The Vivity intraocular lens is the latest generation of lenses that is used to replace the cataract during cataract surgery. It is classified as an “Extended Range of Vision” lens, meaning that patients with this intraocular lens will be able to see far and near without glasses.
With a standard monofocal intraocular lens, patients are typically able to see clearly far away without glasses. The inability to also see intermediate distances or close objects clearly without bifocals or reading glasses is known as presbyopia.
Traditional multifocal intraocular lenses address presbyopia by using diffractive technology. This technology can be thought of as etching alternating rings of different focusing powers onto the lens surface. One set of rings focuses on images far away, and the other focuses on objects close up. Only these two distances are in focus and images in between remain blurry. At night, the near focus rings could potentially result in creating glare or halos around distant lights.
In contrast, the Vivity intraocular lens is a non-diffractive lens. Instead of rings, the Vivity lens uses a smooth surface pattern that creates an extended range of vision. It not only allows patients to see far and near, but also see clearly and seamlessly all distances in between.
With respect to night vision side effects, because there are no rings, this lens performs like a standard monofocal lens, which is considered the gold standard in regards to the quality of night vision.
A significant advantage of the Vivity lens is that it is more forgiving with ocular pathology compared to multifocal lenses. If a patient has dry eyes or mild macular degeneration, a multifocal lens would potentially lead to worse vision, whereas the Vivity lens is more likely to perform equally as well as a standard monofocal lens.
The Vivity intraocular lens also has a version that corrects for astigmatism a called the Vivity Toric intraocular lens.
When you come in for your cataract consultation here at the San Jose Eye Institute, we can discuss whether the Vivity lens is best suited for your individual needs.
Hi. I’m a negative 18 in my right eye with a successful detached retina surgery. Can this type of Vivity lens correct that?
Hi Loretta,
Possibly. The Vivity intraocular lens would work very well in your situation after a retinal detachment surgery. However, the specific Vivity lens power needed to remove your high degree of near-sightedness may not exist. You will have to see your ophthalmologist to get some measurements on your eye. Your doctor can then determine what lens power is needed and determine the best option for you.
George Yang, MD
I understand the panoptic allows you to see up close better than the vivity lens. That sometimes you need readers for up close with the vivity lens.
Hi Bebe,
You are correct. The PanOptix lens provides better up close vision than the Vivity lens. However, the Vivity lens is much less likely to have glare or halos at night compared to the PanOptix lens.
George Yang, MD
I am scheduled for cataract surgery very soon. My doctor believe the Vivity lens is best for my particular vision needs. I do have astigmatism in both eyes. I am not certain if my doctor is planning to use the Vivity Toric. I will double check that. My question is, have there been any negative reports from using this particular lens? I am hoping that vision is great at all distances but that seems a lot to ask. Any information to confirm the value in this lens is appreciated!
Hi Rita,
The Vivity lens is a great lens. The strength of the Vivity lens is that it provides a range of vision with very little chance of glare or halos at night. However, as a trade-off, the up close vision is not as good compared to other intraocular lenses, such as the PanOptix lens. With the Vivity lens, you will most likely be able to see far and computer ranges without glasses, but may still need reading glasses for up close work. You may want to discuss with your ophthalmologist if you desire a wider of range of vision without glasses.
George Yang, MD