If you are living with cataracts that are impacting your vision you may be noticing a gradual decline in your clarity of vision. More light may be needed for reading. Night driving may be difficult and you may notice bothersome glare. If you are noticing these changes, it is important to talk to your ophthalmologist as cataract surgery may be able to help.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant or IOL. The IOL is a permanent replacement lens that becomes part of the eye. There are many types of IOLs to choose from so it is important to consider your goals and desired vision after cataract surgery. The most important decision is whether you want to continue needing glasses after cataract surgery.
If an active lifestyle is important to you, a premium IOL such as a Synergy IOL can provide a full range of focus allowing distance, intermediate, and near vision without glasses.
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/nKQiAfa5fWvkyMDBM_feSHoRgK8D3-V7uHjJq8qwEO7iyD9OMNyklB5zUpCOUaaLhnSLgIIvyQLenylh16-QAthny7Azi4Q.jpeg)
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/7vNzRazsodYSqsS9Nf9lfSvaJktOKusxHTUiEF1mkO7e6EPHRScKEZkbr6jTn9d2TIYIQlLLU0wOI_Pm4kahZgHpCcdPKw.jpeg)
What is the Synergy IOL and what makes it different from other IOLs?
The recently FDA approved Synergy IOL is made by Johnson and Johnson vision and is a type of multifocal premium IOL. Although it is new in the US, the Synergy IOL has been used for several years in Europe.
Of all available lenses used for cataract surgery, the Synergy lens offers among the highest quality of vision for computer and reading without glasses. Many of us spend several hours each day using a computer and taking on and off reading or computer glasses can be bothersome. In recent trials, 92% of patients with a Synergy IOL report no need for glasses after cataract surgery.
Does the Synergy IOL treat astigmatism?
The Synergy IOL can treat patients with myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism. Astigmatism is when the clear surface of the eye called the cornea is slightly oval shaped rather than being perfectly round. If astigmatism is not corrected at the time of cataract surgery, vision may be blurry or distorted. The Synergy IOL is available in different power types to reduce astigmatism for patients that need it. The eye will be measured before cataract surgery with intraocular biometry and topography to measure the amount of astigmatism present.
Who is a candidate for the Synergy IOL?
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/jNSTpLs1xdN-EY8zoTF8WHqbXFAD7EoIYRuJgn1d6_vqR3TZ6oSgqc2cMTGkskCPoMPA7C8Zq9rMO5HrUqTCy_C_k0yFMYO7.png)
Desire for freedom from glasses
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/slApsgRF9NYAly1kjg43ZK44rz6zqpMwEOs8xhS1yhVUAzzQBQUFGMXX1gpELe7p1KMc4WjCSspY28cB3wzmBBwCZ1tf88WV.png)
Cataracts and Presbyopia (need reading glasses)
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/c_FRH-zeed0hWNTXQSfhyFQv0Xj_Ckc-0SojpCHjklIOn3aKzSSIuSVkHfvmNgCUFwm3XrArBn0V4V96IRiKsydDAexMM5nW.png)
No prior eye surgery
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/bznTbUOfOOXyzwErcX4UbGQUxabFHxImxzQ93YBC9Gu_r4tAc33ajbkmqKtX5JMhLdNPVhhDzfAIUgq8u-WGdgShRyH1ND0.png)
Clear cornea without scarring or irregularity
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/g9liawxGHBRSKoEUef3MPDlOJqRwpKQRw8DCHsmBoBR9hQ0538j0DPN25--4ixTk9ZeWwcjt15075KRPjZHGuTmkDRGr_Nw.png)
Healthy retina
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/y7SK4tJrPFKDi78tucPjvJ3yJot3N_nkVhK6J6uWdMYjIx3DYOzkfQkRYrNHp--PLWGCubTzal_FuadzSeSZtdV-W6X-otI.png)
Goal of excellent reading and computer vision without glasses
/sc-assets/prd/practices/02724553-028c-44f2-8a5d-2e638326cc8d/SwMYBHpG_Gz6QcKMBaBeb2bjL2v1M4YprgQko1yUBvT2YCAP3EZ9pCv4havNxJMpgyaMlfJInCPfjpgl-N47bt6yrWFHiz8f.png)
Can tolerate some glare and halo with night driving
Which IOL will be best for my eye?
Choosing the best intraocular lens is an important and permanent decision. The expert cataract surgeon at Eye Care Specialists Dr. Mark Heimmel will make a recommendation based on your testing and visual goals to help you make the best choice. NJ’s top recommended cataract surgeon knows that every patient is unique and the best IOL for each patient is not the same. Our team at Eye Care Specialists will help guide you and answer all of your questions to help you make the best decision.