Lens Diagnostics | Northern Alberta Eye Surgery Clinic

Intraocular Lens Planning

At Northern Alberta Eye Surgery Clinic, we utilize cutting-edge technologies and specialized software to plan and optimize your vision carefully. There are different options:

Near (around 40 cm):

This refers to the vision range for fine print and detailed hobbies, such as using a mobile phone.

Intermediate (around 60 cm):

This refers to the vision range for activities like reading car dashboards, using a tablet, or going grocery shopping.

Distance (around 4 meters or more):

This refers to the vision range for activities like driving, playing golf, or watching live sports.

Which Lens Is Right for You?

AHS-covered services offer conventional or basic options that do not include astigmatism or presbyopia-correcting implant designs.

All services related to special design lenses are not covered by AHS and are, therefore, paid for by the patient as they are considered a refractive benefit.

Special Lens Design

Alberta Health Services covers intraocular lenses for cataract surgery at no extra cost to the patient. These lenses are designed to correct only one area of vision, typically focusing on distance vision. As a result, after surgery, if your eye sees clearly at a distance, your mid-range and reading vision may become blurry, requiring you to use reading glasses. Sometimes your vision far also should be finetuned and you will need far and near glasses.

It's important to note that these lenses do not correct astigmatism.

Special lens design: (not covered by AHS)

The Alberta Health Services does not cover the cost of these special lens designs, which are intended to reduce your reliance on glasses. These lenses are designed to balance your vision at three distances: far, mid-range (60 cm), and near (40 cm). Some of these lenses can also correct astigmatism. The designs vary to accommodate different lifestyles.

It is important to understand that Patients can choose either the basic Monofocal lens, which is covered by AHS, or a Special Design lens, which is not covered.

These advanced technology lenses are considered "convenience items" and are not medically necessary. As such, they can be purchased by patients at an additional cost.

We often recommend a specific lens style based on the patient's requirements, but it's essential to remember that not all lenses are suitable for every patient. Some compromises must be made based on your lifestyle to select the best lens design for you.

Remember, realistic expectations mean a reasonably, but not completely, glasses-free lifestyle. There is no guarantee of being "glasses-free" after cataract surgery, but these lenses offer the best opportunity to reduce your dependency on glasses, particularly for reading. Remember that these lifestyle lenses are not recommended for high-performance night activities.

Basic Monofocal Lenses (AHS Covered)

Alberta Health Services cover Soft foldable intraocular lenses for cataract surgery at no additional cost to the patient. These lenses specifically address one aspect of vision, usually focusing on distance vision. Consequently, following the surgery, if your eye attains clear distance vision, your mid-range and reading vision may become blurred, necessitating the use of reading glasses. In some cases, your far vision may also require fine-tuning, leading to the need for both far and near glasses.
It's crucial to emphasize that these lenses do not correct astigmatism.

Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) for Astigmatism Correction

Toric IOLs are specially designed intraocular lenses used during cataract surgery to correct both cataracts and corneal astigmatism—a common condition where the front surface of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision.

Standard monofocal IOLs only correct vision at one distance and do not address astigmatism. Toric IOLs offer the added benefit of astigmatism correction, providing sharper, clearer vision after surgery and reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses for distance vision.

How Toric IOLs Work

Astigmatism causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, leading to blurry or distorted images. Toric IOLs have a built-in correction aligned to your eye’s specific curvature, allowing light to focus more precisely.

During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will implant the toric lens in place of the clouded natural lens. The lens is carefully positioned to match the orientation of your astigmatism, resulting in more accurate visual correction.

Benefits of Toric IOLs:

Sharp distance vision with improved clarity compared to non-toric lenses
Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses for driving, watching TV, or other distance activities
Corrects corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery
Also available in multifocal or extended depth of focus options (e.g., PanOptix Toric or Vivity Toric) for patients seeking broader vision range
Performed as part of routine cataract surgery with no additional recovery time

Things to Consider:

Toric IOLs do not typically correct near or intermediate vision unless combined with multifocal or EDOF technology
You may still need reading glasses or computer glasses, depending on your vision goals
Accurate pre-surgical measurements and precise lens positioning are essential for the best results
In rare cases, lens rotation after surgery may require adjustment

Is a Toric IOL Right for You?

Toric IOLs are a good option if you:

Have moderate to significant astigmatism
Are undergoing cataract surgery and want better distance vision without glasses
Prefer a customized surgical option over relying on glasses or contacts
May consider pairing astigmatism correction with advanced lens technologies for added visual range

Your ophthalmologist will assess your corneal shape, lifestyle, and visual needs to determine whether a toric IOL is appropriate for your eyes.

Vivity® Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Intraocular Lens

The AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL is an advanced extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens option for patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. It’s designed to provide clear distance and intermediate vision, with functional near vision, while maintaining a natural visual experience and minimizing halos and glare—common side effects seen with traditional multifocal lenses.

Unlike multifocal or trifocal IOLs that split light into multiple focal points, the Vivity lens uses a proprietary X-WAVE™ technology to stretch and shift light, resulting in a continuous range of focus. This gives patients greater visual freedom with fewer optical disturbances.

How the Vivity IOL Works

During cataract surgery, the eye’s cloudy lens is removed and replaced with the Vivity IOL. This lens is designed to extend the depth of focus, offering clear distance vision, improved intermediate vision (such as using a computer or cooking), and some ability to see up close (like reading a phone screen).

It’s a monofocal-like lens in terms of visual quality but with added flexibility across distances.

Things to Consider

While the Vivity lens reduces the need for glasses, it’s important to set realistic expectations:

You may still need reading glasses for fine print or prolonged near tasks.
If you have significant astigmatism, you may benefit from the Vivity Toric version or additional correction (e.g., laser or glasses).
The Vivity lens is a good choice for patients who want enhanced range of vision but prefer to avoid the halos, glare, or starbursts that can occur with some multifocal IOLs.
Most people adapt to the lens quickly, with a smooth transition post-surgery.

Benefits of the Vivity IOL:

Sharp distance and intermediate vision
Low incidence of night vision side effects like halos or glare
Smooth visual transitions for tasks like driving, shopping, or using screens
Option for patients with certain eye conditions that may not be suited for multifocal lenses
Also available in a toric version for patients with astigmatism

Is the Vivity IOL Right for You?

The Vivity lens may be well-suited if you:

Want to reduce your dependence on glasses for most activities
Prefer a more natural visual experience without pronounced light disturbances
Are comfortable wearing reading glasses occasionally for close-up tasks
Have mild ocular surface issues, mild retinal changes, or other conditions where trifocal IOLs may not be ideal

Your ophthalmologist will help determine if the Vivity IOL is a good fit based on your eye health, lifestyle, and vision goals.

PanOptix® Trifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL)

The PanOptix Trifocal IOL is an advanced intraocular lens option for patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. It is designed to improve vision at multiple distances—including near (reading), intermediate (computer use), and distance (driving)—and to reduce reliance on glasses.

Unlike standard monofocal lenses that correct vision at only one focal point (usually distance), the PanOptix lens offers a trifocal design to support a broader range of vision. It can be a good choice for people who want greater independence from glasses for most daily activities.

How It Works

During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural, cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The PanOptix lens splits incoming light into three focal points to allow clearer vision at various distances. Most patients find this helpful for reading, using mobile devices, working on a computer, and driving.

Things to Consider

While the goal of the PanOptix IOL is to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses, it's important to understand a few key points:

If you have a significant amount of astigmatism, additional correction may be needed, either through a toric version of the lens, a laser touch-up, or glasses.
Some patients may still need glasses for certain tasks, especially in low-light settings or for very fine detail work.
As with all multifocal lenses, a brief period of adaptation is common as the brain adjusts to the new way of seeing.
A small number of patients may notice glare or halos at night, though these symptoms often improve with time.

Benefits of PanOptix Trifocal IOL:

Improved vision at near, intermediate, and distance ranges
Less dependence on glasses or contacts for most everyday activities
Designed to address presbyopia and offer greater convenience after cataract surgery
Built-in UV and blue light filtering for added eye protection

Is PanOptix Right for You?

PanOptix may be a good option if you:

Have healthy eyes apart from cataracts or presbyopia
Are interested in reducing dependence on glasses after surgery
Understand that some visual symptoms and occasional need for glasses are possible