Mutifocals
Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics
Premium Eye Care in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, & Redondo Beach
Multifocals
Presbyopia is a natural, age-related condition that typically begins in the 40s and results in the need for different optical corrections for distance, intermediate, and near vision. For individuals without cataracts who are neither nearsighted nor farsighted, this often means using reading glasses. Others may rely on progressive lenses, separate glasses for reading, distance, and computer use, or various contact lens options.
After cataract surgery, however, there are a variety of intraocular lens (IOL) options, along with advanced laser technologies, that can potentially reduce the need for glasses across all three vision ranges: distance, intermediate, and near. These options offer the potential for a more flexible and less glasses-dependent lifestyle post-surgery.
Multifocal IOLS
**Vivity and Vivity Toric IOLs**: These FDA-approved extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses offer a broader range of vision compared to traditional lenses, helping to reduce astigmatism and lessen the need for glasses at various distances. Similar to the Trulign and Crystalens, the Vivity lenses improve vision at distance, intermediate, and near, but they don’t provide perfect vision across all ranges. Unlike the Trulign and Crystalens, which rely on lens movement (a less predictable mechanism), the Vivity lenses use non-moving optics, resulting in a more predictable range of vision. As a result, only about 35% of patients still require reading glasses. Additional fees apply for the Vivity lenses, which also include a LASIK or PRK touch-up if the distance target is not adequately met.
**Symfony and Symfony Toric IOLs**: These FDA-approved EDOF lenses, like the Vivity, can reduce astigmatism and provide a wider range of vision without glasses, but they also don’t offer perfect vision across all distances. Compared to the Vivity, the Symfony lenses tend to offer a slightly more predictable range of vision, with only 25% of patients needing reading glasses. However, a trade-off with the Symfony lens is that about 15% of patients experience a “spider-web” visual effect around lights at night. Like the Vivity lenses, the Symfony lenses also come with an additional fee, which includes a LASIK or PRK touch-up if the distance target isn’t met as desired.
**PanOptix and Synergy – Multifocal IOLs**: These lenses feature multiple focal points built into the lens, providing most patients (over 90%) with the ability to see clearly at distance, intermediate, and near without relying on glasses. However, these lenses may not be suitable for individuals with other ocular conditions like macular degeneration, retinal problems, or certain corneal issues. One potential drawback of these multifocal lenses is that about 30% of patients experience halos or rings around lights at night. As with the other advanced IOL options, there is an additional fee for PanOptix and Synergy lenses, which includes a LASIK or PRK touch-up if the distance target is not satisfactorily achieved.
About Dr. Semel
Board-Certified El Segundo Ophthalmologist
Dr. Jane Semel is a skilled, respected, board-certified, and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist licensed to practice in the state of California. She specializes in the treatment and prevention of eye disease.
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