Panoptix Disadvantages

06 Mar Panoptix Disadvantages

Like all intraocular lenses (IOLs), there are PanOptix disadvantages and advantages. Your eye surgeon will help you consider your lifestyle needs and recommend the ideal IOL for you. To create context, 99 out of 100 patients that received the Panoptix lens in the FDA trial said they would choose the same lens all over again if given the chance. In addition, it is the most popular multiple focus lens in the world.

PanOptix Disadvantages

All multiple focus and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses split light. That is how they allow you to see both near and far at the same time.  Literally for the first time in your life you can see both at the same time! The down side of this light splitting strategy is that each image has less light intensity. Presenting lesser amounts of light in images can affect the quality and contrast of the images.  Most patients can’t detect these subtle changes. This is evidenced by the fact that depending on the multifocus lens, 94-99% would still pick the lens again if given the chance.

While most cant sense this contrast difference, a small percentage can. Patients that can notice this will feel like distance images are not quite as clear. Some notice a small shadow around letters when they read. The trifocal lenses are still multiple focus lenses so they work by splitting light into near, intermediate, and near images. As such, they bring with them the attendant quirks that are the lot of all light-splitting IOLs.  Among the various multiple focus/EDOF lenses, there are some that have more or less of these quirks, but they all have them. 

Night Halos

Night halos can occur with any IOL.  Fortunately, these are usually profoundly less than the night glare that the cataracts cause. As a result, most patients experience an upgrade in night vision by having their cataracts removed.  Night halos are more common with multiple focus lenses than with single vision lenses. Some PanOptix patients don’t have any haloing and most of those that do have haloing describe it as an observations rather than a complaint. However, a small percent feel their night driving is affected. Patients with average or below average night driving needs usually are not concerned with this potential side effect.

Those with above average night driving needs, occupational night drivers, or those that want to fully advantage night driving will choose a different lens. For example, the Vivity IOL gives distance and computer vision without glasses without an increased risk of night haloing. Another great option is the Light Adjustable Lens that give this highest accuracy for distance and night driving of any of the IOL’s because it can be adjusted after surgery with a special light. With the LAL patients accept the need for reading glasses unless they do mono or mini mono vision.

What can I do about PanOptix Disadvantages if experienced?

One in one hundred PanOptix patients that wish they had selected a different IOL. If you happen to be the one, we carefully explore all options together. We are a team and committed to getting you to your ideal vision after considering the risks, benefits, and alternatives carefully.

First we address the quality of your tear film. If you have dry eyes and and we improve your tear film, many patients become happy with their IOL choice.

Second, we ensure that all surgical swelling in your cornea and retina are resolved. Many become happy when the quality of vision improves with complete healing.

Third, we check the accuracy of your outcome. If you are a bit near sighted, far sighted, or have some left over astigmatism we will demonstrate what better accuracy looks like with temporary glasses or contacts. If better accuracy makes you happy with your trifocal vision, then we explore the ideal way to improve your accuracy. This could involve glasses, contacts, astigmatism surgery, laser vision correction or IOL power exchange.

If none of these options are viable or helpful then we are forced to ask if a multifocus IOL just will not work with your visual system. In this case, the PanOptix was your best chance to give you the more complete vision you desired, This happens about 1 of each 200. Life is an adventure. We ventured with our best foot forward and came up short. Alas, we take out the PanOptix and put in a single vision lens for distance and you will need reading glasses.

If you would like to learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call us 970.221.2222.

We look forward to meeting you,

Gary Foster, M.D.
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Cataract and Laser Vision Specialist
Fort Collins