TECNIS® Multifocal IOL

Multifocal IOLs Fishkill NY | Poughkeepsie NYThe Tecnis Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) can be used for those patients with or without presbyopia who want to have near, intermediate and distance vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. Cataract surgery, which replaces the eye's cataract-impaired lens with an artificial clear lens (IOL) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States.

Benefits of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL

The Tecnis IOL was designed to provide cataract surgery patients with a high-quality vision similar to that of a younger person. The Tecnis IOL is meant to improve functional vision - the ability to see objects in varying light conditions - especially at night and twilight and in rain, snow and fog. This means improved night vision and reduction of spherical aberrations, an undesirable scattering of light that is a common side effect of cataract surgery.

Unlike other multifocal IOLs, the Tecnis Multifocal IOL provides the following benefits:

  • Excellent vision at all distances
  • Excellent vision at all light levels
  • Do not require reading glasses

Candidates for Tecnis Multifocal IOL

The Tecnis IOL is ideal for cataract patients who have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty reading
  • Difficulty seeing objects up close
  • Difficulty with driving, especially at night
  • Need for bifocals
  • Frequent changes in their eyeglass prescription

The doctor will determine whether or not this lens is right for the patient after a comprehensive eye exam and an evaluation of their medical history and the goals they want to achieve with the surgery.

The Tecnis Multifocal IOL Procedure

Multifocal IOLs Fishkill NY | Poughkeepsie NYThe cataract-impaired lens of the eye is gently removed through a tiny incision that is made on the edge of the cornea. The lens is then removed and replaced with the Tecnis IOL. The procedure takes between 15 to 45 minutes to complete.

Following the procedure, patients will be able to return home after about an hour of observation. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled for the day after the surgery to monitor the patient's recovery. Recovery from the surgery is usually short, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities almost immediately.

There may be some itching, discomfort and sensitivity to light after surgery, which can be managed through eye drops that have been prescribed by the doctor. These symptoms usually go away within a few days as the eye heals and patients can begin to enjoy the many benefits of their new vision.

Risks and Complications of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL Procedure

As with any surgery, Tecnis Multifocal lens surgery has potential complications. The most common side effects of all cataract procedures include:

  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • A sensitivity to light
  • Infection

These risks, however, are rare and are often outweighed by the potential benefits of restoring vision.

Complications specific to Tecnis Multifocal lenses may include:

  • Glare
  • Loss of sharpness of vision in low light
  • Halos or glare in night time conditions