Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic, located near Juyeop Station.
If you are considering cataract or presbyopia surgery and researching intraocular lenses, you may be wondering how the Synergy and Odyssey lenses differ.
TECNIS Synergy is a multifocal intraocular lens that has been widely used for some time. More recently, TECNIS Odyssey has emerged as another option, prompting many patients to ask about the differences between the two.
Both lenses are designed to support the range of vision needed in daily life, from distance to near. However, they differ in their detailed optical designs and features.
Rather than focusing only on which lens is newer or generally considered better, it is important to consider your usual activities and current eye condition.
Today, we will review the key points to consider when comparing TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Odyssey.
What Are the Features of TECNIS Synergy?
TECNIS Synergy is a multifocal intraocular lens designed to provide a continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate and near.
It may be of particular interest to people who frequently perform near-vision tasks, such as using a smartphone, reading books, or viewing small print.
Some patients report that they can see near text clearly after surgery, but the experience is not the same for everyone.
Because multifocal lenses have a different optical structure from monofocal lenses, which focus primarily on a single range, patients may need time to adapt to their new vision after surgery.
Some people may initially feel that distant objects appear slightly blurred or doubled. The degree of glare, halos, and light scatter may also vary among individuals.
These factors are important when comparing TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Odyssey.
How Is TECNIS Odyssey Different?
TECNIS Odyssey is a multifocal intraocular lens designed to provide a broad, continuous range of vision from distance to intermediate and near.
According to information released by the manufacturer, the lens was designed not only to provide vision across multiple distances but also to address factors such as tolerance to residual refractive error, nighttime visual symptoms, and contrast sensitivity.
Before intraocular lens surgery, detailed examinations are performed to calculate the appropriate lens power.
However, each person’s eye structure is different, and several variables can influence the postoperative outcome. As a result, a slight difference may occasionally occur between the calculated target and the actual refractive result.
One of the features highlighted for TECNIS Odyssey is its design intended to provide a degree of tolerance to residual refractive error.
What If Distance Vision Is a Priority?
Distance vision is one of the main points patients consider when comparing TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Odyssey.
For someone who enjoys golf, clearly seeing a distant flag or following the ball may be important.
Those who drive frequently may also place greater value on comfortably viewing vehicles and road signs ahead.
Multifocal intraocular lenses are designed to provide vision across multiple distances.
However, some patients may initially experience blurred or slightly overlapping images at a distance and may require time to adapt.
TECNIS Odyssey is designed to provide continuous vision across distance, intermediate, and near ranges, with consideration given to distance vision as well.
If activities such as golfing or driving make up a significant part of your daily life, it may be helpful to discuss the characteristics of TECNIS Odyssey with your ophthalmologist.
However, these features do not guarantee better results for every patient.
What About Halos and Glare?
Halos and glare are important factors to consider when researching multifocal intraocular lenses.
People who frequently drive at night may be particularly sensitive to light spreading around streetlights or vehicle headlights, sometimes appearing as rings or halos.
TECNIS Odyssey has been optically designed with the aim of reducing these nighttime visual symptoms.
However, when comparing Synergy and Odyssey, individual surgical outcomes should not be assumed or guaranteed.
Halos and glare may be affected not only by the implanted lens but also by factors such as pupil size, corneal condition, and dry eye syndrome.
The speed of visual adaptation and the degree of discomfort can also vary from person to person.
Contrast Sensitivity Should Also Be Considered
Contrast sensitivity is another factor worth reviewing.
Visual acuity refers to how clearly a person can see small letters or details. Contrast sensitivity, on the other hand, describes the ability to distinguish objects with similar colors or brightness levels.
A person may experience little difficulty in bright daylight but notice that vision feels different in a dimly lit restaurant or during the evening.
For those who frequently drive at night or spend time outdoors after dark, contrast sensitivity may affect satisfaction with their vision in everyday life.
According to the manufacturer’s information, TECNIS Odyssey was designed with visual acuity and contrast sensitivity under various lighting and pupil conditions in mind.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Between Synergy and Odyssey?
After comparing TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Odyssey, which lens should you choose?
The key is not to decide that one lens is universally superior to the other.
A person who frequently reads or uses a smartphone may prioritize a different range of vision from someone who regularly plays golf. It is also important to consider whether your work involves prolonged computer use, how often you drive, and how frequently you drive at night.
In addition to lifestyle, the condition of the cornea and retina, pupil size, degree of astigmatism, and presence of dry eye syndrome may all influence lens selection.
This is why two patients of a similar age undergoing the same type of cataract surgery may be suited to different intraocular lenses.
When a new lens becomes available, it is natural to wonder whether it is better than earlier options.
However, the main purpose of comparing TECNIS Synergy and TECNIS Odyssey is not to determine which lens is universally superior.
TECNIS Synergy is an established option designed to provide a broad range of vision, including near vision. TECNIS Odyssey is a newer option designed with multiple focal ranges, distance vision, tolerance to residual refractive error, and nighttime visual symptoms in mind.
Ultimately, the most important question is not, “Which is the best lens?” but rather, “Which intraocular lens is most appropriate for my eyes and lifestyle?”
If you are preparing for cataract or presbyopia surgery in Ilsan, it is advisable to undergo a comprehensive eye examination before making a decision, rather than choosing a lens solely because it is newer or based on one particular feature.
Thank you.
