Do you need cataract surgery? A critical component of the procedure is the IOL you choose.
IOL, short for an intraocular lens, is an artificial lens that replaces your eye’s natural lens. Cataract surgery involves removing your natural lens where a cataract has formed and replacing it with an IOL.
There are several kinds of IOLs to choose from. Your cataract surgeon will recommend the best IOL based on your lifestyle and visual goals after cataract surgery.
In most people, cataracts tend to become apparent once you’re over 40. However, even if you have a cataract, you may not realize it for some time.
Many cataract surgery patients still lead an active lifestyle. If you’re someone who remains active, you want to make sure your IOL will allow you to continue living that lifestyle.
In that case, you probably want an advanced lens implant. One of the more popular and newer advanced lens implants is the PanOptix trifocal IOL. It’s also an excellent fit for active patients.
But how are advanced lens implants different from standard lenses? Keep reading to learn how the PanOptix trifocal lens helps patients with active lifestyles see better!
Advanced Lens Implants vs. Monofocal Lenses
Cataract surgery is an elective procedure. Health insurance plans usually cover it because it’s a medically necessary procedure to reverse vision loss due to cataracts.
However, even though health insurance covers the procedure, not every lens implant receives the same treatment. The only lens implant that insurance usually covers is a monofocal lens.
A monofocal lens is a standard IOL that only corrects for one distance. A monofocal lens is a uniform lens that can help you see up close or far away, but not both. With a monofocal lens, you’ll need to compensate for the distance that’s not corrected by using glasses or contact lenses.
Another option, although more uncommon, with monofocal lenses, is called monovision. With monovision, you’ll have a lens put in one eye for seeing things up close and a lens set in your other eye for seeing things at a distance.
This solution isn’t for everyone. Even for those patients who benefit from monovision, it only helps them see well enough between two focal points and doesn’t offer the clearest vision at all distances.
However, advanced lens implants are designed to help patients see more clearly at broader distances. Most advanced lens implants can also correct presbyopia, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses.
There are quite a few advanced lens implants on the market. It can be hard to know you’re choosing the best one. But one of the advanced lens implants that many active patients prefer is the PanOptix trifocal IOL.
The PanOptix Trifocal IOL
The PanOptix trifocal lens is divided into three alternating sections. The first section is for seeing up close, the second is for seeing things further away, and the third is for seeing things at intermediate distances.
After having the PanOptix trifocal IOL placed in your eye, you’ll automatically look through the part of the lens that will best help you see from the distance you’re at. Having this capability allows you to see clearly up close and at a middle distance with excellent vision at a farther distance.
With an advanced lens implant like the PanOptix trifocal IOL, there are no gaps in vision. You’ll also be able to see well within a broad range of distances. The PanOptix trifocal is an outstanding lens for almost anyone who wants the most out of their cataract surgery. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s also fantastic for patients who like to stay active.
The Perfect Advanced Lens Implant For an Active Lifestyle
Because the PanOptix trifocal IOL allows patients to see incredibly well not only up close but also at a middle distance, it’s ideal for patients who are often out and about. The trifocal IOL provides great social vision and lets you see well when participating in all sports and activities.
Patients who get the PanOptix trifocal IOL often find that they no longer need to use reading glasses. Over 80% of patients report that they never need to use reading glasses. Around 10% report that they only rarely need to.
Eliminating the need for reading glasses enables you to do more without being held back by constantly putting on and taking off your readers. Since the PanOptix trifocal lens lets you see well at different distances, you can quickly go from reading to looking up and chatting with a friend to going on a hike or bike ride.
A trifocal lens also allows you to see well in low light. That means you can stay active even when it’s late and starting to get dark outside. An active lifestyle doesn’t stop simply because the sun went down!
Other Benefits of the PanOptix Trifocal Lens
The PanOptix trifocal IOL is a wonderful choice for active patients, but it’s also great for most cataract patients. Clear intermediate vision makes the PanOptix perfect for anyone who works on a computer or frequently uses electronics.
They’re also great for anyone who enjoys reading a good book. If the PanOptix trifocal lens sounds like it’s for you, consider Williamson Eye Center for your cataract surgery.
Our cataract surgeon, Dr. Matthew Smith, is one of the best in the country. He was the first ophthalmologist to implant an advanced lens in the state of Louisiana in 2019.
At your cataract evaluation, your surgeon will recommend the lens and procedure that will give you your best possible vision after surgery. Schedule an appointment at Williamson Eye Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Isn’t it time to get back to your active lifestyle with better vision than you imagined?
