Tanner Eyes

The Vivity lens has the same basic shape and identical materials to that of the standard, monofocal Alcon IQ lens, which Mr Tanner has used for many years. The Alcon IQ monofocal lens is one of the most frequently implanted lenses worldwide and has an excellent safety profile. Like a monofocal lens, the purpose of the Vivity Extended Vision implant is to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after cataract removal. The Vivity lens has an additional, new, wavefront-shaping technology which allows a wider range of focused image than with a monofocal lens, helping decrease the need for glasses. The Vivity lens is also available in a toric version to help decrease astigmatism (oval rather than round cornea). The most benefit is gained from the Vivity lens when it is implanted in both eyes.

Clinical trial data, and Mr Tanner’s own results, have meant that the Vivity lens is now Mr Tanners preferred lens for patients undergoing cataract surgery who which to reduce their spectacle requirement whilst avoiding most of the side effects associated with previous multifocal lens.

Patients in the study were also asked about how often they needed glasses to see distance, intermediate, and near objects overall, and in bright and dim light separately. A comparison of the rate of patients reporting “rarely” or “never” needing to wear glasses is presented below. Overall, Vivity IOL patients reported needing to wear glasses less than monofocal IOL patients, especially at intermediate distance and in brighter light.

Comparison of Patients Reporting “Rarely” or “Never” Needing to Wear Glasses

Assuming a good outcome with first eye surgery allowing excellent distance vision with no glasses Mr Tanner may recommend “micro mono-vision”. This adjusts the outcome in second eye to further enhance ability to read without glasses but avoiding any significant imbalance between the eyes.

There are some side effects that can be associated with the design of IOLs that provide a broader range of vision, which may be worse than with a monofocal IOL. These side effects include visual disturbances such as glare, rings around lights, starbursts, and a decrease in ability to distinguish objects from their background, especially in dim lighting. These side effects may make it more difficult to see in some situations. The side effect profile of the Vivity is very similar to that of the standard monofocal lens as summarized in the table below.

Rates of “Very Severe” Visual Disturbances, per 100 patients,6 months After Surgery

Contrast Sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity, an important measure of visual function, is the ability to distinguish objects from their background, especially in dim lighting. In the Vivity clinical study, contrast sensitivity in dim lighting was reduced in patients who received the AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL compared to those who received the Monofocal IOL.

• As with other IOLs, if there are unexpected results, there is a chance you may need to continue wearing eyeglasses or may need a second surgical procedure to reposition your IOL.
• After surgery, it may be more difficult to see well in dim or low-contrast situations, especially with a bright light shining in your eyes, than it would be with a monofocal IOL. Therefore, you should take extra care in situations like driving at night, especially if there is oncoming traffic.
• It is possible you could be bothered very much by visual disturbances, to the extent that you may request explant of the AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL. In the Vivity clinical study, one (1) to two (2) out of 100 Vivity patients reported very bothersome starbursts, halos, blurred vision, or dark area visual disturbances; however, no explants were reported.