Intraocular Lenses: Vivity

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial replacement that’s implanted into the eye—usually after cataract surgery. There are many different types of these, some of which provide focused vision at a single distance and others that provide a wider range of focus. 

One of these is the cutting-edge Vivity—an intraocular lens that’s proving to be exceptional at decreasing the need for glasses post-cataract surgery.

All About Vivity

• What is the Vivity lens?
• How does the Vivity lens allow you to focus at all distances?
• Is the Vivity lens suitable for me?

What is the Vivity lens?

Vivity is a type of extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL and is what’s referred to as a premium lens. It uses breakthrough technology, called ‘wavefront-shaping’ that can, for many people, achieve focused vision at multiple distances without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The technology was brought to market by Alcon and given FDA approval in 2020. It’s well-proven and is bringing outstanding visual results for many of the people who’ve chosen to have it implanted. 

Clinical studies have shown that:

• 94% of those with Vivity lenses achieve good or very good distance vision in bright light.
• 92% achieve good or very good vision at arm’s length in bright light.
• Around half of patients also report rarely or never needing to wear glasses for close-up work.
• The vast majority of people also report being less bothered by glare.

How does the Vivity lens allow you to focus at all distances?

The Vivity intraocular lens works through its unique shape in combination with what’s known as X-WAVE technology. This controls how light enters the eye, stretching and shifting the light waves to better mimic how this would occur with a natural lens.

The result is a higher likelihood of focused vision at multiple distances. There are also additional surgical tweaks that your ophthalmologist may be able to take following a successful Vivity implant. This includes a simple process, called ‘micro monovision’ that gently alters the vision in the other eye to further increase the ability to read without glasses.

Is the Vivity lens suitable for me?

The Vivity IOL is suitable for many people, including those who:

• Are keen to reduce reliance on glasses.
• Accept that everyone’s eyes are different and that you may have to use glasses in some situations.
• Are happy to pay additional costs over what their insurance or Medicare may cover. Most policies only cover the cost of a traditional cataract procedure (Vivity implants require a laser-assisted operation) and the cost of a monofocal lens (Vivity is a premium lens with an associated higher cost). 

The Vivity lens also comes with a ‘Toric’ version. This allows it to also correct astigmatism.

Of course, to have a balanced view it’s also important to know the potential side effects of the Vivity lens. These include:

• A 1% chance of seeing halos around a light source 
• A 4% chance of experiencing starbursts (a light streak, burst of light, etc.)
• A 1% chance of having a dark area in the field of vision.

These figures are at the six-month post-surgery point and are consistent with the results found after a regular monofocal lens is implanted.

Crucially though, the Vivity lens has a 0% record of people experiencing glare, hazy, blurred, or double vision.

If you’re looking for a lens that is likely to dramatically decrease your dependence on eyeglasses and allow you to benefit from good vision in all light sources, then Vivity could well be right for you.

Get Vivity and Other Premium Intraocular Lenses at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

The cataract-specific arm of the world-famous West Boca Eye Center, the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic offers the very latest cataract treatment—often way before advances hit the mainstream. Whether you’re interested in the Vivity lens or want to consider another type of premium lens–or perhaps you require a surgeon who’s experienced in higher-risk cataract procedures—we provide the ultimate care for all things cataract-related.

Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com and call our friendly team today.