The very first trifocal lens for cataract surgery patients has been approved by the FDA. The AcrySof IQ PanOptix Trifocal IOL is now available to cataract patients in the United States for the first time.
Today, we’ll take a look at what a cataract is, how advancing technology helps patients who have cataracts, and why the “trifocal IOL” is such an incredible breakthrough as our eye doctors continue to provide advanced solutions for today’s cataract patients.
What are Cataracts?
20 million people in the United States over the age of 40 suffer from cataracts. Perhaps you have heard the term “cataracts” without fully realizing what the condition is.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of a person’s eye. This cloudiness will affect vision and worsen over time as the cataract hardens. Cataracts generally form due to aging and are the number one age-related eye condition in adults.
What are IOLs, and what role do they play in cataract surgery?
To regain visual clarity, a patient with cataracts must have them removed and replaced with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This medical device is surgically implanted into the eye during cataract surgery or for some vision correction surgeries. These lenses are intended to replace and mimic the natural lens of the eye to provide the patient with clear vision once again.
Considering today’s technology-driven society has us looking at our phones and computer screens many hours each day amidst our other activities, this has created a very strong need for a reliable trifocal IOL to help patients focus at near, intermediate and far distances.
What Makes AcrySof IQ PanOptix and Other Forthcoming Trifocal IOLs So Special?
With Alcon making the announcement that the FDA has approved their new PanOptix lens, this marks the first time an American eye doctor can help patients who need cataract surgery enjoy the benefits of trifocal power and vision with one lens.
According to the Alcon press release, the new PanOptix lenses use a proprietary design called Enlighten Optical Technology. This enables the lenses to optimize intermediate vision without sacrificing near or far distance vision.
The new PanOptix lenses are built on the AcrySof IQ IOL platform, which has already helped millions of patients all over the world. And according to recent clinical trial data, more than 99% of patients who had a procedure with the PanOptix lens would choose the lens again.
Trifocal IOLs are ideal to help patients enjoy a modern, active lifestyle – from indoors to outdoors, mobile screen to computer screen, and other common daily tasks and hobbies.
For more information on the latest advancements in cataract surgery, contact Matossian Eye Associates to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors. Call (800) 708-8800 or click here to contact us online.
