Nancy is glowing about her new PanOptix® IOL

The solution? ‌Panoptix trifocal IOLs for a fuller range of vision 

At her initial consultation, knowing she would have to have her cataract removed, Nancy became very excited to learn about the vision-correcting intraocular implants that could replace her cloudy lenses.

“The prospect of regaining clear vision for objects both near and far without wearing glasses like when I was young was unbelievable to me,” says Nancy.

With Dr. Assil's guidance, Nancy selected the PanOptix trifocal IOL lens from over a dozen different lens options. This premium lens is more advanced than the monofocal lenses used in standard cataract surgeries, which only offer sharper vision at one focal point.

Even though her insurance would not cover this ‌premium lens, which is the case with almost all insurance plans and Medicare, Nancy decided to pay the difference out of pocket to upgrade. 

“To me, it was a no-brainer not to wear reading glasses,” says Nancy. “And AGEI’s offer of interest-free payments over two years helped a lot.”

While Nancy didn’t need the extra adjustment, patients can correct astigmatism with the PanOptix Toric IOL.

Medical studies back the PanOptix Trifocal Lens 

While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this lens in 2019, other countries have offered it for many years. It was the first FDA-approved trifocal lens.

In 2017, a study evaluated the side effects of the lens when used to replace the natural lens in a patient’s non-dominant eye. These reported some halos or starbursts around very bright lights, a side effect that would not make this lens the best choice for someone who, for example, drove for a living at night.

Finally, surgery day arrives! 

Since Nancy had cataracts in both eyes, she needed bilateral lens replacement. She opted for the PanOptix lenses in both eyes.

Unlike most eye surgeons, who wait two weeks between lens exchanges, Dr. Assil’s experience and skill allow him to perform the procedure two days in a row. After getting settled in the surgery suite, Nancy experienced some apprehension. “I was quite nervous going in. What’s this going to be like?”

However, between the calming demeanor of the nurses and the anesthesiologist administering light sedation, Nancy relaxed and said she could not wait for her trifocal intraocular lens surgery to begin.

Dr. Assil first made a tiny 2 mm-wide incision through the cornea using a very precise LensAR Femtosecond Laser. The laser opens the capsule surrounding the hard, cloudy natural lens and softens it, making it easier to remove.

Next, Dr. Assil used the ORA System™ to measure and accurately select the new lens to correct for near, middle, and distance vision.

Then, the PanOptix IOL was inserted in the eye through a pen-like instrument with the lens rolled up inside its barrel. Once the lens is released into the eye, it unfurls into a round disc and is tucked into the proper place within the lens capsule.

After the new artificial lens was in place, Dr. Assil again used the ORA System to ensure that the IOL provided crisp focus throughout the visual field. This assures the operating team that Nancy received the perfect replacement lens before leaving the operating suite.

“It was so easy,” remarks Nancy. “No pain whatsoever. It’s a miracle surgery. Everybody was shocked that I could see perfectly the very next day, especially me!” 

Nancy’s vision in both eyes is now 20/15, giving her tremendous visual acuity.

“It’s thrilling to live with the PanOptix multifocal lens” 

To say that Nancy is thrilled with her new trifocal lens implants would be an understatement.

“Living with this IOL is thrilling as my eyes are crystal clear. Before, everything was so muted,” she says. “I didn’t know the true colors of nature. The only possible downside is I now notice that I don’t dust as thoroughly around my house as I thought I did!”

The entire experience was so easy and pleasant that Nancy comforted a gentleman headed toward the surgery suite when she was there for a checkup. When he finished the surgery, he ran into Nancy in the hall, and they hugged — Brothers in arms!

“I tell people to take advantage of AGEI. I give the experience at 10+++,” she says. “It’s a miracle surgery: no pain and no downtime. The next day, I was already at my computer with spectacle independence.”

 Why trust AGEI with your eyesight?

Monofocal IOLs, multifocal IOLs, trifocal IOLs... There are so many types of lenses for cataract surgery; how can you possibly choose the correct one? That’s where Assil Gaur Eye Institute’s team of top ophthalmologists comes in! Our eye care experts can evaluate your eye health, vision goals, and lifestyle to pick the best IOL to achieve your perfect vision.

In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our eye surgeons keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, much like how family-run medical practices used to be.

Today, AGEI is nationally recognized for its compassionate, patient-centric care, commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, and dedication to supporting its patients' and the community's health and well-being. Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.

In addition to laser cataract surgery, the ophthalmology experts at AGEI are nationally recognized for their eye care and treatment options for a full range of conditions, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cornea conditions, floaters and flashes, dry eye, presbyopia, keratoconus, and diabetic retinopathy, as well refractive surgery such as LASIK and much more.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.