A cataract is the opacification of the natural crystalline lens inside the eye which results in blurry vision. A normally clear lens passes the light through to the back of the eye, which makes it possible to see well-defined images. In case when the part of the lens becomes opaque light does not pass through easily and the vision becomes blurry - like looking through cloudy water or a fogged-up window. The more opaque (cloudier) the lens becomes the worse it will affect the vision.¹

Signs and symptoms of Cataract include²:

• Clouded, blurred, or dim vision
• Reduced quality of night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty reading
• Fading of colors
• Double vision in a single eye

Presbyopia is a visual condition that develops gradually over time and typically becomes apparent after age 40. This condition is characterized by a loss of lens elasticity, which causes defective accommodation and diminishes the ability to focus on nearby objects.

Signs and symptoms of Presbyopia include:

• A need for reading glasses
• A tendency to hold reading material farther away in order to make the letters clearer
• A blurred vision at normal reading distance
• Eyestrain or headaches after reading or performing close-up work²

In cataract surgeries, the clouded natural lens must be removed from the eye and replaced by an implanted, artificial lens to restore focusing power. This artificial lens is called an intraocular lens.³

There are no medications or glasses that can treat cataracts. However, medical knowledge and technology today allow surgeons to correct the cataract by removing the natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (Intraocular Lens or IOL) through cataract surgery. In this way, the eye can see clearly again. Depending on the lens option, it may provide clear vision at one or more distances.²

Trifocal IOLs correct near, intermediate and far vision. Trifocal IOLs offer freedom of spectacles for comfortable vision from all distances. In other words Trifocal IOLs do not only treat cataracts but also eliminate presbyopia. Patients with presbyopia can have clear and spectacle-free vision with Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). Procedures for both cataract surgery and RLE are almost the same.²

Multifocal or Bifocal IOLs correct both near and far vision, however you will still need spectacles to see objects located in between.²

Monofocal IOL provides excellent, high-quality distance vision from day to night so you can see the things you love with clarity. Thus Acriva^UD (monofocal IOL) provides you with the best-corrected distance vision. This lens is perfect for distance-vision activities like driving as it allows you to focus on objects that are far away.⁴

Yes, the Acriva Trinova Pro® Lens is designed to eliminate presbyopia and it is developed with Sinusoidal Vision Technology that displays a sine wave-like surface. With this new generation sinusoidal trifocal technology, perfect near, intermediate and far vision and all that is in between is achieved. As well as perfect continuous vision during day and night, halo and glare complaints are minimized.²

There are several ways modern cataract surgery can correct astigmatism. One option is to replace the eye's cloudy natural lens with a special type of premium intraocular lens (IOL) called a toric IOL.⁴

If you suffer from astigmatism, and you are seeking treatment for cataracts, toric IOLs (Acrivaᵁᴰ Toric , Acrivaᵁᴰ Trinova® Toric / Acriva^UD Trinova Pro C Toric Pupil Adaptive^TM ) will provide an excellent solution for you.⁴ Toric IOLs (Acrivaᵁᴰ Toric Acrivaᵁᴰ Trinova® Toric / Acriva^UD Trinova Pro C Toric Pupil Adaptive^TM ) are specifically designed for patients with astigmatism.⁴

Cataract surgery is a very safe procedure, with nearly 98 percent being performed without serious complications. In fact, a recent study of more than 200,000 medicare beneficiaries who underwent cataract surgery between 1994 and 2006 found that 99.5 percent of patients had no severe postoperative complications. Advances in surgical tools and techniques are helping to further reduce the already rare risk of serious complications from cataract surgery. ⁵

Procedure times vary according to the state of patient, as well as the type and grade of cataract. Currently cataract surgeries are very short procedures due to a technique called “phacoemulsification”. During this procedure, the old, clouded lens is removed and the new lens implant is inserted through a tiny incision in the eye.³

In cataract surgeries, local anesthesia is available. Narcosis (general anesthesia) is not applied except in children, babies and under certain special conditions.³

If you need to have cataract surgeries in both eyes, the procedure is typically scheduled for two separate surgeries, usually four to eight weeks apart. This allows time for the first eye to heal before the second eye surgery takes place.⁶

Lenses are life-long and remain in the eye permanently except under very special conditions.³

With monofocal lens procedures, only the degree of far vision is calculated for surgery and patients will still need reading glasses after implantation. However, with multifocal intraocular lens implantation, patients will be able to enjoy crisp, clear vision for both reading and far-distances, without having to use glasses.^*

Trifocal technology was designed for patients who want to live without glasses. With trifocal lenses, the patient can see the far, near and intermediate distance very well without glasses. Trifocal IOLs offer freedom of spectacles for comfortable vision from all distances, in this way your doctor may consider the Acriva Trinova® or Acriva Trinova Pro C Pupil Adaptive^TM. ³

*Multifocal lenses correct both near and far vision, however you will still need spectacles to see objects located in between.

You must have someone available to drive you home after the procedure. You'll be given a pair of sunglasses to wear on the trip home to protect your eye from bright light and glare. Consult with your doctor about the length of time you’ll need assistance. Almost 96% of eyes that had no other problems such as other eye diseases prior to a cataract procedure achieved at least 20/40 uncorrected distance visual acuity, which legally is good enough to drive without eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Most people could fly the day after cataract surgery if that was needed. Almost all ophthalmologists require their patients to be examined the first day after cataract surgery and again at about 5-8 days. Consult with your doctor for advice on early post operative air travel.⁸

It is recommended to avoid some serious activities to help to ensure trouble-free recovery like so swimming, strenuous exercises, and lifting weights. After recovery, Your surgeon can tell you when you can resume more vigorous exercise.