IOL Ultraviolet protection concerns
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hello all,
I've recently had a Zeiss AT Torbi 709 implanted. So far I'm quite happy with the visual results. But it has come to my attention that the lens's UV-protection only blocks UV light up to 370nm with a 10% cutoff at about 380nm. The lens transmits 90% at 400nm. An adult natural lens absorbs the full UV-A spectrum up to 400nm. Here is the lens's spectral transmission curve...
Now I'm very worried about the 370nm-400nm band of UV light the IOL lets through to the retina. I'm really worried about the long-term health of my retina. I'm in my thirties, so my retina has to last several more decades at least. I asked the doc about this, but he basically said that the IOL's UV protection is sufficient and I need not worry, but sunglasses outdoor would be wise. Your thoughts on this? I'd like to hear especially from those of you who had cataract surgery very long ago.
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1 like, 34 replies
Sue.An2 Boertjie
Posted
What caused you to have cataracts in your thirties? Do you experience other negative visuals as others have with IOLs and pupil dilating beyond edge of IOL?
I gave light colored eyes so sunlight always too bright - even prior to surgeries. Wear sunglasses outside and driving all the time - even in winter
Boertjie Sue.An2
Posted
Hello, I've had multiple eye surgeries throughout my life and the many many courses of accompanying cortisone eye drops and pills caused the cataracts. My right eye still has its natural lens, which thankfully has only a very slight cataract. Left eye had a somewhat denser cataract, but not dense enough for surgery. Severe astigmatism was the main reason for the lens implant. The main negative visuals I've noticed so far are:
Overall I'm happy with the visual results so far. Its definitely not perfect vision, but it is a whole lot better than what it was before the surgery.
Sue.An2 Boertjie
Posted
My cataracts due likely to cortisone and steriod use for eczema. Was disappointed to have cataracts at 53. I would think in your 30s there would be some distinct differences between natural lens and IOL. Glad you are saying vision is much better as often people are disappointed being oversold the outcomes of premium lenses.
W-H Boertjie
Posted
I read the thread again and it got me thinking....
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I had thought the 709 lens just like the 509 had ZERO UV blocking properties. Both are "Hydrophilic acrylic (25 %) with hydrophobic surface properties" so I assume 100% same as far a material and UV blocking properties are concerned. On 709 and 509 data sheets from Zeiss website, I find no mention of UV blocking information. Where did you find that information? You can private message it to me as links are not allowed on the forum.
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If it truly blocks "UV light up to 370nm " then it makes me happy as it is better than ZERO lol 😃
Sue.An2 W-H
Posted
i went looking for any info on Symfony. This is only phrase I found ion J&J site:
"Symfony uses UV-blocking hydrophobic acrylic material."
Not much detail. i do wear sunglasses though.
Guest W-H
Posted
I believe all iols, since the type we use today hit the marked 30/40 years ago, have some sort of filter, and they have just not found it interesting to write about it.
But as always, as time goes by, some manufacturers looks for something to stand out, and then these different color filters have been added on top of the standard filters, and this have created awareness about filters.
Like each time they make a new soap for dishwashing or whatever, then suddenly what we had before don´t work any more, even that it was the hottest thing last year.
I have two nephews that had lens implants 25 years ago, and I know a couple of other guys, that had lens implants for many years ago as well, and I honestly never see them with sunglasses, and I don´t think it is ever on their mind.
I am not saying they are right about it, but my point is they have no problems at all, and I really think there are more worrying things.
Like now where it is winter, and I can´t ride my motorcycle for the next 3 month - now, that´s a real problem! 😃
W-H Guest
Posted
What kind of motorbike do you have?
W-H Guest
Posted
Viking, I was close to buying Triumph Bonneville T120 but chickend out as I don't trust car drivers etc. Half of them I see stressed out checking their mobile phone while driving.
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Public transport is excellent here, best in the world so I will stick with it and save my bones 😃
Boertjie W-H
Posted
You can search "zeiss acrylic hydrophilic filetype:pdf" and the first two results should be the pdf's from Zeiss's French website that contain the info. Look at the one dated 20 August 2019. Note that it says the info also applies to the 509.
Additionally, search "ct asphina ultraviolet ncbi" for a summary of a research paper where they actually measured the spectral transmittance of two Zeiss lenses amongst others. One of these lenses (the "Asphina 404" also referenced in the abovementioned pdf's. Both the Zeiss lenses has a UV 10% cutoff at about 380nm. The more protective lenses in the study had a 10% cutoff at about 400nm.
Boertjie Sue.An2
Posted
Searching "tecnis symfony uv cutoff fda" provides a link to the FDA's website that mentions TECNIS Symfony lenses to have a 10% UV cutoff at 374nm.
Guest W-H
Posted
I have a stock Honda CBR1000, and a highly modified Yamaha Virago 1100.
And I am working on an old Yamaha XV920, that I am also modifying a lot. I am a mechanics nerd, I like working on these things just for fun, and built something unique. These kind of builds really makes no sense, other than it gives nerds like me pleasure, but I guess many hobbies are like that 😃
I like the Bonneville T120 a lot, I also really like the Triumph Bobber, in fact the XV920 I am working on will be somewhat similar in style with the Triumph Bobber 😃
You are right it will always be somewhat dangerous to ride a motorcycle, I have had my close calls as well, but truth is I am more worried not living my life to the fullest than getting injured or killed.
My father says, that the trick is to die young as late as possible, he is now 78, he have never hold himself back in any way and he have no regrets, I kind of like that thought 😃