Trifocal Lenses

Laser Lens Replacement (LLR) also called Clarivu™* or NuVu by some providers is a procedure where the natural lens of the eye is replaced with a high performance mulifocal lens. At Centre for Sight, we use the highly sophisticated trifocal lens which reliably eliminates the need for glasses altogether. The erroneously labelled “Multifocal Lenses” are actually Bifocal lenses providing distance and near but no intermediate vision. Trifocal lenses have exactly what the word means – 3 points of focus including intermediate vision – vital for using computers, seeing the dashboard on the car and using a mobile phone or iPad at a comfortable distance. Please be aware not all providers use the same lenses.

TWO trifocal lenses are available on the market – FINEvision by Physiol available since January 2011 and AT-Trifocal by Zeiss available since July 2012. Both lenses work on similar principles and are available at Centre for Sight and implanted as a focusing lens in both Laser Lens Replacement or Laser Cataract Surgery. Laser lens replacement or LLR involves removal of the natural crystalline lens within the eye and replacement with a high performance intraocular lens implant. The procedure has a number of names including LLR, PRELEX, Clarivu™** and others. This is often confusing for the consumer and at Centre for Sight, we believe in being very transparent and thus label procedures in generic terms.

Trifocal Toric Lens

For those who have high levels of astigmatism (1.75D and above) implants with built in correction of astigmatism may be required. Fortunately both Physiol and Zeiss manufacture these Toric Trifocal lenses, however they need to be specially ordered. The lens calculation is quite sophisticated and when implanting the lens at the time of surgery, accurate placement of the lens in the correct angle is vital for a good outcome.

How does the FINEvision lens work ?

The lens is a diffractive lens with a series of rings. The main portion of the lens works to correct distance. A series of diffractive rings correct for near and a smaller ring added on to the diffractive rings corrects for intermediate. The lens takes information and splits this into 3 points of focus.

Will I get good vision at all distances right away?

The brain receives information at 3 focal points and learns to eliminate the “noise” from the blurry points of focus. This process is called adaptation and the time it takes for each individual to adapt varies. This is a new optical system that the brain needs to understand and not unlike getting a new pair of glasses or going to the dentist where teeth may be rearranged and it takes time to get used to the change. Adaptation takes place much faster once both eyes are treated. Often on the first or second day patients see well at distance and near and in time are able to read at intermediate. Vision continues to get better with time as illustrated in our results – see below.

Is everyone suitable for Trifocal lenses?

Whilst the vast majority of patients are suitable, not all are. For instance if the cornea has abnormal optics, then the lens will not work well. Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), advanced glaucoma and Diabetes are some conditions where the use of trifocal lenses are contraindicated.

New to Laser Lens Replacement and Vision Correction?

Find out about your suitability for Premium Laser Lens Replacement and Laser Eye Surgery by clicking the link below and answering a few short questions. This will help us guide you about the options available for you.*

*This serves as a guide only. It does not replace a thorough consultation by an ophthalmic surgeon who will determine what options are best for you.

** Clarivu™ is a trademark of Optegra and used as a brand for laser lens replacement as a way of trying to “de-medicalise” the procedure.