Patient Satisfaction with the Symfony Intraocular Lens

Abstract

Purpose : Achieving independence from spectacles and overall satisfaction are challenging goals after cataract surgery. The purpose of this investigator-initiated study is to assess patient satisfaction over one year after implantation of the Tecnis Symfony intraocular lens during cataract surgery. These results assist future patients and surgeons in choosing the intraocular lens that will provide the most benefit long term.

Methods : This was a prospective study of patients who had cataract extraction with Symfony intraocular lens placement between 2015 and 2019 at Loma Linda University Eye Institute by one experienced surgeon. These patients were called by the investigator over one year after their surgery. The patients proceeded with a subjective questionnaire via telephone to assess spectacle independence, photic phenomenon, and satisfaction with vision. The data were recorded using a Google Sheets spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS software.

Results : 92 patients who had cataract surgery with the Symfony intraocular lens over one year prior were called. Of these subjects, 40 patients agreed to participate in the telephone questionnaire. 82.1% of patients did not require spectacles for distance vision, 70% of patients did not require spectacles for intermediate vision, and 20% did not require spectacles for near vision. 60% of patients never experienced glare, and 25% experienced mild glare. 47.5% of patients never experienced halos, and 45% experienced mild halos. 77.5% of patients never experienced starbursts of light, and 20% experienced mild starbursts. In terms of overall satisfaction, 47.5% of patients were extremely satisfied and 40% were satisfied. 87.2% would choose the same intraocular lens again.

Conclusions : This study demonstrates that after at least one year, patients continue to have high levels of spectacle independence, minimal photic phenomenon, and good overall satisfaction with the Symfony intraocular lens. This information should assist patients in choosing this lens in the future.

This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.

 

Of the 40 patients who were surveyed, 47.5% report being extremely satisfied with the Symfony intraocular lens, while 40% report being satisfied.

 

Patients were asked about photic phenomenon, specifically glare (i.e. reduced vision in bright lighting), halos (i.e. bright rings around light sources), and starbursts (i.e. images of light streaks). “Severe” was offered as a response, but is not depicted in the chart above due to 0% response selection.