What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, making it difficult for light to enter your eye, as if looking out a foggy window.1
With cataracts, you may experience symptoms such as:
Blurred vision
Trouble seeing at night
Light and glare sensitivity
Seeing halos around lights
Fading or yellowing of colours
Double vision
Frequent changes to your vision precriptions
Are cataracts normal?
Cataracts occur naturally as you get older, developing gradually over time. The only way to treat cataracts is through cataract surgery.1
Since the onset of cataract symptoms is typically slow and gradual, many patients discover the beginnings of a cataract during a routine eye examination before they even notice any changes to their vision.
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Extraction of a cataract and replacement with an IOL will require surgery and all surgeries carry risk. Please consult your eyecare professional to determine if this product is right for you. If you experience any symptoms, consult your eyecare professional as the symptoms may be a sign of other eye problems. Reduced dependence on spectacles is a potential secondary benefit of using IOLs – individual patient results may vary. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
Should I worry about cataracts?
A Normal Part of Aging
Most people over 65 will
develop cataracts.
You Have Options
You have an important choice to
make when it comes to the kind of
vision you want after cataract surgery.
Highly Successful
Cataract surgery is one of the most
successful surgical procedures
of all time.2
Find a cataract surgeon near you
Use our cataract surgeon finder tool to locate a surgeon near you.
Download our discussion guide
Lead the conversation with your doctor to understand the IOL choice that’s right for you!
What kind of vision would you like after surgery?
Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens in the eye that has become cloudy, and replacing it with an artificial lens (known as an intraocular lens or IOL).
Depending on the IOL you choose (in conjunction with your surgeon), cataract surgery may also help you become less dependent on glasses or even spectacle-free5 . It’s important to discuss your IOL options with your surgeon prior to surgery to ensure you receive the IOL most suited to your needs.
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Extraction of a cataract and replacement with an IOL will require surgery and all surgeries carry risk. Please consult your eyecare professional to determine if this product is right for you. If you experience any symptoms, consult your eyecare professional as the symptoms may be a sign of other eye problems. Reduced dependence on spectacles is a potential secondary benefit of using IOLs – individual patient results may vary. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
Take a closer look at your vision options
*Some Vivity® patients may find tasks like reading fine print are improved by wearing glasses
**Some PanOptix® patients may experience visual disturbances such as a halo around bright lights
Hear what real patients are saying about their lens (IOL) choices
KUMAR
"It's made a great change in my life"
MARY
“I’ve never looked back, it’s been fantastic”
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Extraction of a cataract and replacement with an IOL will require surgery and all surgeries carry risk. Please consult your eyecare professional to determine if this product is right for you. If you experience any symptoms, consult your eyecare professional as the symptoms may be a sign of other eye problems. Reduced dependence on spectacles is a potential secondary benefit of using IOLs – individual patient results may vary. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
What happens during cataract surgery?
Did you know that cataract surgery is a routine, day-surgery procedure that lasts less than 30 minutes?
During surgery, your doctor will replace your cataract with an IOL
You will receive local anaesthetics to numb the area around your eye or a sedative to help you relax.6
Recovery after cataract surgery is usually very quick
Within a few days most patients can return to their daily activities, with vision improving over time.6
After surgery, your doctor will monitor the healing process
Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection or reduce inflammation. Patients usually see their ophthalmologist a day or two after surgery, the following week, and then again after one month.6
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Extraction of a cataract and replacement with an IOL will require surgery and all surgeries carry risk. Please consult your eyecare professional to determine if this product is right for you. If you experience any symptoms, consult your eyecare professional as the symptoms may be a sign of other eye problems. Reduced dependence on spectacles is a potential secondary benefit of using IOLs – individual patient results may vary. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
Alcon’s IOLs are one of the
most implanted
IOLs worldwide.7,8*
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Extraction of a cataract and replacement with an IOL will require surgery and all surgeries carry risk. Please consult your eyecare professional to determine if this product is right for you. If you experience any symptoms, consult your eyecare professional as the symptoms may be a sign of other eye problems. Reduced dependence on spectacles is a potential secondary benefit of using IOLs – individual patient results may vary. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
Compare the images below to discover which IOL type may be suitable for you!
This image guide has been designed to provide patients considering cataract surgery with a better understanding of their intraocular lens (IOL) options. The post-operative images presented have been developed using the results from clinical studies involving patients implanted with the lens presented. However individual patient results may vary and these images are for illustration purposes only. This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
*Based on worldwide IOL unit sales, 2022
References:
1. National Eye Institute (NIH). Cataracts, November 2023. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts.
2. Laser Eye Surgery Hub. Cataract Statistics & Resources. Available at: https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/cataract-statistics/. Accessed August 20, 2018.
3. Acrysof IQ Vivity® Extended Vision Intraocular Lenses (IOLS) Directions for Use.
4. Acrysof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL Directions for use.
5. terHorst C. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). “Choosing an Artificial Lens for Cataract Surgery.” Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/best-artificial-lens-IOL-cataract-surgery Accessed: November 1, 2021.
6. Mayo Clinic Staff. What you can expect [Cataract Surgery]. Mayo Clinic. July 30, 2013. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20012917. Accessed August 20, 2018.
7. Alcon data on file, REF-22137, 2023, p1.
8. Market Scope 2023 IOL Market Report, p14.
