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The Tecnis Symfony IOL is an intraocular lens that’s implanted during cataract surgery. During the procedure, your cataract surgeon will remove the old, clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens. With Symfony, your artificial lens will allow you to see at all distances and give you your vision back. The Symfony lens was approved by the FDA in 2016, and is considered a premium IOL. Medicare may not cover the costs associated with this premium IOL, but if you are able to afford it and are looking to reduce your dependence on reading glasses, the Symfony IOL is a great choice.
WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THE TECNIS SYMFONY© IOL?
In order to be considered a candidate for the Symfony lens, you need to have presbyopia, and have cataracts. Symfony is only implanted during cataract surgery. In addition to giving patients clear vision at all distances, Symfony is also approved for patients who have astigmatism and presbyopia, allowing a larger number of people to benefit from the joys of clear vision. During your cataract surgery consultation your cataract surgeon will mention several IOL options, which may include the Tecnis Symfony premium IOL.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A SYMFONY LENS INSTEAD OF ANOTHER IOL?
There are several different kinds of IOLs currently on the market, making the choice of what’s best for you more difficult. For patients that are only looking to remove their cataracts and don’t mind wearing glasses for everyday activities, the Symfony IOL may not be the best fit. However, for patients that are looking for a life free of the hassles of glasses and presbyopia, the premium Symfony lens is worth researching.
One of the biggest differences between the Symfony IOL and other lens options is the incidence of glares and halos. Studies have consistently shown that patients who opt for the Symfony IOL rather than other standard IOLs report less halos and glare around lights at night. This is important if you plan on driving at night consistently after cataract surgery. In addition, with the Symfony lens, patients are able to see at all distances, not just up close or far away. Standard monofocal IOLs can only correct seeing objects up close or far away, but not both. The Symfony lens is able to correct your vision at all distances.
