The FDA has approved a new accomodative presbyopia correcting lens implant, the Trulign Lens. The Trulign Lens is essentially a new version of a previous presbyopia correcting lens implant called the Crystalens. The Trulign differs from the Crystalens in that it also can correct astigmatism.

Lens replacement surgery can be used to remove cataracts, but also can be used to replace non-cataractous lenses to achieve a refractive (prescription) goal, a process called refractive lens exchange. The Trulign Lens allows improvement in reading vision and also distance vision correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In general, this lens will be expected to help improve mid-range vision better than very close, small print, vision.

Other FDA approved presbyopia-correcting lens implant options include the Crystalens, the ReStor, and the Technis Multifocal IOL. There are also several other lens implant options in the “pipeline” which are not yet approved by the FDA.

While refractive lens exchange can give good visual results, LASIK always remains an important — and typically safer and more accurate — option for vision correction surgery. Monovision or blended vision LASIK can address presbyopia as well as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  If someone has a cataract, however, LASIK will not help as it will not address the cataract.