experiences with Symfony IOL, or trifocal IOLs?

[SoftwareDeveloper]

Has anyone here gotten the new Symfony IOL, or heard from others who have, or know more than the research you can find with google? It was just approved in June for use in Europe, but initial studies on the web seem to indicate it provides better odds of having good intermediate/computer vision, and better than the AT lisa trifocal except at very near distances. It refers to it as having an extended depth of vision rather than   calling it multifocal (perhaps because it doesn't divide itself into 2 or 3 discrete focal points but in essence it must still have a range of focuses to provide "extended depth").

I've seen detailed threads about the FineVision but only brief comments on the AT lisa trifocal.  Any more comments on any of these lenses? I'd  be curious if anyone has more comments on getting a multifocal in only one eye with the problem cataract and wearing a contact lens in the other (which is still correctible to 20/20 with only an early cataract). The hope would be that perhaps before it goes bad a new generation of lenses might come out, like an accommodating lens that is more likely to work well than the ones out there now.

Any suggestions for good doctors to get them from, preferably laser cataract surgery? I'm open to considering doctors in any country since I'm in the US and will need to travel to get the lens, the UK would be easiest since I only speak English, but I'll consider other options. I've heard the Czech Republic may be cheaper but still have   high quality clinics. Its worth a bit of hassle to get a good lens. I'm only 52 so I'll hopefully be using it a few decades, so thanks greatly for any information you can provide.

[SoftwareDeveloper]

PS, in the last paragraph when I said "hoping they might be available" I meant of course the next gen accommodating lenses, I'd moved the paragraph, I need to go and didn't take time to proofread. They should let you edit posts on this site.

[rwbil]

I thought his interest was in the Tecnis Symfony not the Synchrony IOL.  If you are willing to cutting edge, what is the latest news on the Light Adjustable Lens.  I called AMO and they said they haves some trials for Symfony in the US but I have not followed up it yet.  Might be something to explore

[SoftwareDeveloper]

Coincidentally before I saw your post I had gotten into contact with the person running the trials in the US. The details are still being worked out, but they will be randomized trials with 50% getting this lens and the others a control lens (it didn't sound like they knew what that would be).  I would rather not risk that, and I'd rather not  wait for the trial regardless I decided since this has started interfering with vision.

I will note that i have been cautioned btw by an experienced US surgeon to be sure if I use a non-US doctor to be careful of the fact that in even in good  European clinics their standards may not be as high as US doctors in terms of things like complication rates and hitting the refractive target.

As with anything however, prices vary for many reasons between countries and there are good surgeons who are lower cost, but it is best to be cautious of course to ensure you are getting high quality treatment.

[rwbil]

One of the problems is the dollar is so weak that the price in Europe for the lens is expensive.  Has Canada approved this yet?  Let me know what you decide and your experience.  One other thing is I am confused about how this lens actually works.  I under multifocal that create 2 or more focal points but how this lens is able to provide distance to close vision is not clear to me. I keep putting off the surgery as long as I can hoping for better options.  I hate how you hear news stories such as below and then you never hear any follow up.  
http://www.scotsman.com/news/health/scots-scientists-develop-laser-cure-for-cataracts-1-3242146

I doubt I would do a trial where I might be given some unknown control lens.  That is ridiculous, unless it is the Tecnis multifocal.    

[Woodvillewomble]

Even living in the UK I considered going to Czech Republic, to the Gemini Clinic in Zlin, where they use the Femtosecond laser for the incisions and Astigmatism correction. This was for CLE, with no cataracts or other anomalies.

I eventually found a very local, and very experienced surgeon who used the Finevision, although not with the Femtosecond. I looked at the Symphony accommodating but the few reports available suggested limited accommodation with varying degrees of success.

With the Finevision having had a two year history, no negative reports and a very high probability of a spectacle free outcome I chose this as my preferred option, assuming the surgeon thought it a suitable lens for me.

I am spec free as hoped, with very little effects in some very minor situations, as per my diary on this forum. The holy grail of full accommodation is, I believe, some way away, and I wanted rid of specs.

Best wishes in your research before making this enormous decision.

Phil

[SoftwareDeveloper]

re: "I looked at the Symphony accommodating but the few reports available suggested limited accommodation with varying degrees of success. "

I'm guessing you meant the Synchrony lens, the Symfony isn't an accommodating lens and was only CE marked in June.  It does seem to provide some of the advantages an accommodating lens has   like lower risk of haloes & glare than multifocals. It seems to provide better near vision than the accommodating lenses that are approved anywhere at the moment, though unfortunately perhaps not as good as trifocals for near (though often good enough it appears, and unfortunately no lens is perfect at the moment).

It sounds like surgeons are divided over whether the FInevision or the AT Lisa tri is the best trifocal option, though it seems like those with experience with both give the AT Lisa tri a slight edge overall, that it may vary with the patient which is best.