When I graduated from optometry school a few decades back, it was exceedingly rare for optometrists and ophthalmologists to manage a shared cataract patient together. It was typical for patients undergoing cataract surgery to have their procedures performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center, with all of the preoperative and postoperative care being delivered within the surgeon’s office. If they returned to our practices at all, it was to undergo a refraction and fill their spectacle prescription after surgery. In some instances, patients resumed their trips to our offices for regular, comprehensive examinations each year, although this was rarely a guarantee, even among doctors with the best of professional relationships.
Over the years, the challenges associated with cataract surgery have changed significantly. Techniques today are faster, more refined, and more predictable in terms of outcome.1 Meanwhile, postoperative complications are arguably less common and less severe. Moreover, the variety of intraocular lens implants (IOLs) has increased considerably, to the point where cataract surgery is sometimes viewed as an extension of refractive surgery for many patients. With an overall declining number of ophthalmologists and a staggering increase in the population requiring surgical intervention,2 it is now more common than ever for patients to be treated by both the referring optometrist and the cataract surgeon for care related to both surgery and post-operative care. ODs operating in this space should be prepared to assume this responsibility and educate themselves on the critical distinctions between new IOL designs and potential. Most of all, it is imperative that optometrists can perform a postoperative refraction in a manner that maximizes the visual potential of whatever IOL is selected by the patient and their respective surgeon. Obviously, optometrists who can do this are also more likely to secure the benefit of a happy patient.
In this article, I’ll discuss a few of the more recent IOLs developed by Johnson & Johnson Vision, one of the world leaders in this technology. I’ll review their advanced designs, intended purposes, unique attributes that seek to help optimize functional vision while diminishing aberrations, and the proper techniques for maximizing patient satisfaction during the postoperative period.
Cataract Statistics
The prevalence of cataracts in any practice can vary with numerous factors, including geography, population demographics, and practice setting. Overall, however, cataract extraction is the most prevalent surgical procedure of all medical subspecialties.3 According to a 2021 publication, approximately 4 million individuals undergo cataract surgery yearly in the United States,4 and roughly 20 million cataract procedures are performed annually worldwide.3,4 While most of these surgeries still involve traditional monofocal IOLs, the use of multifocal, toric, and other specialty lenses – collectively called “premium IOLs” – continues to gain ground. In 2022, the premium IOL segment made up approximately 45% of the overall IOL market, and this percentage is expected to increase over the next 6 years.5
Pros & Cons
Premium IOLs offer numerous benefits over traditional monofocal lenses. Among other attributes, their design is intended to provide a greater level of refractive correction, including toric engineering to address higher levels of astigmatism. Additionally, multifocals are designed to help alleviate the need for presbyopia correction (spectacles or contact lenses) after surgery. Overall, premium IOLs offer reduced dependence on corrective eyewear for pseudophakic patients, along with a greater potential to enjoy an active lifestyle without the burden of corrective eyewear or contact lenses. Additionally, with better uncorrected postoperative vision there exists the potential for reduced risk of falls and other accidents related to multifocal spectacle wear for people in certain older age ranges.6,7 Falls among older adults are responsible for $50 billion in medical costs annually and remain the primary cause of injury death among people aged 65 and older.8
Despite the vast array of advantages, there are some challenges posed by premium IOLs that practitioners must acknowledge. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for intraocular lenses (IOLs), similar to contact lenses. Each type of IOL has specific criteria that patients must meet to achieve optimal visual correction. If these parameters are not met, patients may experience increased aberration and distortion in their vision. Even in those situations where the parameters are adequate, patients may have unrealistic expectations of what surgery will do for them, envisioning themselves “throwing away their glasses and contact lenses forever.” The managing physicians -- optometrist and ophthalmologist -- are in the best position to communicate any limitations, providing a more pragmatic and realistic picture of what may be possible following surgery.
In addition, the unique optical aspects of premium IOLs can greatly impact the postoperative refraction procedure, requiring a different approach than most optometrists utilize in their day-to-day practice. As I’ll discuss in greater detail a bit later, in my experience, practitioners managing these patients should:
- Carefully consider patients’ habitual manifest refractive status and how that may impact the correction of residual, postoperative refractive error, and;
- Employ different strategies for specific premium IOLs, particularly those that offer simultaneous correction of distance and near vision.
Understanding premium specialized IOLs
Premium IOLs are specially designed to improve vision at multiple distances, reducing, or with the hope of eliminating, the need for glasses after cataract surgery. The refractive qualities, materials, and aspheric designs differ from traditional monofocal IOLs, which only provide clear vision at a single focal point, usually set for optical infinity. The research engineers at Johnson & Johnson Vision have developed an array of premium IOLs, each with unique features to serve different patient needs and address the shortcomings of traditional IOLs. The designs include:
- Enhanced Monofocal: This type of IOL is intended to focus light to a single point, providing outstanding distance vision, such as while driving. It offers enhanced vision in the intermediate zone, making it easier to view objects like a computer screen. This can expand the range by an additional line of letters.9
- Multifocal: Multifocal IOLs distribute light to both near and far focal points, providing good distance as well as intermediate visibility. Studies have shown that 81–85% of patients who receive multifocal IOLs are independent of glasses after surgery. Multifocal IOLS can be classified as bifocal, trifocal, and extended depth of focus, and some designs have a toric design.10,11 Bifocal and trifocal designs incorporate a far and near focus, while the trifocal IOL has an additional focal point for intermediate distance.10,11 Trifocal IOL patients typically experience improved intermediate and near vision with fewer photic phenomena compared to those with monofocal and bifocal IOLs.12
- Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF): IOLs using an EDoF design permit the elongation of entering light rays to provide a natural, continual range of vision. This type of IOL employs a very different segment than traditional multifocal IOLs to provide distance, intermediate, and functional near vision.10,12
- Full Visual Range: These IOLS provide functional and clear vision at distance, intermediate and near distances.10 The Hybrid Multifocal IOL lens design combines multifocal and extended depth of focus optics. It provides excellent vision from far to intermediate distance.12 Accommodative IOL designs allow for a significant increase in the eye's dioptric power when the eye accommodates. While distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are comparable to those of monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), over half of the patients report experiencing halos and glare. Additionally, between 40% to 70% of patients still require reading glasses.11
The “Trade-Off”
If these premium IOLs sound too good to be true, there is a downside. One important consideration that both patients and practitioners need to understand and reconcile is the potential impact of media irregularities on premium IOLs. Because the optical design is so specific, alterations in any of the other refractive surfaces of the eye can greatly impact performance. For example, patients with preexisting dry eye disease are more likely to have a large amount of higher order aberrations than those with a normal tear film, due to the amount of light scatter passing through the cornea.
13 If these aberrations are not identified and corrected during presurgical planning
14, it can lead to inaccurate lens calculations, potentially resulting in an increased risk of postoperative complications as well as diminished potential for overall patient satisfaction.
15-17 Of course, the cornea is not the only aspect of the eye that can present media irregularities. Some vitreous floaters may also be associated with
greater visual disturbances after premium IOL implantation, especially in those with high levels of myopia. Again, this should be identified during the preoperative examination, and taken into consideration when determining the ideal lens design for a particular candidate. At the very least, patients with such media irregularities must be educated as to the potential for diminished outcomes and expectations.
The TECNIS™ Family of IOLs
Within the Johnson & Johnson portfolio of premium IOLs, three products warrant discussion. Each distinct product shares the TECNIS™ platform, proven over the last 20 years. This innovative platform has IOLs that address spherical and chromatic aberration providing better quality of vision.18 It also offers the advantage of sustained optical clarity and stability.19-21 Moreover, each of these implants speaks to a distinct patient population with different visual needs and priorities. In this next section, I’ll discuss some of the finer points associated with these IOLs, including their unique characteristics, important patient selection features, and key post-op considerations. A summary of these characteristics and features is included in Table 1, while a summary of postoperative considerations may be found in Table 2. It should also be noted that all of the following IOLs are available in a toric version (i.e., Toric II platform) as well, for those patients with levels of astigmatism that warrant surgical correction.
*The TECNIS Eyhance™ IOLs are designed to slightly extend the depth of focus compared to the TECNIS 1-Piece IOL, Model ZCB00 as measured in bench testing.
**Continuous 20/25 or better
#Based on pre-clinical bench testing
† Compared to PanOptix® based on bench testing
¶ Compared to TECNIS Synergy™ and TECNIS™ Multifocal IOLs based on pre-clinical bench testing.
TECNIS Eyhance™ IOL
The TECNIS Eyhance™ was designed to slightly extend the depth of focus. It has been described as a “distance plus” design, providing a continuous increase in power from the lens edge to its center, offering a slightly extended depth of focus when set to achieve a plano distance Rx.31,32 Additionally, as compared to the leading monofocal IOL,☨ the TECNIS Eyhance™ is capable of delivering better image contrast in low light.23
☨Best contrast and low light performance day and night vs Acrysof® IQ (SN60WF), Clareon® (CNA0T0), enVista® (MX60E) and Acrysof® (SA60AT). Registered trademarks are the property of the respective manufacturers.
*Data on File, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc. 2021 DOF2021CT4002
*Based on bench testing. Data on File CT4002, MTF testing using ACE model, white light at 3 and 5 mm pupil
There are two important considerations for managing patients with the TECNIS Eyhance™ IOL. First, always inform patients they will still need to wear spectacles for near distances, particularly when engaging in highly detailed tasks like reading or using a smartphone. However, reassure them that they may gain some increased range for intermediate tasks, e.g., gazing at the computer screen or selecting items from the shelf at the grocery store. Second, due to the elongated focus of the TECNIS Eyhance™, the post-op refraction needs to be performed with care using the maximum plus refraction technique (i.e., “pushing plus”).
TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ IOL with InteliLight™
The TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ IOL falls within the category of EDoF lenses. It provides a continuous range of vision while yielding excellent distance and intermediate viewing, as well as functional near acuity.25,33 TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ is one of the presbyopia-correcting lenses in the TECNIS™ family of IOLs that incorporates InteliLight™ technology, which leverages 3 distinct features:
- Violet-Light Filter - Violet light represents the shortest wavelengths of light within the visible spectrum, occupying that portion between 380 and 435 nm. According to a variety of sources, these very high frequency wavelengths are responsible for producing the greatest amount of light scatter.34-36 Hence, the violet-light filter within the TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ IOL serves to mitigate halos, glare, and starbursts, the primary visual disturbances that negatively impact nighttime driving.37
- High-resolution lathing process - An echellete is a type of diffraction grating characterized by relatively low groove density, but employing a groove shape that is optimized for use at high incidence angles. By combining an aspheric anterior surface and a posterior diffractive surface, EDoF lenses create a diffractive pattern that elongates a single focal point; this extended focus allows for nearly all light to be transmitted through the IOL.38 Unfortunately, this design can sometimes be associated with irritating visual aberrations under low-light conditions.39 The unique diffractive lens technology inherent to TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ is engineered to transmit light over a range of distances for sharp, clear vision.19,40 The echelette design helps to improve the reduction of light scatter & halo intensity.39
- Achromatic Technology - The achromatic technology within the InteliLight™ platform is intended to further enhance image contrast and correct chromatic aberrations, resulting in a sharp image at near, intermediate, and distant ranges. Like the violet-light filter, it is particularly beneficial under low light conditions, although the contrast enhancement can be appreciated both during the day and at night. This particular feature is especially important as reduced contrast perception has been reported to increase the risk of falls in elderly individuals.41
With these three proprietary aspects of InteliLight™ technology, the TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ provides a wider range of uninterrupted vision and superior performance across every distance than Acrysof® IQ Vivity® IOLs, and better image contrast day and night, than competitor IOLs.*24,25,26
*vs. AcrySof® ReSTOR® +2.5 Dand AcrySof® IQ Vivity®
Figure 1. The proprietary aspects of InteliLight™ technology
In addition to these features, the TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ is – like all lenses in the TECNIS™ family of IOLs — specifically designed to function independently of pupil size under all lighting conditions (i.e., pupil-independent).42 Pupil size can be a determining factor for some multifocal IOLs, especially those that employ a center-near design; as the pupils constrict with the near reflex, the effective power of the lens is increased through the central region of the lens. Such devices are said to be pupil-dependent. However, with the TECNIS™ family of IOLs, even patients with relatively large pupils can enjoy crisp, high-quality vision under mesopic and scotopic conditions.42
When comanaging patients with the TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ IOL, it is important to discuss its potential limitations to set reasonable expectations as some patients may need to wear corrective lenses for some activities.27 More to the point, while it may be quite easy for postoperative patients to see their cell phone or tablet without correction, additional plus power may be required to read fine print, such as the writing on medication bottles or ingredient labels on packaged foods. Also, while the TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ has numerous design features to mitigate low light aberrations, they should understand that these may still be encountered in a small percentage of patients.43 Specifically, glare and visual disturbances (i.e., spider web-like halo) may still occur under low-light conditions.22 These often diminish over time, however, as the process of neural adaptation ensues. I like to tell patients that it takes some time for their brains to “get used to” the new optical system within their eyes.
TECNIS Odyssey™ IOL
The TECNIS Odyssey™ represents the newest technology from Johnson & Johnson Vision and is unique from other lenses with comparable capabilities. Described as "a full visual range" IOL,§,44 it utilizes characteristics of both multifocal and EDoF design to provide a continuous, full range of vision from distance to near.§45 Incorporating a low scatter diffractive surface and pupil-independent optics, the TECNIS Odyssey™ IOL is ideal for patients who wish to maximize their spectacle independence,||,27 and achieve a low incidence of bothersome visual disturbances.46 In this way, the TECNIS Odyssey™ provides greater tolerance to residual refractive error,¶,30 as measured by defocus visual acuity over a full diopter (i.e., from +0.50 to -0.50 with the potential for 20/25 acuity). Like the TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™, this IOL affords patients low potential incidents for dysphotopsias (i.e., night vision symptoms), as well as best-in-category contrast and excellent low-light performance.28,29
§ Continuous 20/25 or better
|| Individual results will vary. Some TECNIS Odyssey™ patients may require spectacles post-surgery.
¶ Compared to TECNIS Synergy™ and TECNIS™ Multifocal IOLs based on pre-clinical bench testing.
Image courtesy of Johnson & Johnson
Figure 2. The low scatter diffractive surface of the TECNIS Odyssey™ IOL
There are limitations to the TECNIS Odyssey™ IOL that must be acknowledged and understood by potential candidates. Notably, patients with a predicted postoperative astigmatism greater than 1.00 diopter may not be suitable candidates for this IOL. These patients may not experience the benefits of reduced spectacle wear or improved near and intermediate vision that patients with lower predicted postoperative astigmatism may see.45
Collaborative care and the OD’s role
Preoperative counseling and evaluation
The OD’s role in collaborative care often involves, as much as anything else, learning about the patient and their daily activities. While we understand the importance of efficiency in practice, we must not overlook the significance of conversing with the patient when determining the best options for surgical correction following cataract extraction. As illustrated previously, we need to understand our patients’ visual needs, priorities, and typical environment to make the best recommendations for an optical correction system that will likely be with them for the rest of their lives.
Discussing the basic lens options and attributes of premium IOLs may seem overwhelming at first for both the doctor and the patient. Our job is to provide consistently accurate and unbiased information while gently guiding the patient to the best possible treatment modality. In addition to gaining critical insights about the patient, this also will ultimately help them to feel less overwhelmed when they finally reach the surgeon’s office. Of course, we as optometrists understand that the final decision of which IOL is most suitable for a given situation is ultimately the surgeon’s, and we must remind our patients of this fact. However, this decision will be based on collective input from discussions with the candidate as well as input from the referring doctor. Hence, the better we educate our patients, the easier it will be for them to work successfully with the surgeon. Additionally, this time allows us to set realistic goals and expectations for postoperative outcomes.
In terms of preoperative management, candidates for the
TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ and especially the TECNIS Odyssey™ are at particular risk for aberrations secondary to ocular surface irregularities, including dry eye disease. For patients who express interest in these lenses, be sure to optimize the ocular surface and treat any symptomatic disease, including meibomian gland dysfunction and/or anterior blepharitis before and after surgery, as indicated.
Postoperative counseling and evaluation
Each surgeon and co-managing optometrist may have different protocols for surgical follow-up. In most uncomplicated cases, there are at least 4 visits to be expected: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-op. Many surgeons still prefer to conduct the 1-day visit within their offices, though this is by no means a necessity. A typical postoperative protocol for the remaining standard visits is summarized in
Table 2.Regardless of the follow-up protocol, one thing that must be stressed early in the postoperative period with all presbyopia-correcting IOLs is the necessity of neural adaptation. Because the image that is transmitted through this complex new optical system is unlike anything they may have experienced previously, patients need to be informed and reassured regarding their brain’s ability to process this information, and the importance of providing adequate time in which to achieve this adaptation. While this topic may not be a conversation we are used to initiating with traditional, monofocal IOLs, it is nonetheless a critical element for achieving success and creating a positive experience for the patient.
Special Refractive Techniques for Premium IOLs
Patients with premium IOLs require a more specialized approach in terms of postoperative refraction than those with standard monofocal IOLs or phakic individuals. Standard refractive techniques tend to yield inaccurate results due to the unique optical properties of these lenses. First and foremost, clinicians and staff must avoid relying on the autorefractor for a starting point in those with premium IOLs. Instead, assess patients objectively using a retinoscope, or initiate the subjective refraction starting from plano.
Always isolate the postsurgical eye and perform a monocular refraction; this is particularly important when evaluating the initial eye, as the optics of the fellow eye will be quite disparate. Permitting the patient to give responses based on binocular viewing will almost certainly lead to visual confusion and frustration.
Once the distance correction has been established, assess visual acuity using the smallest line that can be seen by the patient without straining. This is an important consideration that can help to diminish the potential for overminusing due to the pinhole effect. It is critical to “push plus”; concerning the TECNIS™ family of IOLs, this technique is most important for the
TECNIS Eyhance™ and TECNIS Symfony™ OptiBlue™ lenses, and somewhat less crucial with
TECNIS Odyssey™. To execute this procedure, add +1.00 D to the manifest, or add plus in quarter diopter steps until the patient can no longer see 2-3 lines higher than the best VA obtained previously (e.g., the 20/40 line, if VA with the manifest was 20/20 at distance). Next, slowly decrease plus / increase minus in -0.25 D steps, performing repeated VA checks with each successive change. “Maximum Plus” will have been achieved when ALL letters on the line can be read clearly for the first time. Note that this may not necessarily be the point at which patients say the letters are clearest, but bear in mind that with IOLs that facilitate simultaneous vision at multiple foci, overcorrection at distance will significantly impact the functional acuity attainable at the intermediate and near ranges.
Conclusion
While cataract surgery is a specific realm of ophthalmology, optometrists play an important role in the education, selection, and utilization of IOLs in their patients. As the number of ophthalmologists decreases and the need for cataract surgery in our population increases, optometry finds itself in a unique position to fill in the gaps by assuming many of the responsibilities previously performed solely by ophthalmologists and their staff. This growth in scope of practice is good not only for our profession, but also for our financial success, and it allows us to serve as part of a team that is destined to improve our patients’ quality of life. Optometrists must meet this challenge by first educating themselves, then educating patients, and finally by taking the lead proactively regarding cataract comanagement.
Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc., and its affiliates and subsidiaries (J&J) do not provide medical advice and the information contained herein is offered for informational purposes only. This post is not intended to be construed as medical advice or practice management and is no substitute for proper medical training or consulting with a license eye care professional. Please refer to each products directions for use for full indication and safety information.