Procedures

AcrySof IQ Vivity Extended Vision IOL

What is the AcrySof IQ Vivity Extended Vision IOL?

Intraocular lenses are clear artificial lenses that are surgically implanted to replace the natural lens of the eye. The AcrySof® IQ Vivity® Extended Vision IOL is a premium intraocular lens that utilizes ground-breaking technology to provide a full range of vision. The lens was developed by Alcon, the industry-leading vision company.

When is the Vivity Lens an Ideal Choice?

AcrySof IQ Vivity lenses outperform traditional monofocal lenses and are an ideal fit for patients who want reduced dependency on glasses and a full range of vision.

Unlike other multifocal lenses, the Vivity wavefront-shaping technology is also designed to correct presbyopia. The lens can also be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

How Does the AcrySof IQ Vivity Lens Work?

The Acrysof IQ Vivity lens uses a patented wavefront-shaping technology on the anterior surface to “stretch” or “shift” light rays, creating a smooth and continuous focal range from distance to near.

This extended depth of focus is achieved without the use of diffractive rings or “light splitting” used by traditional multifocal lenses. The Vivity lens creates a smooth and continuous focal range with:

Excellent distance vision, even at night.
Excellent intermediate vision.
Functional near vision, superior to most standard lenses.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Getting your Vivity IOL can be part of your cataract surgery. First, as part of a standard cataract surgery, the doctor removes your clouded lens. That lens is then replaced with the Vivity IOL, and you are ready to begin your life with enhanced vision, free of cataracts.

According to the National Institute of Health, cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures in the United States, with a success rate of 99%.

Conditions Treated by the AcrySof IQ Vivity Extended Vision Lens

About Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that obstructs the passage of light. As a result, things will start to appear blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Cataracts are a common age-related condition that typically begins around age 40-45, but they can also be caused by injury, radiation exposure, or other factors. Cataracts progress over time and surgery is eventually required to restore clear vision.

During surgery, an intraocular lens is implanted to replace the affected natural lens of the eye. While there are many IOL options available, the Vivity lens offers one-of-a-kind technology with superior vision results.

About Astigmatism

Astigmatism causes your vision to be blurred at both near and far distances. It occurs when your cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball.

Key features of astigmatism include:

Blurred or Distorted Vision: Individuals with astigmatism often experience blurred or distorted vision at both near and far distances.
Eye Strain and Discomfort: Astigmatism can lead to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort, especially after prolonged periods of reading or computer use.
Difficulty with Night Vision: Some people with astigmatism may notice challenges with night vision, including glare and halos around lights.
Combination with Other Refractive Errors: Astigmatism can occur on its own or in combination with nearsightedness or farsightedness.

The Vivity lens is available in toric designs to address astigmatism, correcting the shape of the cornea on top of providing an extended range of vision.

About Nearsightedness

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common type of refractive error where near objects appear clearly, but far objects appear blurry. This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Vivity technology provides excellence distance vision, correcting the effects of myopia without the need for glasses.

About Farsightedness

The medical term for farsightedness is hyperopia. Farsightedness is a common refractive error in the eye that affects the ability to see close-up objects. In farsighted individuals, light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. This can result from an eyeball that is too short or a cornea that has too little curvature.

The Vivity lens offers functional near vision, with a visual acuity of 20/32. This indicates that patients can see clearly at near distances, although it may not be as sharp as their distance vision.This is sufficient for daily activities and tasks that require clear vision at close ranges, although some patients might still need to use reading glasses.

Vivity still provides better near vision results than most standard options: 47% of Vivity users reported not needing glasses, versus only 16% using standard lenses.

About Presbyopia

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision condition where the eye’s lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. Symptoms include difficulty reading small print, needing to hold reading materials farther away, eye strain, and headaches.

The Vivity IOL’s wavefront-shaping technology helps to mitigate the effects of presbyopia, enabling patients to see clearly without needing to wear glasses or contact lenses for most daily activities

Common Questions About the AcrySof IQ Vivity Extended Vision IOL

How soon can I see results?

Visual recovery with the Vivity IOL is rapid, typically taking days to a week or two.

What is an intraocular lens?

When a cataract causes your eye’s lens to lose its clarity, the only option is to replace it with an intraocular lens (also known as an IOL). Intraocular lenses are artificial lenses that are implanted to replace your natural lens when it is removed during surgery. The lens is permanent, needs no maintenance, and can remain in your eye for your entire life.

The best IOL for you depends on your lifestyle and your visual needs.

Why is intermediate vision crucial?

Intermediate vision is what we rely on to send emails to our loved ones, cook our favorite meal, see ourselves in the mirror, and a number of daily activities that are part of a life fully lived. Vivity provides enhanced vision at this distance that is often far beyond what traditional monofocal lenses can provide.

Will I still need glasses with Vivity?

Clinical studies have shown that 87% of patients reported they do not need glasses for vision at an arms length (intermediate vision) versus 57% with a standard lens. For near vision, relied on to read a book, 47% reported not needing glasses with Vivity, versus only 16% using standard options.

See More FAQs