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How Does Vivity IOL Compare to Other Multifocal IOLs?
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The Vivity IOL was approved by the FDA in February 2020 as a new technology in the multifocal IOL market. Vivity IOL uses an updated and innovative technology other multifocal lenses are not yet using.
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The Vivity IOL can correct some of the issues associated with other multifocal IOLs while offering clear vision at various distances.
Vivity IOL is a new premium lens that is not yet widely available. As a result, it can be cost prohibitive. Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out if you are a good candidate for Vivity IOL.
Vivity IOL vs. Other Multifocal IOLs
A multifocal IOL can offer vision correction at more than one distance. This can correct general refractive errors as well as presbyopia at the same time. Traditional monofocal IOLs did not correct presbyopia, meaning that you would still have to wear reading glasses to see up close.
Multifocal lenses address near, far, and intermediate vision at once. Multifocal lenses can cause you to see glares and halos around lights, however.
EDOF (extended depth of focus) IOLs take the multifocal IOL lens technology even further, working to improve both depth of focus and range of vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains.
The Vivity IOL is an upgraded multifocal EDOF. It uses a new and specialized technology called X-WAVE, which is non-diffractive. It helps you have a continuous and extended range of vision without many of the drawbacks of other multifocal IOLs.
Advantages of Vivity IOL Over Other Multifocal IOLs
Clinical studies show that the Vivity IOL can offer sharp and clear distance and intermediate vision, and it can also correct up-close vision to an extent. This makes the Vivity IOL superior to monofocal IOL options.
Unlike other multifocal IOLs, Vivity IOL’s non-diffractive proprietary technology reduces visual complications, giving the benefits of a monofocal IOL.
Some of the pros of the Vivity IOL over other multifocal IOLs include:
- Enhanced distance and intermediate vision.
- Potential reduced need for reading glasses.
- Fewer glares and halos around lights.
- Better contrast sensitivity.
- Preserved night vision.
- Tolerance to slight shifts of the lens.
- The ability to be placed despite other eye issues.
The Vivity IOL differs from other multifocal lenses in the way that the X-WAVE technology shifts and stretches the light wavefront instead of splitting it up into multiple focal points. This allows the lens to use all the available light. This enhances and maintains vision at variable distances without as many side effects.
Possible Drawbacks of Vivity IOL
The Vivity IOL is available in Europe, Canada, and select markets. Presently, it may be difficult to find in the United States.
The Vivity IOL will become more readily available, but the AcrySof PanOptix Trifocal IOL is currently more widely available. The Vivity IOL is an upgraded version of this lens, as they are both manufactured by Alcon.
As a highly specialized IOL, the Vivity IOL is going to be more expensive than a traditional monofocal IOL. It’s also less likely to be covered by vision or medical insurance.
Cataract surgery is a medical necessity and therefore covered by insurance, but premium artificial lenses are not usually covered. Check with your provider to find out more about coverage and availability of the Vivity IOL.
Overall, the Vivity IOL is considered one of the best options on the market if you are looking for a multifocal lens to correct a wide range of refractive errors.
References
- AcrySof IQ Vivity Extended Vision Intraocular Lens (IOL) (Model DFT015), AcrySof IQ Vivity Toric Extended Vision IOLs (DFT315, DFT415, DFT515), AcyrSof IQ Vivity Extended Vision UV Absorbing IOL (DAT015), and AcrySof IQ Vivity Toric Extended Vision UV Absorbing IOLs (DAT315, DAT415, DAT515) – P930014/S126. (March 2020). U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Extended Depth of Focus IOLs. (September 2020). American Academy Ophthalmology (AAO).
- Alcon Canada Introduces AcrySof IQ Vivity Presbyopia-Correcting IOL. (November 2020). Eyewire.
- Matching the Patient to the Intraocular Lens. (August 2020). American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Journal.
- An IOL to Change the Cataract Surgery Paradigm. (July 2020). Insight.
- In the Pipeline. (April 2020). Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today (CRST).
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