Several new intraocular lenses, called multifocal and/or accommodating IOLs, have been introduced in recent years that utilize advanced technology to achieve good distance, intermediate and near vision without glasses. As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances – up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation. Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses. Thankfully, there are many premium intraocular lens options now available to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery.
Tecnis® Symfony IOL
The Tecnis® Symfony Extended Range of Vision IOL is the first and only premium intraocular lens that corrects presbyopia for patients with or without astigmatism. It uses cutting edge technology to lengthen the focus of the eye in order to provide quality continuous vision so patients can see clearly at near, intermediate and far distances. The Tecnis® Symfony also corrects color distortion allowing for high quality vision in any lighting condition. This means that patients can see clearly from day to night. Unlike some other lenses, the Tecnis® Symfony lens has a low incidence of halo and glare.
According to a recent study, 97% of patients would elect to have the Tecnis® Symfony implanted again. The Tecnis® Symfony is approved for use in over 50 countries and has been studied in over 2,000 surgeries during its clinical trials. If you are considering cataract surgery, ask your doctor if the Tecnis® Symfony is the right choice for you.
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL 
The Acrysof IQ ReSTOR IOL combines the strengths of apodized diffractive and refractive technologies, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL can now provide quality near, intermediate and distance vision, and increased independence from reading glasses or bifocals. And now, with the addition of proven aspheric technology, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL takes the advancements one step further, for a lens with enhanced image quality and clarity.
According to the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL clinical studies, three out of four patients implanted in both eyes with the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® reported never wearing glasses following cataract surgery. Additionally, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL clinical studies indicate that over 95% of the study subjects were so satisfied with their new quality vision that they would have the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL implanted again. For more information on this lens, please click on this link to be directed to the ReStor website.
Multifocal IOLs have a slightly greater tendency to cause night vision complaints than other IOLs, so those who drive a great deal at night may wish to consider a different IOL. The vast majority of patients with these IOLs, however, are not bothered by night vision complaints.
TECNIS® Multifocal IOL
Designed to give patients back their youthful vision, the TECNIS® Multifocal Lens, provides patients with high-quality vision at any distance, and in any light condition — even in low light. The advanced TECNIS® Multifocal is the only full-surface “diffractive aspheric” IOL. It enables patients to function comfortably without glasses at near, intermediate and far distances. Based upon initial studies, it’s the lens 94% of patients would choose again and nearly 9 out of 10 study patients did not require glasses after their cataract surgery.
If you are diagnosed with cataracts and are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for the TECNIS® Multifocal Lens:
- Difficulty reading
- Difficulty seeing close objects
- Difficulty seeing to drive, especially at night
- Changing glasses prescriptions
- Needing bifocals
Ask your doctor if the TECNIS® Multifocal Lens is an option that is right for your lifestyle and eye health.
Toric Intraocular Lens
Individuals who are diagnosed with cataracts and suffer from astigmatism have available a recently developed option called the “Toric Intraocular Lens”. Toric IOLs are designed to replace the clouded, diseased lens while also correcting for the astigmatism in the patient’s eye. The first toric IOL available in the United States was FDA-approved in 1998 and since that time the technology has been steadily improved. The newest toric IOLs approved by the FDA in 2005 come in a full range of distance vision powers.
While the toric IOL does correct a cataract and severe astigmatism, many patients may still require the use of glasses for standard vision correction with astigmatism. In other words, the toric intraocular lens is not designed to correct astigmatism with 100% certainty.
