{"id":1984,"date":"2026-10-20T08:54:52","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-health\/lens-and-cataract\/panoptix-vs-vivity-vs-synergy-premium-lens-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:59:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:59:40","slug":"panoptix-vs-vivity-vs-synergy-premium-lens-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/lens-and-cataract\/panoptix-vs-vivity-vs-synergy-premium-lens-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"PanOptix vs Vivity vs Synergy: Premium Lens Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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  4. PanOptix vs Vivity vs Synergy: Premium Lens Guide<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t

    PanOptix vs Vivity vs Synergy: Premium Lens Guide<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    PanOptix vs Vivity comes down to glasses freedom versus night-time comfort. PanOptix is a trifocal lens, Vivity an extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens that often leaves you needing reading glasses for small print, and TECNIS Synergy a hybrid that gives a continuous range to about 33 cm. Trifocal and hybrid lenses free more people from glasses; EDOF lenses tend to cause fewer halos. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 chooses with you after measuring your eyes.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    What is the difference between PanOptix, Vivity and Synergy?<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    All three are premium intraocular lenses (IOLs): artificial lenses that replace your natural lens in cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE), and that aim to reduce your need for glasses beyond what a standard monofocal lens can. The difference is how each one handles light, and that decides how much glasses freedom you get and how many halos you notice at night.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

    <\/th>AcrySof IQ PanOptix<\/th>AcrySof IQ Vivity<\/th>TECNIS Synergy<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Maker<\/th>Alcon<\/td>Alcon<\/td>Johnson & Johnson<\/td><\/tr>
    Type<\/th>Trifocal (multifocal)<\/td>EDOF, non-diffractive<\/td>Hybrid: multifocal plus EDOF<\/td><\/tr>
    How it focuses<\/th>Three focus points: distance, about 60 cm and about 40 cm<\/td>One stretched focus range, no separate zones<\/td>Continuous range from distance to about 33 cm<\/td><\/tr>
    FDA approval<\/th>26 August 2019<\/td>26 February 2020<\/td>6 May 2021<\/td><\/tr>
    Usual strength<\/th>Most glasses freedom at near and arm’s length<\/td>Fewest halos and glare of the three<\/td>Very close and dim-light reading<\/td><\/tr>
    Usual trade-off<\/th>More halos, glare and starbursts at night<\/td>Small print often still needs glasses<\/td>More halos and glare at night<\/td><\/tr>
    Version for astigmatism<\/th>PanOptix Toric<\/td>Vivity Toric<\/td>Synergy Toric II<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

    Sources: the FDA approval documents for each lens, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeWiki and Johnson & Johnson Vision’s 2021 announcement (see Sources).<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t

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    How does PanOptix work?<\/h3>

    PanOptix splits light with fine diffractive rings in the central 4.5 mm of the lens. According to the FDA approval document, the rings add +2.17 dioptres for intermediate and +3.25 dioptres for near vision. EyeWiki, the AAO’s clinical encyclopedia, places the focus points at about 40 cm (reading), 60 cm (screens) and distance, and says the lens sends 25% of light to near, 25% to intermediate and 50% to distance. The cost of splitting light is that rings and rays can appear around lights at night.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    How does Vivity work?<\/h3>

    Vivity does not split light. Its “wavefront-shaping” surface stretches and shifts the light into one elongated focus, so there are no separate zones to produce a ring around a street lamp. The FDA study measured a range of focus of 1.53 dioptres against 0.99 dioptres for a monofocal lens. That is a real gain at arm’s length, and a smaller gain at reading distance.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    How does Synergy work?<\/h3>

    Synergy combines the two ideas. Johnson & Johnson describes it as a lens that combines extended depth of focus and multifocal technology, so the focus is continuous rather than three separate points. The FDA summary reports continuous vision of 20\/32 or better from distance down to about 33 cm, which is closer than PanOptix’s 40 cm reading point.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Vivity vs PanOptix: which gives more freedom from glasses?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

    PanOptix gives more freedom from glasses than Vivity, especially for reading. In a 2022 comparison by Hovanesian and colleagues, 83% of PanOptix patients said they needed no glasses for any activity, against 33% of Vivity patients. The same study found that Vivity patients reported less glare and fewer halos than PanOptix patients.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

    The FDA approval studies show the same pattern in different words. They each used a different control lens and a different questionnaire, so they cannot be ranked against each other directly, but the numbers are worth seeing side by side:<\/p>

    Six-month FDA study results<\/th>PanOptix<\/th>Vivity<\/th>Synergy<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Patients in the study<\/th>243 implanted (129 PanOptix, 114 monofocal)<\/td>About 106 Vivity and 111 monofocal<\/td>272 implanted (Synergy and monofocal groups)<\/td><\/tr>
    Glasses needed<\/th>80.5% said they “never” needed glasses overall, against 8.2% with a monofocal<\/td>21.6% “never” and 45.1% “rarely or never”, against 3.6% and 17.1% with a monofocal<\/td>87.8% (115 of 131) wore glasses “none of the time” for distance, intermediate, near and overall, against 3.1% with a monofocal<\/td><\/tr>
    Near vision<\/th>83.6% “never” needed glasses up close<\/td>40.2% of first eyes read 0.30 logMAR or better at 40 cm; the FDA’s 50% target was not met<\/td>Continuous 20\/32 or better to about 33 cm<\/td><\/tr>
    Most bothersome night symptoms (“very” or “extremely” bothered)<\/th>Starbursts 4.8%, halos 2.4%, glare 1.6%<\/td>Starbursts 1.9%, halos 0.9%, glare 0%<\/td>Starbursts 5.3%, halos 3.8%<\/td><\/tr>
    Severe symptoms at 6 months<\/th>Halos 12.6%, starbursts 16.0%, glare 3.2% (monofocal: 0.9%, 1.8%, 1.8%)<\/td>Starbursts 3.8%, halos 0.9%, glare 0% (monofocal: 2.7%, 0.9%, 0%)<\/td>Halos 3.8%, starbursts 3.8%, night glare 2.3% (monofocal: 0%)<\/td><\/tr>
    Contrast sensitivity<\/th>Slightly lower at higher spatial frequencies, not judged clinically meaningful<\/td>Reduced in dim light; the FDA required a labelling warning<\/td>Reduced under glare; the FDA required a labelling warning<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

    Different studies, different questionnaires, different controls. Read each column against its own monofocal control, not across columns. Source: FDA summaries of safety and effectiveness for each lens (see Sources).<\/p>

    In plain words: in all three studies the premium lens beat a monofocal lens on glasses freedom, and all three caused more night-time symptoms than a monofocal. Vivity’s night-time numbers are the closest to monofocal, and its near-vision numbers are the weakest of the three. If you have been quoted a Vivity lens vs PanOptix choice, the question to answer is how much you mind reading glasses against how much you mind rings around headlights.<\/p>\n

    What does the Cochrane review say about trifocal vs EDOF lenses?<\/h3>\n

    The 2024 Cochrane review compared trifocal lenses with EDOF lenses in five randomised trials with 233 participants. It found that distance vision may be similar with both, that people with trifocal lenses may achieve better near vision and depend less on glasses for near work, and that glare and halos showed no meaningful difference between the two types. In one study, 3% of trifocal patients and 30% of EDOF patients could not read fine print without glasses. The authors rate the certainty of this evidence as low, because the trials are small.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    PanOptix lens vs Synergy: what do the head-to-head trials show?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

    Two randomised trials compare PanOptix with Synergy directly, and they disagree on some points. Each team also had financial links to one of the manufacturers, so the results are best read together.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

    <\/th>Dick et al., 2022<\/th>Modi et al., 2025<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Patients and follow-up<\/th>150 patients, 3 months<\/td>276 patients, 6 months<\/td><\/tr>
    Near vision<\/th>Synergy better at 40 cm and 33 cm (about half a line to almost one line)<\/td>PanOptix no worse than Synergy at all tested distances<\/td><\/tr>
    Dim-light vision<\/th>Synergy better<\/td>Similar contrast sensitivity<\/td><\/tr>
    Halos, glare, starbursts<\/th>Similar safety profiles<\/td>Fewer starbursts and glare with PanOptix<\/td><\/tr>
    Glasses freedom<\/th>Not reported in the abstract<\/td>Similar in both groups<\/td><\/tr>
    Authors’ links<\/th>Several with Johnson & Johnson<\/td>Several with Alcon<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

    In practice, Synergy may suit people who read very small print at close range or in dim light, and PanOptix may suit people more worried about night-time glare. That is a tendency across groups, not a promise for your eyes: your surgeon decides after measuring your eyes and pupils.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Symfony vs PanOptix vs Vivity: where does Symfony fit?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    TECNIS Symfony is a Johnson & Johnson EDOF lens, so it belongs in the same category as Vivity, not the same category as Synergy. EyeWiki describes Symfony as a diffractive lens with an “echelette” design that elongates a single focal point, and classes it as an “EDOF-effect” lens. Vivity achieves its extended focus with a different, non-diffractive design.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Patients often type “Symfony” when they mean Synergy, because both come from Johnson & Johnson and both appear on quotes. They are different lenses: Symfony is EDOF, and Synergy is a hybrid of EDOF and multifocal that reaches closer. The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s consensus definition of an EDOF lens requires at least 0.5 dioptres more depth of focus than a monofocal lens, and at least half of eyes reading 20\/32 or better at 66 cm. That tells you what any EDOF lens is built to do: arm’s length and distance, not fine print.<\/p>\n

    Johnson & Johnson also announced FDA approval of a newer EDOF lens, TECNIS PureSee, on 12 March 2026, and says it is the first FDA-approved EDOF lens without a contrast-sensitivity warning. That is the manufacturer’s statement, and independent head-to-head data against Vivity are still limited. Ask your surgeon which EDOF lenses they use.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

    Which lens causes fewer halos and glare?<\/h2><\/div>

    Vivity tends to cause the fewest halos and glare of the three, while PanOptix and Synergy cause more, similar to each other and higher than a monofocal lens. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) says it is generally accepted that all forms of multifocal lens cause more optical side effects than monofocal lenses, that these tend to fade with time, and that 19 out of 20 patients are satisfied or very satisfied three to six months after multifocal implantation. About 1% cannot adapt and choose to have the multifocal lens exchanged for a monofocal one.<\/p>\n

    The same night-time effects can also come from a dry eye surface, a small leftover prescription or a clouded lens capsule, and these can be treated. We explain them in more detail in our guide to trifocal lenses: bad experiences, halos and how to avoid them<\/a>, and weigh the wider downsides of lens surgery in our guide to the disadvantages of lens replacement surgery<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Which lens is right for you? A guide by lifestyle<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

    The right lens is the one that matches how you use your eyes and what side effects you will accept. This table is a starting point for the conversation with your surgeon, not a prescription.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

    If this sounds like you<\/th>Often discussed<\/th>Why<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    You want the fewest glasses possible, read a lot and accept some halos<\/th>PanOptix or Synergy<\/td>Highest glasses freedom in the FDA studies (80.5% and 87.8%, measured differently)<\/td><\/tr>
    You read very small print or work close up, often in dim light<\/th>Synergy<\/td>Better near and dim-light results in one head-to-head trial, with continuous focus to about 33 cm<\/td><\/tr>
    You mainly use screens, drive a lot and can live with reading glasses for small print<\/th>Vivity<\/td>Fewest halos and glare; good at arm’s length<\/td><\/tr>
    You drive a lot at night<\/th>Vivity or a monofocal lens<\/td>The AAO advises people who drive frequently at night to avoid multifocal and EDOF lenses or think carefully about them<\/td><\/tr>
    You have glaucoma, macular degeneration or another eye disease<\/th>Usually a monofocal lens<\/td>The AAO says multifocal and EDOF lenses are generally not recommended; the RCOphth says you may not be suitable for a multifocal lens with pre-existing eye problems<\/td><\/tr>
    You have moderate to high astigmatism<\/th>A toric version of any of these<\/td>The AAO says people with moderate to high astigmatism are usually happier with toric lenses<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>

    Whichever lens you lean towards, a full examination decides it. Your surgeon measures your eye with optical biometry and corneal topography, checks the macula with an OCT scan and looks at your tear film, because severe dry eye or an irregular cornea can spoil the result of any premium lens.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Who does the surgery at Laser Istanbul Clinic?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Premium lens surgery at Laser Istanbul Clinic is led by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/strong>, who treats cataract and performs premium lens, refractive lens exchange and trifocal lens surgery. Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/strong> operates on cataract patients. If your scans show a corneal or retinal problem, Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/strong> (Do\u00e7. = Associate Professor) reviews your case, because these conditions change which lens is safe to use. Surgery takes place in a fully equipped, Ministry of Health\u2013licensed operating theatre in Istanbul.<\/p>\n

    Lenses offered: {{PanOptix \/ PanOptix Toric \/ Vivity \/ Vivity Toric \/ Synergy \/ Synergy Toric II \/ other lenses actually implanted}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n

    Our guide to trifocal \/ multifocal lens surgery (PanOptix, Synergy)<\/a> explains the operation, who it suits, recovery and what is included in the price; hotel and airport transfers are not included and are arranged separately on request. For the wider picture of lens options, see lens replacement (RLE \/ smart lens) in Turkey<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n\n

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    Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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