Tecnis Symfony® IOL

The Symfony Lens: Advancing the Art of Cataract Surgery

Leading cataract surgeon, Dain Brooks, MD is proud to introduce the latest ‘Masterpiece’ in cataract lens implant technology: The Tecnis Symfony® Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL). Our exciting new ‘extended depth of focus’ Symfony lens is the first IOL of its kind in the United States to receive FDA-approval to provide patients a full range of continuous high quality vision.

What this means for you is little or no dependence on prescription glasses of any kind after surgery. It also means the best quality of vision – at all distances – that you have seen in years! The Symfony IOL is manufactured by Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) and is the only extended depth of focus IOL designed to correct the effects of presbyopia by helping patients focus at near.

Our new Symfony IOLs are specially developed by AMO to improve both the range and quality of vision and are now classified as a new category of cataract lenses. “The Symfony IOL truly is a major advance not only in lens implant technology, but also in the quality of outcomes we are now able to provide our patients…especially those with presbyopia,” said Dr. Brooks.

Because cataract patients today lead much more active lifestyles, we know you prefer to have clear vision at all distances. Our initial results here at Brooks Eye Associates with the Symfony IOL confirms that patients are able to enjoy a broader range of high quality vision at all distances, including objects at near.

Although fully approved by Medicare and the insurance industry, the Symfony IOL is not fully covered by insurance or Medicare. So similar to our Toric and multifocal IOLs, cataract patients will experience an out-of-pocket expense for the Symfony lens.

As the evolution in lens implant design and technology continues to offer surgeons and patients improved outcomes and expanded options, there are still limitations to the new technology lenses. The key to our success here at Brooks Eye Associates with lenses like the Symfony lies in our ability to match a patient’s lifestyle, expectations and general ocular health with the appropriate lens.

No manufactured IOL is perfect in all of its capabilities, but the Symfony is a sizable improvement in our ability to offer the same type of seamless, high quality vision that our eye’s normal lens provides in our younger years. Some patients may also experience an adjustment period to their new lenses in which they encounter a glare or halos around bright light. This usually goes away over a period of weeks or months.

The Procedure

During the Symfony Lens cataract procedure, Dr. Brooks will first remove the aging natural lens in your eye through a tiny incision in the surface of the cornea. The Symfony lens – which has been carefully calculated to give you the best possible vision based on your lifestyle and hobbies – is then gently inserted to replace the cataract-impaired lens. The procedure takes approximately 5-10 minutes and most patients notice improved vision within a few days of their procedure.

Who is a candidate for the Tecnis Symfony® Lens?

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you may be a candidate for the Tecnis Symfony IOL. Whether you choose the Symfony Lens or another multifocal lens depends on your personal preference, lifestyle and the health of your eyes. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation here at Brooks Eye Associates with Dr. Brooks.