Grosinger, Spigelman, and Grey Eye Surgeons (“GSG”) specializes in refractive cataract surgery. We carefully evaluate each eligible case and offer the latest technologies available to improve our patients’ lives. Since FDA approval in August of 2019, we have been offering the Alcon Panoptix trifocal lens to patients interested in increasing their independence from glasses after cataract surgery, and our patients have been enjoying excellent results and much more freedom from glasses following surgery.
Before the Panoptix lens was available, reducing a patient’s reliance on glasses after cataract surgery involved certain compromises. We needed to determine which of the three available “distances of vision” were a priority to the patient, then we would choose a lens to fill that need. Our best options were to either choose a lens for both far away vision (road signs) and intermediate vision (computer monitors), or a lens optimized for far away vision and for near vision (phones). At the time, we could only offer lenses that helped reduce glasses dependence in two out of these three distances of vision. Since we started using the Panoptix lens, our patients have been able to enjoy the full range of distances without needing to make those compromises.
It is important to remember, however, that while Panoptix represents a major step forward in our ability to help patients obtain independence from glasses for most of their lives, there is no technology currently available that will restore the vision we all enjoyed in our youth. We always tell patients that even if they choose the Panoptix lens, they should expect to be glasses free for only approximately 80-90% of their lives, and to still expect some reliance on low powered readers in specific situations, for example, reading small print on medication bottles.
Like all our premium lens options, for these technologies to work optimally, patients will need careful evaluations to ensure that they are good candidates. At GSG, every cataract patient undergoes a thorough eye exam and many forms of testing prior to being considered for cataract surgery, sometimes requiring multiple rounds of measurements in order to maximize accuracy in determining which lens is the right choice for that particular patient. GSG takes pride in achieving the best possible results for all our patients and want to do everything in our power to help our patients see better.
The feedback GSG has received in 2020 alone suggest that our patients have been extremely satisfied with the Panoptix lens thus far, and as a result, our practice has become one of the leading users of Panoptix lenses in the Midwest. For those interested in maximizing their freedom from glasses after cataract surgery, we have found this lens to be a great option. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey for an appointment to see if you are a candidate.