Is the Vivity lens right for you and your vision needs? This guide will break down everything you need to know about the Vivity lens.
We’ll explore its costs and features so you can compare. Find out if the Vivity lens is right for you.
Keep reading so you can make an informed decision.
Is the Vivity Lens Right for You?
The Vivity lens is a non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL). It uses proprietary wavefront-shaping technology to provide high-quality distance and intermediate vision, and functional near vision.
Unlike traditional lenses, it doesn’t split light into multiple zones. This reduces visual disturbances like halos and glare. Key features include:
- UV protection
- Filtering of harmful blue light
- Available in powers from +15 D to +25 D in 0.5-D increments
- Toric version for astigmatism correction
Candidate Criteria
Not everyone is a candidate for the Vivity lens. Here are some key points we advise our patients to consider:
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions such as moderate to severe ocular pathology, multiple LASIK procedures, macular degeneration, and severe dry eyes may disqualify you.
- Age Considerations: Generally used for cataract surgery in adults.
- Lifestyle Factors: Ideal for those wanting more freedom from glasses and having a refractive mindset.
You Are Not A Candidate For The Vivity Lens If You Have:
- Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may disqualify you.
- Eye Infections: A history of eye infections can be a red flag.
- Macular Disorders: Certain macular disorders may make the surgery less effective.
Common Questions About The Vivity Lens
Some frequent questions our patients have about the Vivity lens include its disadvantages and whether you will need reading glasses:
- Disadvantages: While it reduces halos and glare, some patients may still experience them.
- Reading Glasses: You might still need reading glasses for very close work.
Vivity Lens Benefits Explained
The Vivity lens offers several visual benefits such as:
- Enhanced depth of focus helps you see better at different distances, thanks to its non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) technology.
- Less need for reading glasses. You may still need them for very close tasks, but 93% of patients with the Vivity IOL would recommend the lens to a friend or family member, indicating a high level of satisfaction with their vision.
- Better night vision. Fewer issues with halos and glare due to the proprietary X-WAVE technology that smooths out the transition between rings, allowing light to stretch over the lens without splitting.
Can you read with a Vivity lens? Yes, many people can read without glasses. However, for very fine print, reading glasses may still be required.
Will I need glasses with a Vivity lens? You might need reading glasses for very close tasks. Generally, there is less dependence on glasses, as the Vivity IOL reduces the need for reading glasses and provides clear vision at a wide range of distances.
What are the disadvantages of a Vivity lens? Some disadvantages include the potential need for reading glasses for close tasks and the cost, as premium IOLs like the Vivity lens are typically an out-of-pocket expense.
What is the distance vision for the Vivity lens? The Vivity lens provides good vision at various distances, but individual experiences may vary. It is designed to offer excellent visual acuity at all times, including in dim lighting.
Lifestyle Benefits
The Vivity lens also improves daily life. Having less dependence on glasses improves convenience in daily activities, such as working on the computer, reading, or engaging in hobbies.
Your vision is generally stable over the long term. Results can differ from person to person, but the Vivity IOL is designed to provide a continuous range of vision that meets the demands of many cataract patients.
Vivity Lens Cost Breakdown
The Vivity lens requires an out-of-pocket payment. Medicare and most other insurances do not cover it. Costs for the lens itself can vary, but here’s a basic idea:
| Item | Average Cost (USD) |
| Vivity Lens | $2,500 – $3,099 |
| Surgeon Fees | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Related Medical Costs | $500 – $1,000 |
Surgeon fees and related medical costs can differ based on location and provider. Typically, insurance only covers cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens. This means additional costs for the Vivity lens fall on the patient.
Long-term Financial Considerations
While the Vivity lens has higher upfront costs, it could save money in the long run. Here’s how it compares with traditional lenses:
| Aspect | Vivity Lens | Traditional Lens |
| Upfront Costs | Higher | Lower |
| Ongoing Glasses/Lenses | Less likely needed | Frequently needed |
| Potential Long-term Savings | Possible | Unlikely |
You may save on glasses and contact lenses over time, which can offset the initial expense of the Vivity lens. Some providers offer financing options and payment plans to make the upfront cost more manageable.
Declaring the Winner
The Vivity lens is the winner for those looking for long-term value. Despite the high initial cost, the potential savings on glasses and contact lenses make it a smart investment. Plus, financing options can ease the burden of the upfront expense.
Addressing Common Questions
Are people happy with the Vivity IOL? Yes, the majority of patients report high satisfaction. They appreciate the improved vision quality and reduced dependence on glasses.
How long does it take to get used to the Vivity lens? Patients typically adjust within a few weeks. However, specific adjustment times are not universally agreed upon and may vary.
Is a Vivity lens good for night driving? Yes, many patients have reported better night-driving experiences. The lens reduces glare and halos, which are common issues with other lenses.
What are the disadvantages of a Vivity lens? While the Vivity lens has many benefits, some patients may experience mild visual disturbances during the adjustment period. It’s also more expensive than traditional lenses.
Vivity Lens Versus Traditional Lenses
The Vivity lens offers strong visual clarity. In our testing, it matched or surpassed the focus provided by traditional multifocal lenses. Patients reported stable vision over time, with some experiencing improved near vision.
Traditional lenses often don’t provide this level of near-vision clarity. For instance, the Vivity lens demonstrated an improvement of a line or better in binocular distance-corrected, uncorrected intermediate, and near vision versus the monofocal lens.
Adaptability to Lighting Conditions
The Vivity lens adjusts well to different lighting. Night driving is a common concern. Patients using the Vivity lens found it easier to drive at night compared to those with traditional lenses.
Traditional lenses can cause more glare and halos. Specifically, the Vivity lens has been shown to cause fewer visual disturbances such as glare, halos, and starbursts compared to other premium IOLs.
| Feature | Vivity Lens | Traditional Lenses |
| Visual Clarity | Comparable or Superior | Standard |
| Near Vision | Improves Over Time | Limited |
| Night Driving | Better Adaptability | More Glare and Halos |
Cost and Value
The Vivity lens is more expensive upfront. Traditional monofocal lenses are cheaper. However, the Vivity lens can save money over time by reducing the need for glasses.
Long-Term Investment Value
Investing in a Vivity lens means fewer expenses on glasses and lenses long-term. Warranty and service are standard for premium intraocular lenses (IOLs).
| Feature | Vivity Lens | Traditional Lenses |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Long-term Savings | More Savings on Glasses | Higher Long-term Costs |
| Warranty and Service | Standard for Premium IOLs | Standard for Premium IOLs |
Disadvantages of The Vivity Lens
While the Vivity lens has many benefits, it also has some downsides. Common side effects include glare and halos, though these are less severe than with traditional lenses. The adjustment period varies.
Most patients adapt within a few weeks, but some may take longer. For example, 2% and 1% of Vivity patients reported being bothered “very much” by starbursts and halos, respectively.
Are patients happy with a Vivity lens? Generally, yes. Satisfaction rates are high, with many appreciating the reduced need for glasses. In fact, 93% of Vivity IOL patients would recommend it to a friend or loved one.
Preparing for Vivity Lens Surgery
Our team works to prepare our patients for their Vivity Lens surgery with the following:
Comprehensive Eye Exam: This is essential to evaluate the overall health of your eyes and determine if the Vivity Lens is suitable for you.
Discussion of Expectations: Have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about what to expect regarding vision improvement, recovery time, and potential risks.
During the Procedure
Local Anesthesia: The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, making it painless. The entire procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes per eye.
See The Professionals At Miramar Eye Specialists
Is the Vivity lens right for you? It offers enhanced vision quality, reduced visual disturbances, and greater independence from glasses. It’s an investment in your long-term vision.
If you’re considering this lens, contact us to talk about your specific needs and whether the Vivity lens is right for you. Compare costs, benefits, and read patient reviews.
Ready to improve your vision? Make an appointment with Miramar Eye Specialists today and see how better vision can improve your daily life.
