What is the Eyhance Monofocal Intraocular Lens?
In February 2021, the FDA approved a new monofocal IOL from Johnson & Johnson, the Tecnis Eyhance and Eyhance Toric II, for implantation in cataract patients in the U.S. Unlike most monofocal IOLs, which correct only at a single distance, Eyhance increases the depth of focus. This improves intermediate distance vision, while still providing the crystal-clear distance vision achieved with all monofocal IOLs.
While new to the U.S., the Tecnis Eyhance IOLs have been available in Europe since February 2019 and have proven to be a popular expansion of monofocal IOL vision acuity.
How is the Eyhance Monofocal IOL Different From a Standard Monofocal IOL Lens?
We have long offered standard monofocal IOLs to our patients. The Eyhance is a new monofocal iol design which uses a continuous change in power from the periphery to the center of the lens, creating a unique anterior surface that improves intermediate vision. These lenses do this while maintaining the same quality of distance vision as the standard monofocal IOL.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyhance IOLs?
Eyhance intraocular lenses (IOLs) are a great choice for patients who need cataract surgery and are interested in the benefits of monofocal lenses. Enhance IOLs fall somewhere between premium and standard monofocal lenses, offering substantial results at a reasonable price.
Unlike traditional monofocal lenses, Eyhance IOLs are beneficial for patients who want to improve their vision for both far away and intermediate distances. This allows patients to see clearly during a range of activities, from sightseeing to driving to using the computer.
Eyhance IOLs also have the added benefit of correcting astigmatism, so patients with a range of needs have the potential to benefit from them. During your consultation, we will discuss your needs and determine whether Eyhance IOLs are the right choice for you.
How Long Will Eyhance IOLs Last?
Like other types of cataract lens implants, Eyhance intraocular lenses offer a solution that should last a lifetime. As you recover from your procedure, it may take anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks for your eyes to completely heal and your vision to fully adjust.
However, once your vision does settle, you can expect the changes to last forever. These types of cataract lenses are designed to hold up for as many years as you need them, so they will not break down or degrade over time.
This procedure is permanent, so you only should only need to have the surgery once! The lenses should never need to be replaced, except in the rare instance that you find they aren’t adequately correcting your vision.
How Can I Care for My Tecnis Eyhance Monofocal IOLs?
Your Tecnis Eyhance Monofocal IOLs should last your whole life, but as with any type of procedure, taking care to follow post-operative instructions will help your eyes heal faster and ensure a smooth recovery.
After your surgery, you can expect some eye sensitivity and minor discomfort, but both should be fairly brief and will resolve on their own. After your procedure, we will give you specific instructions for how to best care for your new Eyhance IOLs.
These instructions might include a regimen of antibiotic and anti inflamatory eye drops and instructions on how long you should be wearing your eye shield, as well as a strict schedule of follow-up appointments where we will track your progress and make sure everything is healing smoothly.
Taking care of your general eye health will benefit you in the long run, so be sure to always wash your hands before doing anything related to your eyes, wear protective sunglasses, and avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eyes.
Will the Eyhance Monofocal IOL Replace My Need For Reading Glasses?
The Eyhance can improve the near vision range that patients using monovision enjoy. Many of our monovision Eyhance patients can see to read clearly without glasses. The Eyhance monofocal IOL allows patients to expand their range vision that doesn’t require glasses to bring items into clear vision.
What Kinds of Activities Will I be able to do Wiithout Glasses With Eyhance IOLs?
Dr. Sondheimer is excited to offer the extension of vision acuity, roughly one extra line on the eye chart, delivered with these Eyhance IOLs. By extending the range of intermediate vision, the Eyhance and Eyhance Toric IOLs have shown in testing to increase the chances that patients with these lenses implanted are able to better enjoy these activities without the need for glasses:
- Driving, including night driving
- Reading price tags when shopping
- Watching TV, including reading subtitles
- Cooking and eating
- Playing cards
- Reading at a computer/tablet/smartphone distance
- Reading music to play piano and other instruments
- Feeling increased confidence when walking, especially down flights of stairs or on uneven surfaces
Can the Eyhance IOL Correct for Astigmatism?
One great benefit of recent improvements in all intraocular lenses, both monofocal and multifocal, is the addition of correction for astigmatism. This is the condition where the patient’s cornea is more oblong in shape versus the normal circular shape. This creates various areas in the patient’s vision that can be blurry. The new IOLs corrects for astigmatism by positioning the iol to correct astigmatic refractive error in the same way as glasses can correct astigmatism.
Why Would I Choose The Techis Eyhance Monofocal IOL For my Cataract Surgery?
Patients opt for monofocal IOLs typically for a couple reasons.
First, they need to see great at distance. An example would be the case of a pilot, where distance vision is critical. Multifocal lenses provide good vision at multiple distances, but create some loss of contrast. Multifocal IOLs can also create halos around lights at nighttime in some patients. In some patients this loss of contrast is severe enough that the multifocal iol needs to be replaced surgically.
Second, Medicare and most insurance plans cover most or all of the cost of monofocal IOLs. These plans treat astigmatism corrective, multifocal, or light adjustable IOLs as a non essential personal preference and the patient must pay extra costs to provide advanced technology iols..
Dr. Sondheimer is excited to provide advanced vision correction technologies. A large percentage of his patients see at distance, computer, and reading without the need for corrective lenses after cataract surgery without the need for visual aids.
Are There Any Risks Associated With The Techis Eyhance Monofocal Lens?
There do not appear to be any difference in risk or side effects with this new monofocal IOL option. As with all cataract surgeries, these are highly successful in replacing the cataract-clouded natural lens with the artificial Eyhance IOL. Of course, all cataract surgeries have some risk.
Read what our patients are saying!
"I visited Dr. Sondheimer with both of my parents. Dr. Sondheimer performed cataracts surgery for my dad. He is really passionate about his work and extremely knowledgeable. When performed detailed evaluation, he was patient to explain about condition, review all options and answered all our questions. We never felt rushed, his staff is also well trained, kind and knowledgeable. Thank you Dr. Sondheimer for your excellent work!"
How Far Will I Be Able to See in the Distance with the EyhanceTM Extended Depth IOL?
You should be able to see very well in the distance without glassses if the Eyhance or Eyhance Toric IOL is set for distance and significant astigmatism is treated!.
What Will I Be Allowed to Do After My Cataract Surgery?
Regardless of the type of IOL you receive to replace your clouded natural lens, you'll have some restrictions for a short time after your procedure. These are intended to help your eye heal properly and as quickly as possible. Even with restrictions, there are plenty of activities you'll be able to do after your cataract surgery. These include:
- Shower or take a bath (taking care not to get water in the eye) -starting the day after you have surgery.
- Work or play on your computer
- Watch television
- Go for walks
- Read
- Moderate exercise
What Must I Avoid after My Cataract Surgery?
Even with an EyhanceTMÂ IOL, you'll need to avoid a few things while your eye is recovering from your cataract removal procedure. In general, you should arrange your schedule so you can rest if you feel tired or your eye feels fatigued. Also, you should avoid:
- Getting shampoo or soap in the eye
- Rubbing the eye
Is Eyhance a Premium Lens?
People who have cataract removal surgery have multiple options for lens replacement. Some intraocular lenses are categorized as standard and some as premium. it is important to differentiate because standard IOLS, primarily monofocal intraocular lenses, are typically covered by insurance companies as part of the cost of cataract surgery. Premium lenses are not. However, they tend to provide clearer vision at multiple distances. Many standard IOL options are monofocal. This means that the lens is uniform all the way across and set at a singular distance. To extend vision, patients may choose monovision using the monofocal lens. This means that one monofocal lens is set for distance vision and the other is set for near vision. Because the eyes work in unison, the brain adapts to monovision well, seeing well at intermediate distances.
The EyhanceTM lens is a monofocal lens that's been designed to feature multiple refractive powers. This is what enables it to achieve clearer vision at a broader range of distances. This standard IOL is set to one refractive power around the edges. The refractive power at the middle of the lens is different, thus extending vision.
You have multiple options for lens replacement after cataract surgery. Dr. Sondheimer puts his years of experience to work for you, providing you with all of the information you need to select the perfect IOL for your needs.
Schedule an Eyhance IOL Consultation
If you believe you are a candidate or would like more information about monofocal IOLs, contact our office today! Call 847.677.2794 to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out our appointment request form in our contact page, and our staff will help you set up your consult.
