Two new intraocular lenses (IOLs) that restore vision to people with cataracts are now available in the United States. The new TECNIS Multifocal IOLs, developed by Abbott, provide people with cataracts options to have a full range of near, intermediate and distance vision, while customising their treatment based on their personal vision needs and lifestyle.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures in the United States, with more than three million surgeries done each year. That number is expected to grow as the population gets older, and as some people choose to have cataract surgery sooner in life, given new technologies becoming available that can significantly improve vision.

"Restoring or improving sight can make a huge impact on how people live their lives, which is why Abbott is continually investing in the research and development of advanced treatments to help people see their very best," says Murthy Simhambhatla, senior vice president, Medical Optics, Abbott. "We are pleased to offer the new TECNIS Multifocal IOLs for people with cataracts who want a full range of vision without having to wear eyeglasses, and who also want high-quality vision at a specific distance that is suited to their lifestyle."

An IOL is an artificial lens placed in a person's eye to restore vision after a cataract has been removed. While traditional monofocal IOLs are designed to restore far or distance vision, multifocal IOLs provide quality vision at multiple distances and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.

The new lenses approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are known as TECNIS Multifocal +2.75D and +3.25D IOLs. Along with the available TECNIS Multifocal +4.0D IOL, all of the TECNIS Multifocal IOLs provide excellent vision at near, intermediate and far distances, while each "lens power" version provides enhanced vision at a distinct distance.

The new TECNIS(R) Multifocal IOLs provide people with cataracts options to customize their treatment based on their personal vision needs and lifestyle.

The TECNIS Multifocal +4.0D is suited for people favouring near vision-related activities, such as reading a book. The TECNIS Multifocal +3.25D IOL is suited for people who favour activities at longer reading distances, such as reading a hand-held device like a tablet. The TECNIS Multifocal +2.75D IOL is suited for people who favour activities done with intermediate vision, such as reading labels while grocery shopping.

"My patients are extremely satisfied with the new TECNIS Multifocal lenses," says Dr. Kerry Assil, medical director of the Assil Eye Institute in Los Angeles. "Many of them are able to read easily, not only up close, but at intermediate distance as well, and in all lighting conditions. This improved vision following cataract surgery helps people live the active lives they want."

The TECNIS Multifocal IOLs have been well-studied. The FDA approval of the new TECNIS Multifocal +2.75D and +3.25D IOLS is based on a study of 445 people with cataracts. The results showed:

More than 80 per cent of people reported being able to function comfortably without glasses at all distances, 93 per cent of patients reported they would have the same IOL implanted again, patients had a mean visual acuity of 20/25 in both eyes at near distances (uncorrected, or without glasses or contact lenses), patients had a mean visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes at far distances (uncorrected), good vision was maintained in low lighting conditions.