One of the most significant decisions you’ll make when preparing for cataract surgery is choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL) for you. The Acrysof IQ Vivity IOL is one of the most innovative options available today, offering clear vision and comfort for patients who are ready for more freedom from glasses and contacts.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes the Vivity lens different from other IOLs and whether it could be your key to visual freedom.
What are IOLs?
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses that replace the natural lens of the eye during cataract surgery. By removing the clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, IOLs restore clear vision by allowing light to pass through to the retina.
There are several types of IOLs to choose from, including monofocal, multifocal, toric, and extended depth of focus (EDOF). Different lenses are designed to meet specific vision needs, such as correcting distance vision, improving vision at one or more ranges, or correcting for astigmatism.
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are the standard IOL used in cataract surgery. They can correct vision at a single range, usually distance, but most patients still need to wear glasses for reading or performing tasks at close distances, such as preparing food.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are specially shaped IOLs made to accommodate the irregular corneal shape of patients with astigmatism. Multifocal and EDOF IOLs also often come in toric versions.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLS can offer vision at multiple distinct distances, significantly or completely reducing your reliance on glasses. They are composed of concentric rings that adjust focus as the eye moves.
However, the structure of the lens can cause visual disturbances, such as glare and halos.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs
The Vivity IOL is an EDOF lens, a newer type of IOL that has the potential to provide a clearer, broader range of vision without the disadvantages that can come with multifocal lenses. This advanced IOL can deliver more visual freedom, with fewer compromises, after cataract surgery.
How is the Vivity Lens Different from Other IOLs?
The Vivity lens utilizes a non-diffractive technology to stretch and shift light as it enters the eye. This technology enables a continuous, extended range of vision, from near to distant, with a reduced incidence of visual disturbances.
Unlike IOLs that rely on multiple focal points or rings, the Vivity has a single elongated focal area. It allows the eye to change focus seamlessly, just as your eye would naturally.
The Vivity IOL is one of the only lenses that can provide clear intermediate vision, the range used when working on a computer or looking at a car dashboard. It can fill in a visual “gap” that most other lens options miss.
The Unique Technology Behind the Vivity Lens
The Vivity lens utilizes a proprietary technology called X-Wave, which distinguishes it from traditional multifocal IOLs. It uses two smooth transition elements that work together to mimic the way the natural lens of the eye functions.
The X-Wave technology stretches and shifts light to create an extended depth of focus, while its non-diffractive design reduces visual disturbances, such as halos, glare, and starbursts. The result is smooth visual transitions and increased contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in both bright and dim lighting conditions.
What Can You Expect After Cataract Surgery with the Vivity Lens?
Patients who opt for the Vivity IOL typically experience clear vision within a few days after surgery, with continued improvement over the following weeks. As the brain adapts to the lens, the extended range of vision it provides becomes increasingly intuitive.
While some patients may still require glasses for reading tiny print or performing detail-oriented tasks, most find that they no longer need corrective eyewear for day-to-day activities, such as using a smartphone, watching television, or cooking a meal.
Many also find it easier to drive at night without the worry of glare and halos.
Can Cataracts Develop on the Vivity IOL?
Cataracts can’t develop on IOLs. All IOLs, including the Vivity, are made of materials such as acrylic and silicone that prevent cataracts from reforming.
In rare cases, the symptoms of a condition called posterior capsular opacification (PCO) can mimic the return of cataracts. PCO occurs when tissue accumulates on the back side of the lens capsule, the structure that holds the lens in place.
As the tissue thickens, it can cloud vision, similar to cataracts. However, PCO is not the return of cataracts.
It is a secondary condition that can be corrected with a simple procedure called a posterior capsulotomy.
Who is a Good Candidate for the Vivity Lens?
Choosing the right IOL is a personal decision that should be based on your individual vision goals and preferences. The ideal candidate for the Vivity IOL is a patient who wants to make their cataract surgery an opportunity to improve their vision and reduce or eliminate their reliance on eyeglasses.
It’s an excellent choice for individuals who work at a computer, routinely drive at night, or those who enjoy very active lifestyles. At your pre-operative cataract surgery consultation, your eye doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle and vision goals to help you make your decision.
They will also conduct a comprehensive eye exam and review your medical history to ensure the Vivity lens is right for you. Schedule your appointment at Traverse City Eye in Traverse City, MI, today to learn more about the Vivity IOL!