Multifocal Lenses

Tecnis^® IOL

Cataract surgery, which replaces the eye’s cloudy lens with an artificial clear lens (called an intraocular lens, or IOL), is the most common operation in the U.S. More than half of adults over age 65 have some degree of cataract development, which causes painless, progressive vision loss. People 65 and older are also more likely to be involved in car crashes than people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Fortunately, new technology has allowed for the development of an innovative night vision-enhancing IOL that can help elderly drivers with cataracts avoid accidents.

Manufactured by Pfizer Inc., the Tecnis IOL was designed to provide cataract surgery patients with high-quality vision comparable to that of young people. Its main concern is improving safety with vision correction. It is meant to improve functional vision - the ability to see objects in varying light conditions - especially at night and twilight and in rain, snow and fog. This means improved night vision and reduction of spherical aberrations, an undesirable scattering of light that is a common side effect of cataract surgery.

The Tecnis lens was approved as an IOL by the FDA in 2002. In April 2004 it was approved again as a driving aid. Since then, countless cataract patients have been able to achieve clear vision that allows them to maintain their active and healthy lifestyle.

Candidates for Tecnis

The TecnisIOL is ideal for cataract patients who have one or more of the following symptoms:

Difficulty reading
Difficulty seeing objects up close
Difficulty with driving, especially at night
Need for bifocals
Glasses prescription that changes frequently

Your doctor will determine whether or not this lens is right for you after a comprehensive eye exam and evaluation of your medical history and goals for surgery.

Procedure

Implantation of the Tecnis IOL involves the same procedure that has been used to treat cataracts for many years. During the procedure, a tiny incision is made in the eye, into which a small probe is inserted. The probe breaks apart the cloudy natural lens and gently suctions it out. The Tecnis lens is then inserted through the same incision and positioned over the eye, which will heal quickly with little to no pain.

Once the procedure is completed, patients will be able to return home after about an hour or so of observation, and can likely return to work and other regular activities the next day. There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery, which can be managed through eye drops prescribed by your doctor. These symptoms usually go away within a few days as the eye heals and patients can begin to enjoy the many benefits of their new lens.

Results

After cataract surgery with the Tecnis IOL, patients were able to achieve clear vision at all distances and all night levels, with as many as 9 out of 10 patients eliminating the need for glasses. While results are noticeable right away, vision will continue to improve over time as the eye adjusts to the lens. Some patients may experience halos at night immediately after surgery, but these usually lessen or go away with time.

The excellent results achieved with the Tecnis IOL helped patients in their night driving abilities. In tests, drivers 65 and older wearing a Tecnis lens were able to recognize objects faster, improving their braking response time by half a second and stopping about 60 feet shorter than drivers wearing traditional acrylic lenses.

Risks

Risks are the same as with any other IOL implantation in cataract surgery and include corneal edema, iritis, hyphema, macular edema, retinal detachment and lens dislocation. These risks are considered rare and can be further reduced by following your doctor’s instructions before and after surgery.

To learn more about the cataract surgery performed with the Tecnis IOL, please call us today to schedule a consultation and find out whether or not this lens is right for you.