are used to predict the power of the lens implant that your eye will need to see clearly in the distance, to focus on computers, or to read.
Top 3 cataract surgery intraocular lens implants:
Monofocal Lens Implant – Envista by Bausch and Lomb
These lenses get their name because they focus light in one place. Monofocal lens implants are covered by insurance. While they typically provide excellent quality of vision, they do not provide a range of vision. This means that patients who choose a monofocal lens for distance vision should expect to need glasses for computers and reading. The Envista lens is an excellent standard lens because it restores full color vision, provides excellent image quality from edge to edge, and the material is resistant to calcification or glistening formation. For more information by Bausch and Lomb click here.
Trifocal Lens Implant – Synergy and Panoptix
These lenses get their name because they focus light over a range of vision rather than only in one place. Trifocal lens implants are not covered by insurance. These lenses typically provide an excellent range of vision, and help patients achieve maximum glasses independence. These lenses achieve this by splitting light. One part of the light entering the eye goes to distance vision, one part to intermediate vision, and one part to near vision. As a result, patients can notice glare or halo effects around light sources like car headlights or street lamps and there can be some decrease in the overall image quality. These lenses are best for patients who prioritize a full range of vision.
Extended Depth of Focus – Vivity by Alcon
These lenses get their name because they also focus light over a range of vision rather than only in one place. Unlike the multifocal lens implants, they do not split light. The extended depth of focus lens achieves a range of vision by elongating or “stretching out” the focal point of the lens. This means they can provide excellent quality of vision (similar light transmission to a monofocal lens) and an excellent range of vision. The Vivity lens generally has a better side effect profile over the multifocal lenses as well.
Which is the Best Lens Implant for Me?
There is no such thing as the perfect lens for everyone. The decision on which lens is right for you should be based on a consultation and guidance from your ophthalmologist (eye surgeon). At Tailored Eyes, we will take the time to understand your vision needs and your goals after surgery to help you make the right decision. That said, here are some general thoughts to consider.
The monofocal Envista lens can provide excellent image quality at 1 distance and therefore can be a good choice for patients willing to wear glasses after surgery for distance or for computer/reading activities. It can also be a good choice for patients with underlying eye disease such as keratoconus or macular degeneration.
The trifocal Panoptix lens can provide the widest range of vision and therefore can be a good choice for patients who want glasses independence, maximum reading vision, and don’t do a lot of night time driving. This lens is generally not recommended for patients with underlying eye disease.
The extended depth of focus Vivity lens is one of the most recent advancements in cataract surgery technology and can provide both high quality vision and a wide range of vision. Therefore, it can be a good choice for patients seeking glasses independence for the majority of activities with the fewest side effects. It’s about as close to “having your cake and eating it too” as we can currently get. This lens is generally not recommended for patients with underlying eye disease.
Tips for Success in Selecting Your Implant
—See your ophthalmologist for a cataract consult and make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon
—Share what activities you like to do most with your eye surgeon
—Discuss your goals regarding glasses vs readers vs independence from glasses with your eye surgeon
—Cataract surgery is only done once, so make sure you select the lens best for your vision needs
—For more information on Cataract Surgery Advanced Technology and Lens Implants click here
—For More information on what a Cataract is click here
Summary
Cataract surgery today can help improve your quality of life while restoring visual clarity. The advanced technologies now available coupled with the excellent overall safety of the procedure makes it an exciting time to have cataract surgery. Make sure you feel comfortable with your eye surgeon and take your time so that you select the procedure and lens implant best suited for your vision needs.
I’m Dr. Kane, and that’s my take on it.
At Tailored Eyes, we perform a thorough evaluation of your eyes and formulate a customized treatment plan to meet your vision needs.
Call to book an appointment at the office 941-499-1570 or email us at info@tailoredeyes.com.
Steven Kane, MD, FAAO is a Cataract, Cornea, and Refractive Surgery specialist with Tailored Eyes in Sarasota county Florida. He proudly serves the people of Venice, South Venice, Sarasota, Plantation, Osprey, Nokomis, Laurel, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria, Palmetto, Ellenton, St. Petersburg, Englewood, North Port, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Charlotte Harbor, Manasota Key, Arcadia, Fort Myers and Cape Coral.