Vivity® IOL in San Antonio: Clinical Results, Pros, Cons, and Who It's Best For

The Vivity® lens was the most widely used extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens in the United States in 2025. Will it be for 2026? Let’s dive in. 

The Vivity IOL was designed to solve a specific problem in cataract surgery:

Improve vision at distance and intermediate while keeping night vision as close to a basic lens as possible.

Instead of splitting light into multiple focal points like a trifocal lens, Vivity stretches light to extend the range of focus.

So the real question is:

What does the clinical data actually show, and where does it fall short?

1. Strong Distance Vision (Monofocal-Level Performance)

In FDA clinical trials, Vivity demonstrated:

Distance vision (4m): ~20/20 average binocular uncorrected visual acuity

This is one of its key strengths and a major reason doctors like it.

It performs very similarly to a basic monofocal lens for distance clarity.

What this means in real life:
Driving, TV, and outdoor vision are typically sharp and reliable.

Excellent Intermediate Vision (Computer Range)

Where Vivity begins to separate from a basic monofocal lens is intermediate vision.

In clinical studies:

Intermediate vision (66 cm): better than 20/25 in most patients

Additional FDA trial data showed:

• ~92% of patients reported good or very good intermediate vision without glasses in bright light

• Strong functional performance for computer and arm’s-length tasks

What this means:

Most patients can comfortably use a computer, dashboard, or tablet without glasses.

3. Near Vision Is the Limiting Factor

This is the most important tradeoff.

In FDA clinical data:

Near vision (40 cm): ~20/32 average binocular uncorrected visual acuity

And in real-world outcomes:

• Many patients still need reading glasses for small print

• Phone reading depends heavily on lighting and font size and even pupil size

• Near vision is functional, but not strong or consistent for all tasks

What this means:

Vivity does not fully eliminate the need for reading glasses in most patients.

Our doctor's take: This is the one of the main limitations of this lens. Vivity improves range of vision, but it does not reliably deliver strong near vision for fine print or extended reading. Some patients are able to read without glasses, but many still need readers for up close vision. 

The other main limitation of the Vivity lens is the reduction in contrast. The Vivity lens has a warning on the lens to make sure doctors and patients know that this lens does reduce contrast. The only EDOF lens now on the market that does not reduce contrast is the PureSEE IOL. 

Where Newer Lenses Like PureSee Fit In

Vivity was a major step forward in EDOF technology.

But newer lens designs were developed to address its main limitation:

Improving vision without increasing halos or glare or reducing contrast. 

Our doctor's take:
Vivity is a good option, especially for patients prioritizing night driving comfort and simplicity. However, the PureSEE IOL does just as good without the reduction in contrast.

Is Vivity Right for You?

Vivity is often a good fit for patients who:

✓ Want good distance vision

✓ Spend a lot of time on computers or screens

✓ Prioritize low halos and night driving comfort

✓ Are comfortable using reading glasses for near tasks

The Vivity IOL Bottom Line

The Vivity IOL offers:

• ~20/20 distance vision

• Strong intermediate vision (~20/25 or better)

• Functional near vision (~20/32 average)

• Very low halos and glare

• High overall patient satisfaction

For many patients today, Vivity is a strong option but the question now is will PureSEE be a better option? Is the trifocal IOL a better option? Will this lens be what’s best for me? 

We always say, there is no best lens - only the lens best for you.