Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) New York City

Name: Multifocal IOL
Brand: Eye Center of New York
Rating: 4.8 (191 reviews)

Today’s multifocal IOLs (currently in the 7th and 8th generation) are the most advanced and well tolerated since the first multifocal was introduced in the US in 1997. Today’s multifocal IOLs in New York City provide better vision than the natural human lens at age 50 and older.

Experience Visual Freedom

Welcome to the forefront of ocular innovation at Eye Center of New York, where world-renowned cataract surgeon Dr. Raviv invites you to embark on a journey to visual liberation through the transformative multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) technology. These IOLs, whether placed during cataract surgery or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE, aka Lens Replacement), are a gateway to visual freedom, offering a life of reduced dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses.

What is the Multifocal IOL?

Multifocal IOLs in NYC are artificial lenses that can improve near- intermediate and distance vision. They use diffractive rings to help the eye focus images from multiple distances onto the retina.

Multifocal IOLs differ from monofocal IOLs, providing only glasses-free vision at one distance. Multifocal IOLs can restore visual function and allow most patients to be independent of glasses.

Your LensImplant Choices

What are the Latest Multifocal IOL Brands?

The latest-generation multifocal brands in the US are the Alcon Clareon PanoptixⓇ Trifocal IOL and the Johnson & Johnson Vision TECNIS Odyssey™ Continuous-Range-of-Vision IOL.

While these two IOLs are very similar in achieving spectacle independence, there are some slight differences. Dr. Raviv will help determine which IOL is right for you. There are times when utilizing different types of IOLs in either eye can be advantageous or necessary due to the eye’s other existing conditions or the patient’s visual needs.

What can Multifocal IOLs Treat?

We implant multifocal IOLs as part of your cataract surgery or RLE.

Presbyopia:

Once most of us hit our 40s and 50s, we lose our ability to focus up close, necessitating reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive glasses. This age-related change is known as presbyopia and is due to age-related stiffening of our natural lens. This dysfunctional lens decreases our eyes’ range of vision. A multifocal IOL helps restore focus in three of our most commonly used ranges: distance, intermediate, and near. This reduces and eliminates the need for distance and reading glasses.

Visual Fatigue from Progressive Glasses:

Progressive glasses, also known as no-line bifocals, are commonly prescribed for anyone over 50 to enable focus for both distance and near. Unfortunately, these glasses do induce warpage and aberrations to many. Some experience eye strain and fatigue associated with constantly changing glasses for different activities. Multifocal IOLs work completely differently than progressive glasses and do not require the patient to look through a certain part of the lens, as progressives require. For patients who don’t like progressives, Dr. Raviv strongly recommends an EDOF or multifocal IOL.

Astigmatism:

Multifocal IOLs come in spherical and toric powers. Dr. Raviv will choose the right IOL for each eye. By using a toric version of the multifocal IOL, astigmatism is simultaneously corrected during the cataract surgery, providing clear vision at all distances.

Cataracts:

All cataract surgery involves replacing nature’s clouded lens with a man-made, artificial lens. Multifocal IOLs are some of the most advanced IOLs developed and can rejuvenate and restore spectacle-free vision.

Multifocal Contact Lenses:

For those who have successfully worn multifocal contact lenses and are candidates, multifocal IOLs are great permanent solutions to vision correction - frequently delivering better visual quality than the contacts.

Pros of Multifocal IOLs

By undergoing multifocal IOL surgery at Eye Center of New York, you’ll receive the following benefits:

Convenience in every setting: Whether working on a computer, looking at your phone or going about your daily life, multifocal IOLs provide a full range of vision without the need for glasses for most people.
Clarity at three distances: The Panoptix and Odyssey brand multifocal IOLs target excellent distance, intermediate, and near vision without glasses. While these three distances cover most of our visual needs, there still may be other distances that require glasses or readers. Sometimes, a multifocal in one eye can be paired with an EDOF IOL in the other eye to further expand the range of vision.
Enhanced quality of vision: Dr. Raviv’s surgical expertise ensures the precise implantation of multifocal IOLs, translating into optimal visual outcomes for each unique patient.
Reduced need for glasses or contacts: Enjoy life untethered from the constant need for glasses, empowering you to navigate daily tasks with newfound freedom.
Surgical expertise: Cataract surgery is a delicate process that requires the best in the field. Dr. Raviv, a luminary in the field of cataract surgery, brings his wealth of experience to ensure the precise implantation of multifocal IOLs, delivering optimal visual outcomes.

Cons of Multifocal IOLs

We have not yet invented and manufactured the perfect IOL on planet Earth. However, every new generation released has fewer and fewer negative effects than the prior. We are now implanting the 7th and 8th generation of presbyopia-correcting, multifocal IOLs at the time of cataract surgery or RLE: the Panoptix and Odyssey IOLs.

Nighttime Halos:

To achieve a full range of vision, multifocal IOLs split and distribute light. A common visual side effect of multifocal IOLs is the presence of nighttime halos or starbursts around points of light, such as street lamps or headlights. These photic side effects have improved and diminished in the last two decades as new generation IOLs have been released, and are not bothersome to most.

In Dr. Raviv’s experience, about 2% of multifocal IOL patients complain that the halos at night are severe and impact night driving. Typically, these symptoms resolve over months and can be ameliorated with eye drops and anti-glare glasses. In the rare instance that the nighttime halos are still bothersome, the multifocal IOLs can be swapped out for a monofocal IOL, eliminating the rings but also reintroducing the need for readers.

Need for Enhancement:

Every human being heals differently, and when we remove the natural lens and implant a man-made IOL in the eye (during cataract surgery or RLE), there is some variance among the population on where the IOL will ultimately heal into place. If the IOL sits a millimeter more forward or backward than planned, there can be a small residual glasses prescription remaining. Most of the time, this is minor, and the vision after multifocal IOLs is excellent. Occasionally, enough of a residual prescription (such as astigmatism) exists that an enhancement procedure is recommended.

In Dr. Raviv’s experience, about 3% of our multifocal IOL patients will benefit from an enhancement procedure such as PRK or LASIK, done about three months after the procedure, to treat any unplanned residual astigmatism or glasses prescription, that occurs when someone heals as an outlier.

Swapping out the IOL:

The IOLs inserted at the time of cataract or RLE surgery are permanent and last a lifetime. Because multifocal IOLs employ complex optics, there is sometimes an adjustment period when the brain gets accustomed to the new visual inputs. Most patients are accustomed to their multifocal IOLs in days, rarely weeks or months, and very rarely years.

In Dr. Raviv’s experience, sometimes the brain, eye and multifocal IOL are not a good fit. Even after an adequate adaptation period. In our practice, about 0.5% of multifocal IOL patients require an IOL exchange or a swap out of their multifocal IOL for a monofocal or sometimes an EDOF IOL. While IOL exchange requires another procedure, Dr. Raviv is experienced in this surgery, enabling us to address even an undesirable visual outcome.

Who is a Candidate for Multifocal IOLs?

Those seeking the most spectacle independence may be candidates for Multifocal IOLs. These IOLs do best in an eye free from other eye diseases or conditions and with a 20/20 potential. Considering your eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs, Dr. Raviv will determine the suitability of multifocal IOL for you. Ideal candidates are those who desire a holistic solution to presbyopia while maintaining an active lifestyle.

Recovery after Multifocal IOL Implantation

Most patients experience a swift recovery after multifocal IOL implantation, with many resuming normal activities within a day.

While some patients may notice an immediate improvement in their vision, others may require a brief adaptation period. Over the following days and weeks, the brain adjusts to the new visual input, optimizing the clarity and range of vision provided by the multifocal IOL.

A series of postoperative follow-up appointments are scheduled to track the healing process and address any questions or concerns.

Why Choose Eye Center of New York for Multifocal IOLs?

Dr. Ravivan, an internationally recognized cataract surgeon, specializes in advanced lens technologies, including multifocal IOLs. Dr. Raviv has implanted every generation of multifocal IOL over the last 20 years, and our facility boasts the latest technologies for precise diagnostics, surgery, and postoperative care.

Elevate your vision and embrace a life without visual limitations. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Raviv at Eye Center of New York to explore the transformative benefits of multifocal IOL.