Have cataracts or need cataract surgery? There’s a brand new intraocular lens available! Called the trifocal PanOptix IOL, it is now available to our cataract patients.
Davidorf Eye Group is one of the first practices and surgeons in the US to implant the Alcon PanOptix Lens. Keep reading to learn more about the significance of this for cataract sufferers!
What is an IOL?
If you have a cataract, an IOL is a pretty significant part of the cataract surgery process. With a cataract, the once-clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy.
This is because of proteins in the eye slowly clumping together overtime in the middle of the lens. The only way to treat cataracts is by removing them during cataract surgery.
When you have cataract surgery, it involves removing the entire lens of the eye. Once removed, the lens is then replaced with an artificial lens or IOL.
The IOL is an incredibly crucial part of the procedure! This is what allows patients to see clearly again after cataract surgery. What makes things more complicated is the fact that there are several kinds of IOLs.
What kind of IOL you choose to have implanted depends on your lifestyle and needs.
Which IOL should I choose?
You shouldn’t come to the decision of what IOL to choose lightly. This is a big deal! Why does your lifestyle matter when making this decision?
Some IOLs are basic and mean that you will continue to need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. Others are considered premium lens options and are better for more active lifestyles. The IOLs you have to choose from include:
Monofocal
Monofocal IOLs are the “standard” IOL. If you are on a strict budget and don’t mind wearing glasses after cataract surgery, consider this IOL.
Monofocal IOLs are also the only IOL that Medicare will usually cover. Monofocal IOLs work by correcting your vision for one focusing distance. You’ll need to wear reading glasses to see for other distances, either near or far.
Multifocal
With a multifocal IOL, they provide correction for near and distance focus at the same time. This is because the lens has different zones, set at different powers.
Most people with multifocal IOLs have no problem selecting the right focus automatically. More importantly, most patients with multifocal IOLs are free from glasses and contacts!
This is an important distinction between monofocal and multifocal IOLs.
Accommodative
This is another premium lens option. Like the multifocal IOL, accommodative IOLs are also considered a premium lens option.
Most patients do not have to wear glasses after having this IOL with cataract surgery. One of the distinctions with this IOL is this lens changes shape inside your eye.
Compared to other IOL options, it is the closest to how the eye naturally moves. This allows for a more natural feel when focusing at different distances.
Toric
Toric IOLs are the only IOL specifically designed for patients with astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when there is an uneven curve in the cornea or lens.
This IOL corrects that refractive error. If you have astigmatism, this is likely the best IOL for you.
Trifocal
The AcrySof IQ PanOptix Trifocal IOL was recently FDA approved on August 27, 2019. This is the first and only trifocal IOL lens for cataract patients. Why is this significant?
The trifocal lens is the most advanced IOL that’s now available. Before the trifocal IOL, cataract patients could only have light split in two ways.
This was with near distance and far distance. The trifocal lens splits light three ways: near, intermediate, and far. In other words, splitting light in two ways meant that patients experienced a gap in their vision.
With the trifocal lens, there’s no gap. Patients instead experience continuous vision, no matter what distance they look from.
The trifocal lens is also approved for patients with presbyopia. Davidorf Eye Group is proud to say we have one of the first surgeons in the US to implant the Alcon PanOptix Lens.
Wondering if the AcrySof IQ PanOptix Trifocal lens could be right for you? Schedule a cataract screening at Davidorf Eye Group in West Hills, CA today!
