All About the Vivity Lens

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the eye’s natural lens and affect vision. As a cataract develops and worsens, the lens becomes opaque and rigid, blocking light from passing through and making it difficult to see. When cataracts form and you start looking for a suitable intraocular lens (IOL) to be implanted during cataract surgery, there are now more options available, such as the Vivity lens.

Many cataracts are related to the natural aging process, but the use of steroids, eye trauma, radiation exposure, and diabetes can accelerate their development. Cataracts are a common eye problem and a leading cause of blindness.

Cataracts can be treated at the Eye Center in Batal Specialist Complex in Saudi Arabia by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it during surgery with an intraocular lens. Cataract surgeries at Batal Specialist Center have a success rate of about 98%, and most patients are able to return to their normal routine within 24 hours.

Also read: Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery

What Is the Vivity Lens?

The new Vivity intraocular lens is a next-generation IOL used to replace a cataract during cataract surgery. This lens is classified as an “extended depth of focus” (EDOF) lens, which means patients can see more clearly at multiple focal points and over a broader range of distances.

How Does the Vivity Lens Work?

The Vivity lens works by bending incoming light rays so they focus properly on the retina. This helps correct the blurred vision that occurs when a cataract is removed but not replaced with an artificial lens. Vivity is an excellent alternative for people who may not be ideal candidates for multifocal or trifocal IOLs.

How Is the Vivity Lens Different?

The Vivity lens uses a special technology called X-Wave. With this technology, patients are able to use essentially all available light, resulting in a continuous, uninterrupted range of vision. This applies in both low-light and bright-light conditions. With this lens, patients can achieve excellent vision at intermediate and distance ranges, and many are also able to see reasonably well up close.

With many other intraocular lenses, light is split into several distinct focal points. That can cause visual disturbances such as halos, starbursts, or glare even after surgery.

When patients choose the Vivity lens, these visual disturbances are generally much less common, because X-Wave technology also helps filter ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and reduces exposure to high-energy blue light from digital devices. Another advantage is that in patients with mild macular degeneration or dry eye disease, multifocal lenses can sometimes worsen vision quality, whereas the Vivity lens typically does not cause these issues.

Also read: Optical Illusions: Everything You Need to Know

Are You a Good Candidate for the Vivity Lens?

To determine whether the Vivity lens is right for you, it is best to schedule an appointment at the Eye Center in Batal Specialist Complex to address any concerns. The lens may not be suitable if you have an autoimmune disease that could make recovery from cataract surgery more difficult, or if you have significant eye inflammation. However, ophthalmologists have reported that the Vivity lens can be successful in patients with certain macular disorders and in some cases of glaucoma.

Will You Still Need Glasses With the Vivity Lens?

Vision is typically much clearer in all lighting conditions, especially in dim or low light. However, there are still situations where you may need reading glasses, such as when you spend a lot of time doing close work or using a computer. You may also need them for tasks like reading a prescription label or a newspaper, although many everyday activities—such as reading a menu or sending text messages on your phone—may be possible without glasses.

Can You Drive at Night With the Vivity Lens?

Night driving can be challenging with cataracts, but this usually improves significantly with the Vivity lens. Because this lens is associated with fewer visual disturbances, driving at night is generally more comfortable and safer compared to vision before surgery.

Also read: What Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)?

Is the Vivity Lens Safe?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks, whether or not a Vivity lens is implanted. Intraocular lens implantation can lead to minor side effects or, less commonly, serious complications. People with pre‑existing eye diseases or conditions may have a higher risk of complications.

Possible surgical complications include reactions to medications (such as mild allergic reactions), eye redness, itching, swelling, light sensitivity, problems involving the iris, or a temporary increase in intraocular pressure. There is also a small risk of needing additional surgery, such as replacing the IOL after the initial implantation.

Also read: Orthoptics (Vision Therapy) | Everything You Need to Know

How Does the Vivity Lens Affect Astigmatism?

One of the advantages of the Vivity lens is that it is available in a toric model, which allows correction of corneal astigmatism at the same time as cataract surgery.

If you have cataracts and want to improve your vision after cataract surgery, the Vivity lens may be a suitable option. You can visit the Eye Center at Batal Specialist Complex, a leading center for eye care and surgery equipped with advanced technology.

Also read: How to Prevent Vision Loss From Diabetic Retinopathy