About Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are advanced technology lenses that can provide patients with the ability to have excellent vision at distance, intermediate and near. This modern technology breakthrough allows patient to reduce the need for glasses in almost all scenarios.
What multifocal lens is being used at the Marr Eye Center?
The Marr Eye Center is the first in the Brazos Valley to implant the TECNIS SynergyTM lens. The SynergyTM lens boasts the best near vision of all currently available multifocal lenses in the US, 93% of patients reported vision of 20/25 or better. Nine of 10 patients did not wear glasses after surgery.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for TECNIS SynergyTM?
Our doctors will perform a thorough examination and advise you of a customized treatment plan for correcting your vision. Almost everyone with good health is a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, diabetes, or other problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control prior to surgery.
Should I have a multifocal lens put in both eyes?
Typically cataracts will develop in both eyes. If only one eye has a cataract, only one implant is necessary. If both eyes have cataracts and the vision in one eye is worse, your surgeon will generally elect to implant that eye first. If both eyes are the same, he usually starts with the ‘non-dominant’ eye. Our doctors will look at a number of factors in deciding which eye to implant first.
When will I be able to return to normal activities?
You will be able to return to normal activities within a few days after implantation with some limitations. Your eye may be sensitive to touch and bright light, but you should be able to drive and return to work in two to three days.
Your doctor will prescribe you medications to prevent infection and decrease inflammation, and may provide a protective shield to cover your eye while sleeping. A pair of plastic, disposable sunglasses will decrease your sensitivity to light as well as providing protection during the day.
You can shower and wash your hair as long as you avoid getting soap or shampoo in your eye. Refrain from using eye makeup, lid liner and mascara the week after implantation. You should avoid public swimming pools, hot tubs or other sources of bacterial contamination for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Consult your surgeon on recommendations for specific activities.
Will I have to have cataract surgery again?
Once your cataracts are removed and replaced with an artificial lens, you will never have to have cataract surgery again. Occasionally, several months after the lens has been placed in the eye, the vision may start to become cloudy once again. This is sometimes called a secondary cataract and refers to the clouding of the membrane that surrounds the implant.
This membrane (the capsular bag) originally surrounded the human lens. When the cataract was removed, all that remained was this membrane into which the artificial lens was implanted. The membrane healed around the artificial lens, securely holding it in place in the eye. Unfortunately, sometimes the same conditions that caused the original cataract will cause the build up of cells on the membrane behind the implant. These cells will block the vision and have to be removed.
A laser is used to make an opening in the membrane behind the implant, immediately improving vision. This is done painlessly without an anesthetic and takes just a few minutes. Once this is done no further surgery related to your cataracts will be required.
I have dry eyes. Will lens implantation help this condition or will I still have to use artificial tears?
Implant surgery typically will have very little influence on chronic dry eyes. In fact a multifocal lens will only function at its full potential with a healthy ocular surface. Treatment of dry eyes a very common modality to maintain a good quality of vision. Ask your doctor about the best ways to approach dry eyes after having a multifocal lens implanted.
What will the TECNIS SynergyTM procedure cost? Will insurance cover any of it?
If you have a cataract, your Medicare or private insurance may cover the cataract surgical procedure and anesthesia; and may also allow a certain additional amount for the lens implant. You are then required to pay a deductible as well as any additional amount above the primary coverage. (Some patients are completely responsible for payment – not all insurance companies will cover cataract surgery).
If you do not have a cataract, but wish to have a multifocal lens implanted to improve your distance, intermediate, and near vision, the procedure is viewed as elective by Medicare and private insurance companies.