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How do I achieve the clearest vision?

A monofocal IOL(intraocular lens) or monofocal toric IOL, provide the clearest possible vision. These lenses will provide great quality of vision, and focused night vision from far away to about 4 feet. However, in order to see objects closer than 4 feet, like the instrument panel in the car, computer, or a book you will need to wear reading glasses.

So…

You would choose a monofocal IOL or monofocal toric IOL if you want the best quality vision, and you would happily wear over-the-counter glasses for tasks such as computer, cell phone, and reading.

How can I reduce my dependence on glasses?

First, a little history:

Multifocal IOLs were first introduced by AMO in 1997 when the Array multifocal IOL became available. This lens provided patients with good distance, and an early form of ‘near’ vision.

In 2005, the Restor IOL, and in 2009, the Technis IOL were approved, and provided good distance vision, and good, but very close reading vision. This created difficulty with mid range tasks such as reading the speedometer, seeing objects on the shelf while shopping, and computer vision.

In 2016, the FDA approved a new class of IOLs called extended depth of focus or EDOF lenses. The symphony IOL provided good distance vision, and extended the near focus to arms length. This improved the poor intermediate vision of early multifocal IOLs but often did not adequately provide clear reading vision.

Just recently, in September of 2019, the FDA approved the first trifocal IOL. The PanOptix IOL provides vision from far away to about 18 inches from the face.

What multifocal lens is best for me?

The PanOptix IOL has the best combination of distance, intermediate, and near vision, the highest degree of glasses independence >85%, a high patient satisfaction 98%, and improved tolerability of night time glare and halos. However, many lens options are available and will be discussed with you by your surgeon.

So…

If you don’t want to rely so much on reading/computer glasses, you would pick a multifocal or trifocal IOL and happily trade some mild decreased quality of vision, and tolerate some night time glare and halos.

The next step is a consultation with one of our eye surgeons at SVME, Inc to measure your eyes and analyze the data, and along with lifestyle questions and your desires, to determine which lens will produce your best visual outcome.

Please Note:

With all multifocal and trifocal IOLs, the light energy is shared between distance, intermediate and near visual images. That means that each focal point receives only a percentage of the total light entering the eye. Consequently, this creates two negative consequences: a mild softening of the visual image at all focal distances, and mild glare and halos at night.