Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Cataracts

Elderly woman smiling

As you age, your risk of developing cataracts increases. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside your eye.

Clouding occurs when proteins inside your natural lens break down and clump together. This clumping blocks light from passing through.

At first, these clumps of protein are so small that they do not affect your eyesight at all. But as they continue to clump together, they grow large and dark until they cast a shadow onto your retina.

Keep reading to learn more about the PanOptix trifocal lens!

Cataract Surgery Can End Cloudy Vision

You can end the effects of cataracts with surgery. Cataract surgery is simple and effective and has the highest rate of success of any kind of surgery.

It works by replacing your cloudy lens with a device known as an IOL. IOL is short for “intraocular lens.” IOLs give you clear eyesight.

There are many different kinds of IOLs, starting with the standard, or monofoccal, IOL. Monofocal IOLs give you basic vision but will force you to use glasses.

Then there are premium IOLs that can reduce your dependence on glasses post-surgery. Premium IOLs may even be able to end your need for glasses!

Premium IOLs themselves come in a wide variety. You will discuss all the IOL options during your cataract screening. One of our eye doctors will explain it all to you.

One of the best options you will discuss is the PanOptix trifocal lens.

PanOptix In Depth

Monofocal IOLs do not provide good vision at both near and far distances.

Instead, you choose one singular distance to correct. You will have to use glasses for the other distances.

While monofocal IOLs are cheaper than premium IOLs, they can disrupt your lifestyle.

Premium IOLs provide quality vision at near and far distances. But even they are imperfect.

Intermediary distances may be out of focus. This causes a poor transition between up close and distance eyesight.

See At Near, Far, and Intermediate Distances Without Glasses

The PanOptix trifocal lens eliminates blurry transitions. And, it is the only trifocal intraocular lens in the US that’s been FDA approved.

The trifocal IOL has different zones with different focusing power throughout the lens. These zones change your focusing power at all distances, in all lighting situations.

This means no blurry zones in your vision, less risk of glare, and less light sensitivity than other IOLs. Most importantly, you may not need glasses anymore!

The PanOptix trifocal lens is also available for patients with astigmatism. Not all IOLs can do this. These lenses are called toric lenses and correct astigmatism and other refractive errors.

The PanOptix trifocal lens uses state-of-the-art technology developed by Alcon. This includes ENLIGHTEN Optical Technology, which utilizes a 40 cm and a 60 cm focal point in the lens. These two focal points affect near and intermediate vision.

This is an improvement from the typical 80 cm intermediate focal point. 80 cm focal points may not provide clear vision for common tasks like reading a book or, using a computer.

Selecting the right IOL is a process in its own right, but you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a cataract screening at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ, now!

If you’re tired of cataracts, why not see clearly after cataract surgery?