Steve's Odyssey IOL Success: Overcoming Light Sensitivity with Dr. Assil

What is a cataract? 

A cataract is a medical condition that affects the eye, specifically the lens. The eye’s lens is usually clear and transparent, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina, which sends visual signals to the brain. The lens becomes cloudy or opaque when a cataract develops, gradually losing clear vision.

The only treatment for cataracts is eye lens replacement surgery. Cataract surgery is a standard and relatively straightforward procedure in which the cloudy eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens.

How did Steve begin his journey to regain vision after an optometrist referral?

Steve began his journey to regain vision after his optometrist referred him to Assil Gaur Eye Institute (AGEI) due to greatly progressed cataracts. The day after a Dodgers game, he called his eye doctor, who saw him immediately and confirmed his lens opacification. Before his first appointment at AGEI, Steve learned about IOLs (intraocular lenses) that could eliminate his need for glasses, which intrigued him. He then researched cataract intraocular lens options online, becoming excited but also confused by the many types available, such as monofocal, trifocal, light-adjustable, extended-depth-of-focus, accommodative, and toric lenses. This led him to prepare many questions for Dr. Assil.

Before his first appointment at AGEI, Steve learned he could remove his cataract-diseased lenses and replace them with an IOL (intraocular lens) that could eliminate his need for glasses. To say that he was intrigued would be an understatement.

After researching cataract intraocular lens options online, Steve was excited but also confused, as there are so many types of intraocular lenses available. “There were monofocal lenses, trifocals, ‌light-adjustable lenses, extended-depth-of-focus lenses, accommodative lenses, toric lenses ‌to correct astigmatism, and maybe even more! I had no idea what was right for me. Needless to say, I was armed with many questions when I met with Dr. Assil,” said Steve.

How is the perfect IOL selected, and why is expert guidance crucial?

The perfect IOL is selected through expert guidance, such as Dr. Assil's precise algorithm, which considers each patient's unique physical realities and lifestyles. Steve, initially concerned after researching online, found relief in Dr. Assil's method. Together, they explored options like monofocal and multifocal lenses. Dr. Assil recommended the Johnson & Johnson Odyssey lens, a Premium IOL, for Steve due to four key reasons: his desire for near and far vision without glasses, his medium to large pupils in dim light, his light-sensitive eyes, and his corneal curvature. The Odyssey multifocal IOL offers excellent near and distance vision with fewer visual haloes and glare, making it ideal for patients with larger pupils. Dr. Assil, involved in the lens's development with J&J, had early access for his patients.

“I was immediately relieved to learn that Dr. Assil developed a precise algorithm to help select the best IOL implant for each patient’s unique physical realities and lifestyles,” said Steve.

Together, they explored several IOL options, including monofocal and multifocal lenses. Dr. Assil suggested the Johnson & Johnson Odyssey lens, a state-of-the-art Premium IOL that was nearing market release, for which he had exclusive rights to use before general release for his patients.

Dr. Assil felt the Odyssey lens was best for Steve for four reasons:

• Steve wanted to see both near and far distances without needing glasses.
• He had medium to large pupils in dim light.
• Steve’s eyes were sensitive to light.
• Steve’s corneal curvature, 

The Odyssey multifocal IOL provides excellent vision at both near and distance. It also produces fewer visual haloes and glare compared to other lenses. It is also great for patients with larger pupils, which Steve has,” states Dr. Assil.

Dr. Assil, who worked directly with manufacturer Johnson & Johnson (J&J) during the lens development and sits on the J&J board of directors, was granted early access to this for his patients in the United States. 

Understanding Cataracts: Causes and Treatments

Made of acrylic, this lens leverages J&J’s existing TECNIS Synergy™ technology, which refracts light and focuses it on the back surface of the eye. TECNIS Synergy has demonstrated, after millions of IOL implants over a quarter of a century, that it is safe and remains crystal clear within the eye over time. It also protects the eye against harmful ultraviolet rays.

However, the new Odyssey lens differs from the conventional monofocal IOL, which focuses light only on objects far away. People who receive monovision lens implants usually need glasses for close-up vision. But not with this new lens!

What was Steve's experience with lens replacement surgery, and what were the outcomes?

Steve's lens replacement surgery was ultimately successful and uneventful, leading to 20/20 vision and the elimination of reading glasses. Initially wary, Steve underwent surgery for both eyes a week apart. He was nervous during the first procedure but relaxed and engaged during the second, feeling confident in Dr. Assil's expertise. Post-surgery, his vision is stabilizing and improving, and he is now sharing his positive experience with friends, who are impressed and considering similar surgery at AGEI.

With 20/20 vision post-surgery, Dr. Assil says Steve’s vision will stabilize over the next three months and continue to improve. “You can tell it’s more consistent daily,” remarks Steve, who no longer needs to wear reading glasses.

Meanwhile, Steve is spreading the word about AGEI’s fantastic technology. “I have friends I share my experience with,” he says. “They’re all very impressed and are leaning toward getting the very same surgery I had.”

Why trust AGEI with your Cataract Intraocular Lens (IOL) surgery?

With 30 years of experience in eye health, Dr. Assil is among the most experienced cataract surgeons in the United States. He has performed over 70,000 eye surgeries and authored over 100 textbook chapters and articles on refractive and cataract surgery.

Assil Gaur Eye Institute has assembled a team of top ophthalmologists from across the country who offer their patients the highest-quality specialist eye care in the United States. 

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

In addition to refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery, the ophthalmology experts at AGEI are nationally recognized for their eye care and treatment options for a full range of conditions, including eye conditions such as hyperopia glaucoma, retinal detachment (and other diseases of the retina), cornea conditions, contact lens, floaters and flashes, dry eye, presbyopia, astigmatism (using a toric lens), farsightedness, myopia, nearsightedness, and ‌other vision correction procedures (refractive surgery) such as LASIK surgery, PRK, and many more laser procedures.

Today, AGEI is nationally recognized for its compassionate, patient-centric health care, commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, and dedication to supporting its patients’ and the community’s health and well-being.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area 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.