<h4>By DR. MARK SIEGEL<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></h4>
On August 27, 2019, Alcon introduced AcrySof IQ PanOptix Trifocal IOL in the U.S., the first and only FDA-approved trifocal lens. On September 18, 2019, I implanted the first patient in Beaufort County with this amazing and technologically advanced IOL.

PanOptix delivers an exceptional combination of near, intermediate and distance vision and substantially reduces the need for glasses.

More than 99 percent of PanOptix patients in the FDA clinical study said they would choose the same lens again.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

PanOptix is already one of the leading presbyopia-correcting IOLs in more than 70 countries. It is designed for today’s active lifestyles, from viewing mobile devices and computer screens to high-quality distance vision in a range of lighting conditions.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The new lens uses ENLIGHTEN®Optical Technology, a proprietary design that optimizes intermediate vision without compromising near and distance vision. Available in spherical and toric designs for astigmatism, PanOptix is built on Alcon’s proven AcrySof IQ IOL platform that has been implanted in more than 120 million eyes globally.

I am proud to bring this new class of IOL to Beaufort County. I am leveraging Alcon’s years of experience with PanOptix in other countries and my 15 years of experience with their ReStor multifocal IOL to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

My goal is to ensure optimal outcomes for cataract patients looking to correct their vision at all distances, with the vast majority of them never needing to wear glasses post-surgery.

The FDA approval of PanOptix was based on a pivotal study at 12 investigational sites in the U.S. With this single trifocal lens design, PanOptix patients demonstrated exceptional, uninterrupted vision.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

More than 4 million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the U.S., which is projected to increase by more than 16 percent by the end of 2024. The presbyopia-correcting IOL market is expected to grow 60 percent by the end of 2024.

The U.S. ophthalmology community has been eagerly awaiting FDA approval of PanOptix. While reviewing the clinical trials and now seeing firsthand the patients results I’ve already implanted with the PanOptix, my expectations have been exceeded as have those of my patients.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

I can appreciate how patients undergoing cataract surgery today want a replacement lens that delivers the vision they need to live full, active lives without always being dependent on glasses. PanOptix is an excellent lens option to address these needs and is clinically proven to deliver an outstanding range of vision.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

I am privileged and proud to offer this exciting new IOL technology in conjunction with laser-assisted refractive cataract surgery.

<em>Dr. Mark Siegel is the medical director at Sea Island Ophthalmology at 111 High Tide Drive (off Midtown Drive near Low Country Medical Group). Visit <a href="http://www.seaislandophthalmology.com.">www.seaislandophthalmology.com.</a></em>