Kutryb Eye Institute is pleased to offer cataract patients the Alcon Acrysof IQ PanOptix Trifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL), the first trifocal lens for cataract patients to be approved by the FDA. The PanOptix IOL features a groundbreaking design that can provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances without the help of glasses. PanOptix features the same Acrysof platform that has been implanted in more than 120 million eyes across the world.
The PanOptix IOL uses ENLIGHTEN Optical Technology, Alcon’s patented design to optimize clear vision at multiple focal points by maximizing the amount of light that reaches the retina, providing sharp vision at every distance under various lighting conditions. For example, properly selected Panoptix patients are typically able to read menus (near vision), work at their computers (intermediate vision) or play golf or watch tv (far vision) with relative ease.
The PanOptix has enjoyed tremendous popularity in the U.S. since its introduction in 2019 and it was not surprising that 99% of patients participating in the PanOptix clinical trials in the U.S. said that they would choose the lens again if given a choice.
As a rule, we prefer to use the PanOptix in the healthiest possible eyes, since its design works best in patients that have an excellent cornea and retina. Each possible PanOptix patient undergoes the most extensive preoperative diagnostic testing available to determine if they are a good candidate. In addition it is important for the patient to have an in-depth discussion with Dr. Kutryb to determine their visual needs and the goals of the surgery.
For cataract patients with astigmatism, successful cataract surgery is only half the battle for regaining quality vision.Until recently, the only viable vision correction options for astigmatism correction after cataract surgery were eyeglasses or contact lenses, both of which are not only inconvenient in terms of lifestyle but can also be expensive over your lifetime. The AcrySof® Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL) is an advanced technology that now makes it possible to correct the cataracts clouding your vision AND the corneal astigmatism distorting your vision — all at the same time.
Many patients have been forced to wear glasses for most of their lives because of astigmatism. A normal cornea is more rounded like a basketball. Light rays pass through, bend toward the center and focus on one spot. Patients with astigmatism do not experience quality distance vision. Unfortunately the shape of their cornea is more curved such as a football, with both a flatter and steeper surface. When light rays pass through an astigmatic eye, vision becomes distorted. Toric lens implants are designed for individuals with significant astigmatism who would like to reduce their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery. These lenses are highly effective at reducing astigmatism and most patients, post-surgery, can function well for distance activities without glasses. These lens implants do not provide near focus and reading glasses are still needed for viewing at near after surgery.
If you depend on eyeglasses, you may have experienced the inconvenience of not being able to find your glasses when you really need them. Glasses are easily lost or damaged. The more active you are, the more glasses can sometimes interfere with your lifestyle. If freedom from glasses for distance vision is important to you, you now have a better option! The unique design of the Acrysof Toric lens provides significantly improved distance vision and may reduce the need for corrective lenses after surgery. The vast majority of Dr. Kutryb’s patients once receiving the Acrysof toric lens, only require reading glasses for up-close work. This is a wonderful trade off compared to requiring glasses all of the time.