AcrySof IQ Vivity

The AcrySof IQ Vivity is a non-diffractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) used during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s cloudy natural lens. It is designed to give clear distance vision and improved intermediate vision (arm’s length), with helpful functional near vision for many daily tasks. Cataract surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and is one of the most common outpatient surgeries worldwide. 1

Vivity (model DFT015 and toric models) is FDA-approved as a UV-absorbing, blue-light filtering posterior chamber IOL that provides an extended depth of focus compared with a monofocal lens, using wavefront-shaping optics rather than light-splitting rings. 2

Step 1: Cataract removal and IOL placement. After numbing the eye, the surgeon makes a tiny opening, removes the cloudy lens, and places the new IOL into the natural lens capsule. Most people go home the same day, and the procedure typically takes less than an hour per eye. 3

Step 2: Choosing your setup. Vivity comes in standard and toric versions to also correct regular corneal astigmatism during the same surgery. Your surgeon can target both eyes for distance, use mini-monovision (one eye slightly nearer), or mix strategies to fit your routine (driving, screens, hobbies). Your measurements and goals guide the plan. 4

• Targets: distance in both eyes, mini-monovision, or customized mix.
• Astigmatism: consider Vivity Toric when regular astigmatism is present.

Good candidates usually have healthy eyes (clear cornea, healthy macula and optic nerve), a strong desire to reduce glasses for distance and computer range, and realistic expectations about night vision. Your surgeon will ask about your work, hobbies, and how much you drive at night to be sure the lens aligns with your lifestyle. 5

EDOF and other presbyopia-correcting lenses can slightly lower contrast sensitivity and increase halos or glare compared with monofocal lenses, so certain retinal diseases, significant corneal irregularity, or very high/irregular astigmatism may make another option safer. Careful screening and surface optimization (for dry eye) improve results. 6

What insurance covers: In the U.S., Medicare and many insurers cover medically necessary cataract surgery with a conventional monofocal IOL. When you choose a presbyopia-correcting upgrade like Vivity to reduce glasses, the extra lens and refractive planning are typically out-of-pocket while the base surgery remains covered. Always confirm with your plan. 7

Typical patient costs: Medical sources report that multifocal/EDOF or other wider-range lenses often add about $3,000–$4,000 per eye in the U.S., varying by city, surgeon, and what’s included (diagnostics, technology fees, enhancements). Ask for a written estimate that separates surgeon, facility, anesthesia, lens, and follow-up. 8

• Plan ahead: check HSA/FSA options and payment plans.
• Confirm: whether toric astigmatism correction changes price.

Benefits: Vivity’s wavefront-shaping design can provide excellent distance vision plus stronger intermediate vision (computer, dashboard) and useful functional near vision for many daily tasks, with a visual-disturbance profile closer to a monofocal than traditional diffractive multifocals in clinical studies. 9

Limitations: Like all presbyopia-correcting lenses, EDOF IOLs can reduce contrast sensitivity and increase halos/glare compared with monofocals; careful selection and counseling help manage these trade-offs. Some people still prefer readers for small print or dim light. 10

Vision often improves within days, with most healing in a few weeks. You’ll use prescribed eye drops, avoid heavy lifting and swimming briefly, and protect the eye as directed. Night driving and exercise resume when your surgeon says it’s safe, and you’ll return for checkups to confirm the lens position and clarity. 11

Months or years later, a common and treatable haze called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) can cause blur. A quick in-office YAG laser opening can restore clarity if needed. Keep routine eye exams and report sudden pain, flashes, or a big drop in vision right away. 12

Randomized multicountry trials of the nondiffractive DFT015 design (Vivity) versus a monofocal IOL show a continuous extended range of vision with non-inferior distance acuity and improved intermediate/functional near performance for many patients. 13

Additional prospective studies—including U.S. registration and targeted mini-monovision approaches—report high uncorrected distance and intermediate vision, good patient-reported satisfaction, and a visual-disturbance profile closer to monofocal than traditional multifocal optics, though results vary with ocular surface health and biometry accuracy.

Who to see: The most relevant specialist is a cataract and refractive ophthalmologist who regularly implants presbyopia-correcting IOLs. They will review your eye health, measurements, night-vision needs, and goals to recommend the safest plan. For Medicare beneficiaries, presbyopia-correcting IOL features (like Vivity’s range of vision) are usually patient-pay upgrades while base cataract surgery remains covered. 15

How Kerbside can help: You can connect on Kerbside with the right specialist for a medical education consult (not a physician–patient relationship) to prepare questions, compare lens types, and understand coverage. Bring your glasses prescription and medication list; ask for a written, itemized estimate and whether HSA/FSA or payment plans are available. 16