How the Clareon PanOptix Pro IOL Improves Vision After Cataract Surgery

The world of cataract surgery continues to push boundaries, with new technology bringing improved techniques and ever-advancing intraocular lenses (IOLs). One of the latest of these to be making waves is thePanOptix Pro cataract lens—a trifocal lens that has solved many of the historical challenges of this kind of visual implant.

The Pro is the latest iteration of this world-leading lens. It uses what they’ve termed, ENLIGHTEN® NXT Optical technology, to reduce light scatter and increase global light distribution across the entire visual range.

Let’s Talk About the Clareon PanOptix Pro Features in Plain English

Ophthalmologists and cataract surgeons can often be guilty of using complex terminology (and yes, we include ourselves here). So, let’s demystify this and explain the Clareon PanOptix Pro features in more digestible chunks.

The lens is what’s known as trifocal. This means it offers focused vision in three different fields: near vision, intermediate vision, and far vision. In turn, this can dramatically reduce the need to wear spectacles or contact lenses post-surgery. The biggest challenge that IOL technology has needed to overcome has been intermediate, or middle, distance. You can think of this as being able to clearly see text or an object at around arm’s length, as opposed to closer up or further away.

This is one of the biggest trifocal IOL benefits. However, up until now, the tech hadn’t totally managed to solve the issue of light scatter, something that’s quite a complex subject. In simple terms, light scatter occurs when light entering the front of the eye encounters anything that prevents it moving in a straight line to the retina at the back. Any obstruction causes it to divert—or scatter—hitting other parts of the eye. This can cause problems, such as glare, seeing halos around lights, or starbursts. 

The PanOptix Pro cataract lens technology has dramatically reduced this risk. Indeed, according to the company’s data:

• Only 0.4% of those who had the lens implanted reported being bothered very much by glare.
• Only 1.4% reported major issues with seeing halos.
• Only 2.6% had significant problems with starburst.

These numbers are incredibly low compared to previous trifocal lens data, making them an outstanding premium IOL for those who are keen to live a life with freedom from corrective lenses.

Who is a Good Candidate for the Clareon PanOptix Pro Cataract Lens?

Trifocal lenses aren’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for a lens that means a significantly high chance of not needing eyeglasses or contacts after surgery, then your cataract surgeon will discuss this with you.

Good candidates include:

• Those in generally good health.
• With a fairly regular eye anatomy.
• Don’t have any conditions that affect the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration.
• Don’t have any conditions that affect the cornea, including high astigmatism or severe dry eye.
• Are keen to reduce or have no dependence on eyeglasses.
• Live an active lifestyle.

The choice of IOL is something that you and your cataract surgeon will talk about before the operation. Naturally, there are both pros and cons with every type of lens. So, if a trifocal IOL is of interest, you’ll first be assessed for suitability. 

If you’re a good candidate, it’s important to understand the downsides as well as the ups. The most significant—and even with the incredible Clareon PanOptix Pro features—is that there’ll be a slight compromise on very close-up vision. The lens offers great focus as close as 33cm (that’s just under 13”), which is more than suitable for most people. But if you do a significant level of intricate, close-up activities, then you should be aware that focused vision at a distance less than this might not be as clear. 

On the plus side, the lens has solved another trifocal lens challenge, in that it also offers really good vision in low-light conditions.

The only real other disadvantage is the price. As one of the latest premium IOLs to come to market, they do have a reasonably high price tag. While Medicare and most insurance policies will cover the cost of a regular, non-premium lens, the additional cost will have to be self-funded.

As a leading global academic facility, The Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic is delighted to be able to offer our patients the very latest in trifocal and other premium lens technology.

Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/ and call today to discuss your options.