Concerns about Alcon Acrysoft IOL
Posted , 16 users are following.
I am scheduled for my first cataract eye surgery on March 5. I have selected to do a toric monofocal lens set for distance with mini monovision. I was told the lens my surgeon uses is the Alcon Acrysoft. I have read comments that this lens causes glimmering and, also, a diamond shaped reflection (cat-eye) that can be seen by, and is disturbing, to others. I would like to avoid the glimmering and, even though it is cosmetic, I don't want to feel self-conscious about the appearance of my eyes and want to avoid the "cat-eye" reflection, too. Can anyone who has had this lens implanted share with me your experience with these two issues? I'm hoping my concerns are unfounded but right now I am filled with anxiety and indecision about my upcoming surgery.
0 likes, 20 replies
Songbill cazms53
Edited
I have had the Alcon Acrysof IQ monofocal (distance setting) lens, model SN60WF, in both eyes for over 3 years. I have never noticed or heard about any "cat-eye" reflection. Also, I have not experienced the glimmering that you mentioned. I am only one person, but that's been my experience. Hope this helps.
cazms53 Songbill
Posted
Thank you! I do appreciate hearing this from you. I hope your experience is the norm and not the exception.
TRoper cazms53
Edited
I have Alcon AcrySof ASPHERIC UV Absorbing IOL's. Model # SA60WF w/Power 21.0 D in both eyes as of October of last year (2018).
Haven't had either of the problems you stated, but do have, but not on a constant basis, Negative Dysyphotopsia aka a black curved vertical bar/line on the temple side of each eye. Sort of like "blinders" on a horse harness.
Don't get all the time and was told they should disappear by April. Hope so. If not, will have to see my OD again.
But, THANKFULLY, I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes.
cazms53 TRoper
Posted
Thank you for sharing! Glad you have not encountered either of the problems I mentioned but sorry to hear about your "blinders". I hope it goes away for you. Do you find it to be a big problem or more of an annoyance? Also, I am unfamiliar with much if the terminology. What does 21.0 D indicate?
av15 TRoper
Posted
glistening
mjcg cazms53
Posted
I have the Alcon AcrySof IQ near lens and it was implanted about five weeks ago. During the first week or so I would sometimes experience a glimmer to the left of my vision (I only had my left eye done), as if I could see the edge of the lens. But that sensation has settled down as my eye continues to heal. No one, including my husband, has said anything about seeing a cat-eye reflection. You can't even tell I've had cataract surgery! I know that eye surgery is stressful, but you are going to do just fine! You will likely be amazed at how clear the world appears the first time you get a look with your new lens. Remember to follow all the pre and post-operative instructions from your doctor. Good luck and keep us posted!
cazms53 mjcg
Posted
Thank you for your reassuring comments! It does help to alleviate some of my anxiety about my upcoming surgery.
michael74313 cazms53
Posted
I have two Alcon Toric mono focal lens set for distance. I got the second one about 6 weeks after the first. One is set -0.5d in for mini mono vision for a better range at all distances. I would always advise anyone to be very cautious about full mono vision, but mini mono vision has been great for me. I see extremely well at all ranges with no starbursts, no halos and no glares at all.
Also, I have read that there is some kind of "blue filter" in the Alcon which supposedly is better long term for the retina and also helps to see better at all ranges. Perhaps many will get more glares and halos with a multi focal lens, but I haven't heard anything negative about the Alcon mono focal. Also, I've heard some complain that multi focals don't give the same clarity and contrast as mono focal lens do. I've had my Alcon Toric mono focal lens for two years and I'm very happy with them.
cazms53 michael74313
Posted
Thank you! I am very happy to hear you have had such good results. I am extremely nearsighted and was told by a retinal specialist not to use a multifocal lens so they are not something I have considered. I am going with a monofocal toric with a mini monovision. I hope my surgery is as successful as yours!
george05887 cazms53
Edited
I will tell you do not rush your decision. Study it once twice and three times. You only get one shot. I had lens replacement 1-1/2 years ago and am still struggling. Although I do have different lenses than what you spoke of. Please be well educated.
BEST
George
cazms53 george05887
Posted
George, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I am sorry to hear your results are not what you had hoped for. May I ask what issues you are struggling with?
derek40125 cazms53
Edited
I have a multifocal Acrysof. I can see the reflection you are talking about (glimmer is a good description) if I look in the mirror, use a flashlight, and get it at exactly the right angle. Over the course of a year, people have noticed and commented on it twice (my wife and a friend). I even had my wife photograph it and it is a bit weird. The eye with the IOL looks a bit brighter than the other eye.
However, it's really an uncommon occurrence. Light needs to be striking the IOL at exactly the right angle for anyone to see this. It's rare enough that I don't think it would bother most people unless you had family/co-workers who were particularly bothered by this.
derek40125
Edited
Not sure if this will work, but here is a photo taken when my wife was able to see the glimmer in my right eye from my IOL. My expression is because I was trying to stay completely still as this is pretty hard to see.
cazms53 derek40125
Posted
Thank you for your response...and for the picture! Yes, I can see the difference between the eyes. It would be noticable to others but I personally don't find it disturbing to look at. Have the results for your vision been good and without any other side effects?
derek40125 cazms53
Posted
I've posted pretty extensively on this forum. I'm very happy with my results. It would be great if there was a perfect IOL that worked for everyone, at all distances, and with no side effects but, unfortunately, nothing like that exists.
Being able to see clearly and fell completely safe driving at night if just fantastic and well worth it despite the occasional side effects I experience. It much, much better than living with the cataract.