The recent FDA approval of the TECNIS® Symfony Intraocular Lens (IOL) is great news for people with cataracts and have trouble reading or focusing on close objects (presbyopia/far-sighted). The Symfony lens is the first extended range of vision IOL to correct presbyopia and improve vision in people with cataracts, as well as improving far, intermediate, and near vision, with the decreased need for glasses or contact lens after cataract surgery.

TECNIS® Symfony IOL is the first presbyopia-correcting extended range of vision IOL. It delivers a continuous full range of high quality vision with reduced incidence of halos and glare compared to a multifocal IOL.

The Symfony lens is implanted into the eye during a normal cataract operation. In most cases recovery time is minimal, with patients able to return to their usual routine just 24 hours after surgery. Unlike traditional multifocal lenses, there is a low incidence of glare or halos with the Symfony lens.

The Symfony lens is approved in more than 50 countries around the world, and has been widely studied, with data from numerous clinical studies involving over 2,000 eyes. In clinical studies, the Symfony lens:

• Provided seamless, day-to-night vision. Patients could see objects sharply and clearly at near, intermediate and far away distances, and points in between.
• Provided high-quality vision. Some IOLs may leave patients with an inability to focus clearly due to competing wavelengths of light passing through the lens at different angles (known as chromatic aberration), or with vision that is not completely focused because of the shape of the lens (known as spherical aberration). The Symfony lens has been engineered to correct these issues.
• Demonstrated a low incidence of halo and glare, which may be perceived as rings or blurring around bright lights. Glare and halo can sometimes affect an individual’s ability to drive at night or to perform other visual tasks.

Source: Abbott Website http://www.tecnisiol.com/eu/tecnis-symfony-iol.htm

“The FDA approval of the TECNIS Symfony IOL is great news for many of my patients,” says Allen Zieker, M.D., President and Director of Cataract Surgery at Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region. “The Symfony IOL is designed to effectively improve both near and distance vision without glasses following cataract surgery, with low incidence of halos and glare. Eliminating the need for glasses after cataract surgery has been one of my patients’ utmost desired outcomes, and, when accomplished, will have a substantial effect on their quality of life.”

In fact, the Symfony lens has a very high patient satisfaction rating. In the New Zealand Clinical Study, 97% would elect to have the Symfony IOL implanted again.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE MAKING ALL THE RIGHT CHOICES

There’s more to having cataract surgery than just getting rid of the cataract. Equally important is the goal of maximizing the quality of your vision. With cataract surgery, making sure you make the right choice for your vision and lifestyle includes understanding ALL your options for FDA approved intraocular lenses (IOLs), such as monofocal, multi-focal , accommodating and THE NEW SYMFONY IOL.

Prior to having cataract surgery, make an appointment with us. We will provide you with a custom treatment plan for achieving your personal best vision. Our surgeons are very experienced at implanting all types of IOLs, so you don’t have to compromise.
Your vision isn’t like anyone else’s— and neither should your cataract treatment be.
Call today to schedule a cataract consultation.

Dr. Allen Zieker is among the first in the United States to use the Symfony lens on his cataract surgery patients.

About Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region

Ophthalmic Consultants of the Capital Region offers a comprehensive model of care with experienced specialists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians who provide patient-centered eye care to the Albany, Clifton Park,Schenectady, Schodack, and Troy, New York areas.
Our dedicated ophthalmologists and optometrists are committed to your vision and eye care, which includes a complete range of services from providing comprehensive eye exams,screenings and treatment for glaucoma, cataract and retinal surgery, and refractive surgeries such as LASIK and PRK.
Our impressive staff of ophthalmologists and optometrists includes fellowship-trained specialists, researchers, and educators with a combined experience of more than 200 years and more than 75,000 surgical procedures. Our eye doctors’ extensive experience and their commitment to your vision and eye care directly translates into providing patients with advanced treatment and compassionate care.