Vivity™ Lens for Cataract Treatment
The cataract surgeons at Cleveland Eye Clinic are now offering an exciting new advancement in premium intraocular lenses. The Alcon AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ lens provides patients with high-quality distance and intermediate vision, and functional close-up vision thanks to new technology. If you have specific questions about Vivity IOLs, or if you’re searching for lens options for cataract surgery, schedule an evaluation to speak with our eye doctors.
What Separates Vivity Lens from Other Premium Intraocular Lens Options?
- The Vivity lens is designed with a new, non-diffractive technology called X-Wave™. Alcon’s unique non-diffractive technology in the Vivity lens uses all available light to create continuous, extended range of vision. This means patients experience optimal vision in both bright and dim lighting. Other diffractive multifocal lenses split the wavefront into many separate focal points.
- The Vivity IOL offers protection against the sun’s damaging UV rays and filters harmful blue light rays from digital devices.
- One of the disadvantages of other multifocal lenses is that patients often complain about visual disturbances. These include halos, starbursts, and glare after having cataract surgery. Some patients who are more concerned about driving even opt for monofocal lenses because they have a much lower incidence of these post-cataract side effects. The non-diffractive technology in the Vivity lens reduces or eliminates these visual disturbances. This is a major advantage for night driving.
Is the Vivity IOL Safe?
The FDA evaluates all new lenses that become available in the U.S. The Alcon Vivity lens became FDA approved in the spring of 2020. This was after their evaluation of two successful clinical trials.
Ophthalmologists in Australia and western Europe have been using Vivity for a longer period. They have also reported excellent clinical results and high patient satisfaction.
Alcon is a highly regarded global manufacturer of intraocular lenses as well as other vision correction products. The company has a reputation for quality and safety.
Will I Be Able to Give Up My Glasses Altogether with a Vivity Lens?
There is no guarantee that you will never need glasses again, especially for reading small text. Most patients achieve sharp, clear vision for distance and intermediate (computer) work in both bright and dim light.
Many patients who have Vivity lenses can check a text message on their smartphone or read a menu in a restaurant. You may still need to use reading glasses for some close-up tasks like reading a newspaper or a prescription label.
Can Vivity Lens Correct my Astigmatism?
Yes, it can! Your astigmatism can be corrected at the time of cataract surgery with a special Vivity toric lens, which is specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
Is Every Patient a Candidate for Vivity Lens?
Your ophthalmologist will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for a Vivity lens. If you have an autoimmune condition, or a history of eye infections, Vivity may not be the right option for you.
The good news is that many ophthalmologists are reporting success implanting Vivity in patients with glaucoma and some disorders of the macula.
Will My Insurance Pay for Vivity Lenses?
Unfortunately, Medicare and most other insurances will not pay for any type of premium lenses. Currently, they will only pay for cataract surgery with a monovision lens.
This policy means that patients must choose correction for either distance or close-up vision. Most people choose distance correction and then may need to use glasses for other reading or close-up work.
If you would like to reduce your dependence on glasses with a premium lens like Vivity, you will need to pay out-of-pocket for the special lens. Your insurance should still pay for the actual cataract surgery.
If you consider the ongoing convenience of not needing glasses for most of your daily functions, the Vivity lens is well worth the investment. Want to learn more about the Vivity lens and see if this is the right lens for your cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at the Cleveland Eye today.
