If you’re preparing for cataract surgery or RLE and want to rely less on glasses, a new option is available at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare. The RayOne Galaxy IOL is an advanced intraocular lens that helps you see clearly at all distances: far, intermediate, and near. Dr. Michael J. Endl was the first surgeon in the U.S. to implant the RayOne Galaxy Toric. He and Dr. Elmer were among the first 20 surgeons in the U.S. to implant the Galaxy IOL.
What Is the RayOne Galaxy IOL?
During cataract surgery or RLE, your natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. A standard monofocal IOL focuses at one distance, usually far away, so most people still need glasses to read or work on a computer afterward.
Rayner’s RayOne Galaxy, recently approved by the FDA, is designed to provide clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances with a single lens. It is the world’s first spiral IOL and the first intraocular lens designed using artificial intelligence.
How Does the RayOne Galaxy Work?
Many advanced lenses use a series of rings to split light between separate focal points. The RayOne Galaxy takes a different approach with a spiral-shaped optic that manages incoming light to create a continuous range of focus. Your vision moves smoothly from the road ahead to your dashboard to the phone in your hand.
The spiral design also aims to reduce the halos and glare some patients notice with other advanced lenses, so you can enjoy greater freedom from glasses without giving up comfortable night vision.
What Are the Benefits of the RayOne Galaxy?
Clear Vision at Every Distance
In a U.S. clinical study, every patient with the RayOne Galaxy in both eyes could see 20/40 or better without glasses at intermediate distance (about the length of a computer screen) and at near distance (about where you hold a book). Over 98% reached the same level at far distance.
Less Reliance on Reading Glasses
Near vision showed the biggest difference compared with a standard lens. Only about 2-3% of Galaxy patients said they always had trouble seeing up close, compared with 24% of patients with a monofocal lens.
High Patient Satisfaction
Among Galaxy patients who noticed halos, most described them as not bothersome or only a little bothersome. About 90% of patients said they would choose the same lens again.
RayOne Galaxy Toric for Astigmatism
Astigmatism happens when the front of your eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball, which causes blurry or distorted vision at any distance. The RayOne Galaxy Toric uses the same spiral optic and toric design to correct corneal astigmatism. This means you can treat cataracts and astigmatism and reduce your need for reading glasses in one procedure. Dr. Endl was the first surgeon in the U.S. to implant this lens.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the RayOne Galaxy?
The RayOne Galaxy is a strong choice for active people who want clear vision for driving, computer work, and reading. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have cataracts and want to reduce your dependence on glasses at all distances
- Want to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
- Have healthy eyes without significant macular degeneration, advanced glaucoma, or other conditions that limit vision
- Understand you may still need glasses for very small print and may notice mild halos or glare around lights at night
- Understand that premium lenses carry an out-of-pocket cost, since insurance typically covers only a standard monofocal IOL
Dr. Endl has performed over 40,000 refractive procedures and has worked as an investigator in FDA clinical trials. He will check your eye health, measurements, and daily activities before recommending the lens that best fits your needs.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
Cataract surgery or RLE with the RayOne Galaxy is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day. You’ll need someone to drive you, and you’ll use prescription eye drops while your eye heals. Most people get back to their normal activities in a few days, but full recovery can take a few weeks as your eyes adjust to the new lens.
Interested in finding out if the RayOne Galaxy is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare in Buffalo, NY, today!
