After cataract surgery, most patients will need the help of an artificial lens in order to see properly. The problem is that many artificial lenses that are available are mono-focal and can only focus at a certain distance. This means that the patient will sacrifice seeing clearly at one distance if they want to see clearly in another. Our team at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS offers PanOptix as a lens solution that doesn’t require that sacrifice.
A PanOptix lens can offer clear, 20/20 near, intermediate, and distance vision. The first way this is done is by maximizing the use of light. At 3mm pupil size, it offers 88% total light utilization. This high percentage means that more light is reaching the retina. When combined with a 4.5mm diffractive zone, which reduces its dependence on pupil size, this trifocal lens offers excellent results in a range of lighting conditions.
The second way this lens offers great results is through its groundbreaking use of focal points. An additional focal point was created at the intermediate vision distance of 120 centimeters, or right around four feet. Then, this focal point’s light energy was redirected, which created near, intermediate, and distant focal points, all in one powerful lens.
Near vision is what allows you to read a book or look down at your cell phone. Mono-focal lenses are usually focused at far distances, which means that you would need to rely on glasses for anything that requires near vision.
A trifocal lens means that you won’t have to worry about scrambling for glasses when you want to read a text or look at something friends or family are trying to show you. You’ll be able to see those fine details on your own, which can offer a greater sense of independence.
Intermediate vision comes into play when you’re doing anything at arm’s length. Things like working on your computer, shaving, or cooking may fall into this category. Intermediate vision plays a key role in our daily lives. Having a clear intermediate vision can help you both at work, as well as when you are enjoying your favorite activities.
Distance vision helps you when it comes to driving, cycling, watching a movie, or enjoying a beautiful view. Having a sharp and clear image at a distance can help you continue to enjoy the world around you to its fullest. Being able to freely drive yourself to your own activities, soak in the scenery on a hike, or play a vigorous game of frisbee without a second thought is an experience we want to help provide for our patients.
When patients who have never had to wear glasses before are faced with cataract surgery, it can make them feel as though they have lost something. A trifocal lens can make cataract surgery more of a bump along the road than a life-altering event. By using a trifocal lens, the goal is to replicate your vision so you can continue on with your life, instead of having to alter your life around your surgery.
Astigmatism is extremely common. In fact, it can affect about one in every three people in the US. It can be caused by having a natural lens that isn’t functioning exactly as it should, either due to shape or how it curves inside of the eye. It is usually a hereditary condition, but it can also be caused by an injury or surgery. It is also something that can change over time.
The most common symptom of astigmatism is blurred vision, which can be present at any or even all distances. It can also cause headaches or some eye discomfort. The good news is that a trifocal lens can offer a safe treatment option for astigmatism. If your pre-existing astigmatism condition is under one diopter, you may be able to pursue a trifocal lens as a treatment option.
Presbyopia is farsightedness caused by the eye losing its ability to focus on objects that are close to it. Someone with presbyopia may notice they have to hold their phone or their book back at an arms-length in order to make out the letters. Previously, reading glasses or bifocals were seen as the best way to handle presbyopia.
What if there was a way to reduce or completely remove your need for reading glasses due to presbyopia? PanOptix is just that. It was designed with presbyopia in mind, making it an appealing treatment option for patients who are tired of relying on reading glasses. In an increasingly digital world, trifocal lenses can help you stay connected with your loved ones and stay on top of work with ease.
It’s been known for a while now that sunlight can have a harmful effect on vision over time, especially in cases of heavy, unprotected exposure. There are also some studies that indicate extended blue light exposure could potentially have a damaging effect on the retinal cells of our eyes.
The technology offered by Alcon’s intraocular lens strives to offer protection from both potential sources of damage. With blue light filtering and UV protection, not only does this lens offer a sharper image than much of its competition, but it can help protect the overall welfare of your eyes and your vision at the same time.
Since an artificial lens is very often required after cataract surgery, a mono-focal lens is an available alternative to a trifocal lens. The use of a mono-focal lens has been the norm for a long time, but as lens technology continues to develop, the trifocal lens can offer the same distance vision benefits as a mono-focal lens without compromising near or intermediate vision.
Since mono-focal lens are usually focused on distant vision, they will likely be paired with the use of glasses for near and intermediate vision. A trifocal lens streamlines the process by providing all three focal points in one package, so you won’t need multiple tools to maintain your vision.
If you have undergone cataract surgery and you don’t want to rely on glasses, you may be a good candidate for a trifocal lens. Aside from cataracts, your eyes should ideally be in good health to give you the best chance at reducing or eliminating your reliance on glasses. During a consultation, we’ll be able to determine your eligibility and discuss all your options, so you can make a clear, educated decision on what’s right for you.
Just like with any other intraocular lens, this trifocal lens serves as a replacement for the natural lens you were born with. Minor surgery is required to put it in place. This surgery is an outpatient procedure, and can usually be completed within 10 to 20 minutes.
Most patients rest for a couple of hours after surgery. For 24 hours after its placement, it’s recommended that you don’t drive. Make sure you have a means of transportation back to your home.
Before a lens replacement, you’ll have a consultation to go over all your options and to make sure that a trifocal lens is the right fit for you. During this time, we can answer any of your questions and concerns, to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. Before the procedure begins, your pupils will be dilated, and you will receive an anesthetic.
The incisions involved in this surgery are quite small. This surgery is performed so routinely in the US, that it is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in medicine. After the lens is implanted and you’ve had time to rest and be monitored, you’ll be good to go. Many patients are surprised by how easy the whole process is.
Each case is individual, but many patients notice an immediate improvement to their vision. You may be asked to wear a protective shield over your eye for a few days. After your eye has healed from surgery, your vision will continue to clear and improve as you adjust to your new lens. Usually, one eye is done at a time. This gives patients time for their treated eye to adjust before the other eye receives treatment.
One of the reasons we are proud to offer this durable trifocal lens is that they are expected to last a lifetime. The fact that a routine lens replacement can mean better vision for the rest of our patients’ lives is something worth celebrating.
If you are planning to go on a trip the day of your treatment, it may be best to hold off. Otherwise, most patients can fly or drive within a few days. Of course, it’s very important to keep in mind that your recovery time will not necessarily follow a certain rule book.
If you have a long-standing trip planned, let us know about it in your consultation, and we can talk about whether it’s better to wait or not.
For the first couple of weeks following your surgery, it’s generally best to avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting. Light activity will be able to be resumed earlier than more strenuous exercise.
As you recover, we will be able to give you the green light to resume those activities when it is safe to do so. When in doubt, please feel free to bring up your favorite activities so we can be on top of helping you establish a timeline for them.
We recommend that you avoid dust after surgery, to prevent eye irritation. Hold off on swimming so the risk of water getting in your eye is minimized, and don’t rub your eyes as they are healing. Wearing sunglasses while outside will offer additional protection against UV rays, and will help you stay comfortable if your eyes are sensitive to sunlight.
If you’re ready to pursue all of the benefits a trifocal lens can offer, contact ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, today! During a consultation, we can go over your different options and help you find the right solution for your needs. Our highly qualified and compassionate team looks forward to helping you through this process in any way we can.
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