What is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery Basics

Cataracts happen to almost everyone, but cataract surgery has been established as one of the safest, most common, and most effective procedures performed today.

Cataracts form gradually as our eyes get older, and 9 in 10 Americans develop them by the time they’re 65. If you have cataracts, you’ll need an outpatient surgery to remove and replace the clouded lens within your eye.

  • Relief Most people say cataract surgery was easier than they expected.
  • Comfort There is little to no discomfort during the process.
  • Clarity Cataract surgery offers the opportunity to enhance your vision for greater, clearer focus.
  • Satisfaction Most people who have had cataract surgery say they wish they had done it sooner.

Your Vision, Your Health

Cataract surgery can have a transformative impact on your vision, which may affect many other areas of your health and happiness.

Cataract surgery and clear vision may be associated with:

  • Mind Reduced risk of cognitive decline
  • Spirit Increase in happiness
  • Balance Reduced risk of falls and hip fractures
  • Overall Health Walking faster and sleeping better

Benefits Beyond the Basics

Taking full advantage of your cataract surgery means understanding your options. While the procedure provides outstanding benefits in its own regard, cataract surgery also gives you the opportunity to enhance the quality and range of your vision.

Cataract Surgery

  • Replaces the clouded cataract lens with a new, clear lens
  • Can provide clear vision at one or more distances, depending on your cataract lens selection

Enhancing Your Vision

  • Can help free you from glasses and contacts, which can cost around $1,000 each year
  • Can provide full clarity, near through far, without blurry zones
  • May be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline
  • Can help you fully embrace and immerse yourself in life

AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Family of Trifocal IOLs

Important Product Information

CAUTION: Restricted by law to sale by or on the order of a physician.

DESCRIPTION: The AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL is a type of multifocal IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. In addition, the center of the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL allows for better near (reading) vision and intermediate (computer work) vision versus what a monofocal lens would provide.

There is a chance that you still may need glasses for distance, intermediate, and/or near vision. You will get the full benefit of the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL when it is placed in both eyes. Please discuss with your eye doctor whether this is the right IOL for you.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Due to the design of multifocal IOLs, there are some side effects that can be associated with the AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL models. These may be worse than with a monofocal IOL, including visual disturbances such as glare, rings around lights, starbursts (rays around light sources), and reduced contrast sensitivity (decrease in ability to distinguish objects from their background, especially in dim lighting). These side effects may make it more difficult to see while driving at night or completing tasks in low lighting conditions, such as at night or in fog or in a dimly lit room, after surgery as compared to before surgery.

Further, a toric IOL corrects astigmatism only when it is placed in the correct position in the eye. There is a possibility that the toric IOL could be placed incorrectly or could move within the eye. If the toric lens is not positioned correctly following surgery, the change in your astigmatism correction by the IOL, along with any necessary correction with glasses, may cause visual distortions. If the lens rotates in your eye, you may need additional surgery to reposition or replace the IOL.

ATTENTION: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Prior to surgery, ask your eye doctor to provide you with the Patient Information Brochure for the proposed AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL to be implanted. This document will further inform you of the risks and benefits associated with this IOL. Discuss any questions about possible risks and benefits with your eye doctor, as well as your medical condition and any eye disease you may have.

Learn More Here