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Cataract surgery is an inevitability almost all of us will face as we age. Luckily, it’s one of the safest, most often performed surgeries around. The procedure to remove cataracts has been honed and perfected over the years to include technologies such as laser surgery, dropless surgery and lens customization. Now, Tower Clock Eye Center patients can further improve vision and reduce reliance on glasses or contacts with the latest lens technology— the Alcon PanOptix trifocal lens.
The Alcon PanOptix trifocal lens allows for distance, near and up-close vision. This revolutionary new lens platform is the first tri-focal lens approved in the U.S. and Tower Clock Eye Center surgeons were the first in Wisconsin to offer and implant these new lenses.
In the past, cataract surgery patients could choose a single vision lens (that is covered by insurance) or a multi-focal lens (that is only partially covered by insurance). The single vision lens can focus best at only one focal distance (either far distance or up close) but sometimes isn’t perfectly sharp even at the preferred distance. If a patient has a high amount of astigmatism, he or she will still need prescription bifocals if the lens covered by insurance is chosen. The multi-focal lens can focus at only 2 distances (far distance and up close, OR far distance and near). Glasses were also still needed in some cases for multi-focal lenses.
With the new PanOptix lens however, reliance on glasses is vastly reduced as the lens helps patients see in the three vision zones: far distance, near, and up-close. Patients need not choose 1 or 2 of the three vision zones they’d prefer the clearest vision, rather with PanOptix, vision is clearer at all distances.
PanOptix lenses can also treat patients who have astigmatism. Toric lenses are designed to fix astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery and these highly customized lenses are available with the trifocal PanOptix lens.
Sight at all distances with PanOptix is effortless, and it offers brighter, more vivid color. Sharper vision means less eye strain and reduced glare around bright lights. Nearly 100% of those with the lens would choose it again, or recommend the lens to family or a friend.
As you’d expect, there is an increased cost for the very latest technology. We suggest asking your optometrist about these lenses or making an appointment with us at 920 499-3102 to learn more.
Patients will meet with a Tower Clock Eye Center lens consultant who will go over all lens options, and their costs and benefits once confirmed that surgery is required. It is here that we’ll discuss in-detail your vision needs and work with you to best determine the lens to fit your lifestyle.
