New Technology for Cataracts
Improves Your Near , Middle and Distance Vision with Minimized Side Effects
Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center
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FDA recently approved the Symfony intraocular lens which is the first lens of its kind to provide extended depth of focus for patients with cataracts . Researchers found during the clinical trials that the new lens typically provided improved visual acuity at near , intermediate and far distances , as opposed to previous multifocal lens technology .
This is great news . Key-Whitman Eye Center ’ s President and Chief Surgeon Jeffrey Whitman , M . D ., is excited to provide this new innovation at his Dallas eye surgery center , because “ Symfony offers the advantages of monofocal lens implants without the disadvantages some patients experience with multifocal lenses .”
A ground breaking design
Tecnis , the manufacturer of the Symfony intraocular lens , designed the new intraocular lens with innovation and consumers ’ present day needs in mind .
As Dr . Whitman explains , “ Symfony was designed to reduce the weaknesses found in other multifocal lenses . The goal was to create a lens to treat vision loss that would be very strong for intermediate vision , where most of our life is now ( computer work , tablets , etc .), while maximizing distance vision and providing good near or reading vision as well .”
Symfony addresses side effects and can correct astigmatism
While cataract patients have had multifocal lens options for several years now , some patients experienced side effects that didn ’ t typically occur with traditional monofocal lenses – namely halos and glare .
20 DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2017
“ The clinical studies revealed that the amount of halo and glare with Symfony was similar to a standard lens as opposed to a high-technology multifocal lens , which is pretty impressive . The new lenses also come in a toric or astigmatic correcting model , so we can treat astigmatism with the lens at the same time ,” Dr . Whitman says .
Are you a good candidate for the Symfony IOL ?
During an eye health exam , the eye doctor will perform tests to determine if your eyes are healthy enough to undergo laser cataract surgery with a lens implant like Symfony . According to Dr . Whitman , “ Most people with normal , healthy eyes – and even most patients who have had LASIK surgery – should be good candidates for laser cataract surgery with Symfony intraocular lenses .”
Who is not a good candidate for Symfony ?
“ Folks with unhealthy eyes , retina problems , macular degeneration , or scarring in the front part of the eye on the cornea , those patients may not be good candidates for the procedure . Unfortunately , they may have limitations in their vision where they won ’ t experience the full benefits of the lens ,” Dr . Whitman says .
Not a candidate for Symfony ? You have other options !
One of Dr . Whitman ’ s best pieces of advice for individuals seeking to have their vision corrected – through cataract surgery , LASIK eye surgery , intraocular contact lenses , etc . – is to turn to an eye health practitioner who provides a full gamut of options . As he explains , “ At Key-Whitman , we offer a full range of the latest technologies , so we can provide a solution that maximizes each patient ’ s individual vision correction needs . For example , patients with certain eye conditions may benefit from options such as Crystalens ® multifocal lenses or traditional aspheric optic lenses that can deliver the best quality of vision without side effects to any ongoing eye disease .”