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Selecting cataract surgeon by experience with particular IOL

Posted , 5 users are following.

judith93585
judith93585

From my reading here, I understand that not all surgeons will carry or be experienced with every IOL brand and model. If I am interested in the new Clareon monofocal, would it be best to engage with a surgeon who is experienced with that model? If yes, how best to determine the level of experience of a particular surgeon? In other words, would it be necessary to contact various surgeons to discover this information?

On a related topic, how to research pertinent information about this IOL beyond what is available in PubMed?

Many thanks.

1 like, 16 replies

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  • amy48002
    amy48002 judith93585

    Edited

    The AcrySof Clareon monofocal IOL is the exact same size and shape as the prior iteration of AcrySof IQ monofocal lenses (SA60WF), but the material has been changed to prevent problems with glistenings. Therefore, the A constant is different; however, it behaves intraoperatively exactly the same as the older AcrySof lenses. This means that a surgeon does not need to have any experience with the Clareon lenses to use them effectively, as long as they are accustomed to implanting the AcrySof family of lenses in general and can obtain the Clareon (not a big problem in the US, at least). In fact, surgeons can't tell the difference between the older and newer version, except for what is printed on the box . Once it is loaded into the inserter, they behave the same. Only the calculation is different. Also, the price should be the same, and fully covered by all US insurers as a standard IOL. I hope this helps.

    • RonAKA
      RonAKA amy48002

      Posted

      According to on line specs the A-Constant of the Clareon is 119.1, while the AcrySof IQ is 119.0. It is a very slight difference, and as you suggested in another post, may change as more experience is gained with the lens. Some surgeons refine their formulas by adjusting the A-Constant based on their personal experience.

      .

      At least where I am in Canada the Clareon is pre-packaged in an Autonome CO2 gas injector, so that is a change from the AcrySof which had to be manually loaded.

      .

      Where I am in Canada and at the time I got my Clareon it was not approved by our healthcare system and I paid an extra $300 to get it. I expect that will change over time as I'm sure Alcon will want to take the AcrySof versions off the market and replace them with Clareon as they beome available. At the time I got mine (about a year ago), it was not available as a toric.

    • judith93585
      judith93585 amy48002

      Posted

      Thanks Amy40802! Very helpful. I wonder if you could clarify my remaining confusion... Are these lenses Alcon lenses or am I confused by both beginning with the letter A?

    • amy48002
      amy48002 judith93585

      Edited

      Yes! Alcon lenses. Where do you live? it's interesting how regional some aspects of medical practice are.

    • judith93585
      judith93585 RonAKA

      Posted

      Thanks for the update! With regard to my experience, I was offered a toric and the cost to me was for a premium lens rather than standard.

    • RonAKA
      RonAKA judith93585

      Posted

      In the province where I am in Canada the price of a Toric lens is $1,100 extra over the basic monofocal, which is free. I paid the $300 for the Clareon monofocal because at the time of my surgery it was not an approved monofocal for our public healthcare plan. And do be frank, since it was a non standard lens at the time, it let me get into a private clinic with a wait list of 3 weeks instead of 12 months in a public hospital.

  • RonAKA
    RonAKA judith93585

    Posted

    I had my first eye done with an AcrySof IQ Aspheric monofocal. My second eye was the newer improved Clareon version. I asked as diplomatically as I could if there were any issues with the new Clareon lens. It uses a new CO2 powered injection system. I was really trying to find out how much experience he had with the lens. His response was that it was no problem at all, but he didn't think the gas injector was really necessary. I didn't learn all that much, but he at least didn't say "I don't know, I've never used one before. You will be my first!" My surgery for this lens was on Feb 23,2022.

    .

    In any case the surgery went well, and I think it is an excellent lens.

    .

    Here are the articles I have saved links for. I may have given them to you already.

    .

    Clareon P190018 Physician Labelling

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    Comparison of Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Following Cataract Surgery with Two Monofocal Intraocular Lenses: Clareon® vs AcrySof® IQ Monofocal Smita Agarwal1, Erin Thornell2,

    .

    1217-900_Alcon_SS-new pdf Clareon® IOL: A New Monofocal Platform

  • Lynda111
    Lynda111 judith93585

    Posted

    Usually, cataract surgeons stick with a particular brand, like Alcon or Johnson and Johnson. You might be able to go on their website and ask your question online. Or call and ask to speak to the surgery scheduler.

    To check on their experience, you also ask the surgery scheduler. You may be able to call an optometrist and the secretary who they use for cataract surgery. Cataract surgeons often prescribe eyeglasses, and you can call or drop by an optician and ask that question, Ask your primary care physician, if you have one. Also, the websites of cataract surgeons usually will tell you how long they have been in practice and their credentials. The Board of Medical Examiners in your state (if you are in USA) will also have this info.

    To research IOLs on line, just do a regular google search. And also google and click on "News," which will give you latest info.

  • Lynda111
    Lynda111 judith93585

    Posted

    Also, if you are in the USA, try to find a cataract surgeon who is fellowship-trained in Cornea and Anterior Segment disease. These cataract surgeons have a year of extra training in diseases of the cornea and cataract surgery. This information is usually on a cataract surgeon's website. If you are near one of the big eye hospitals (you can google search "top eye hospitals in usa", ) go to one of them

  • Lynda111
    Lynda111 judith93585

    Edited

    Alcon has website where you can search for cataract surgeons who use their products.

    Google" my alcon near me cataracts"

  • allric
    allric judith93585

    Posted

    I made a provisional decision on the brand and type of lens that I thought would be most suitable for me. Then contacted the manufacturer and asked which surgeons in my area were the biggest users. One of the two names they provided was someone I had already identified as a potential surgeon and I went with him. Had one eye done so far and all going well with the outcome exceeding expectations.

  • judith93585
    judith93585

    Edited

    Great idea Amy! Who did you speak to when you called the manufacturer? Customer service?

    • allric
      allric judith93585

      Edited

      I used the contact email address on the manufacturer website and the Regional Sales Manager responded to me a couple of days later.

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