If you’re looking into cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, chances are you’ve already come across the term “EDOF lens”. Extended Depth of Focus lenses are designed to give you clear vision at distance while also reducing your need for glasses at intermediate ranges, such as when you’re working on a computer or glancing at your phone. They’re not quite the same as multifocal lenses, and that’s where a lot of the confusion begins. While multifocals aim to split light into different focal points for distance, intermediate, and sometimes near vision, EDOF lenses are built to extend the focus of your eye in a more seamless way. The result is usually smoother vision across a range, with fewer issues like glare and halos.
But here’s the real challenge: with several companies producing their own EDOF lenses, which one is best? If you’ve heard of Johnson & Johnson’s Tecnis Symfony, Alcon’s AcrySof IQ Vivity, or Zeiss’ AT LARA, you might be wondering whether one stands out above the rest. The truth is, each lens has its strengths, each company has its own technology, and the “best” lens depends less on the brand and more on you — your eyes, your lifestyle, and your goals for vision after surgery.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the leading EDOF lenses on the market, explore how they differ, and help you figure out what really matters when choosing the right one. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of the options and be better prepared for a conversation with your surgeon.
What Makes an EDOF Lens Different?
To understand the differences between the companies’ products, let’s start with what sets EDOF lenses apart in general. Traditional monofocal lenses focus at just one distance — usually set for clear far vision, meaning you’ll still need reading glasses for near and often intermediate tasks. Multifocal lenses use rings or zones to split light between distances, but that design can sometimes come at the cost of side-effects like halos around lights or reduced contrast sensitivity.
EDOF lenses take a different approach. Instead of splitting light, they stretch the focal point of the eye to provide a continuous range of clear vision, especially between far and intermediate distances. This means you can often drive, watch TV, and work on a computer without glasses, although you may still need readers for fine print or prolonged close work.
Each manufacturer has its own way of creating this extended range. Some use diffractive technology, others rely on wavefront shaping. The end result is similar in concept but can feel very different in practice, which is why knowing the details of each design matters when you’re deciding.
Johnson & Johnson Tecnis Symfony
The Tecnis Symfony lens by Johnson & Johnson Vision was the first EDOF lens approved by the FDA, which gives it the longest track record among the group. It uses a diffractive echelette design that extends the range of focus and also corrects chromatic aberration (the slight colour fringing that can reduce contrast and clarity). This combination means the Symfony not only improves intermediate vision but also maintains good distance clarity with less optical distortion.
Patients who choose Symfony often report smooth transitions between far and intermediate tasks, like going from driving to looking at a dashboard display. The lens is also available in a toric version, which corrects astigmatism — a common eye condition that otherwise might blur vision after surgery.
One of the main strengths of Symfony is its proven history and wide adoption worldwide. Surgeons are very familiar with it, and its results have been studied extensively in clinical trials. However, some patients do report mild halos or glare, particularly at night, though generally less than with classic multifocal lenses.
Alcon AcrySof IQ Vivity
The AcrySof IQ Vivity lens by Alcon takes a completely different approach. Instead of using diffractive rings, it relies on a proprietary non-diffractive technology called “X-Wave”, which manipulates the way light passes through the central part of the lens to stretch focus. This design means there are no visible rings on the lens, and as a result, side-effects like halos and glare are often reduced compared to diffractive designs.
Vivity is particularly appealing for patients who want better intermediate vision without a high risk of night-time disturbances. People who drive a lot, for example, may prefer this design because of its smoother night vision profile. Like Symfony, Vivity also comes in toric models to correct astigmatism.
The trade-off is that near vision may not be as strong compared to Symfony or Zeiss AT LARA. While you’ll likely be less dependent on glasses for tasks like computer use or cooking, you may still need them for small print or detailed work. That said, the low rate of visual disturbances makes Vivity an increasingly popular choice, especially for patients who value crisp distance and comfortable intermediate vision over spectacle independence for close reading.
Zeiss AT LARA
Zeiss, a company with a long reputation in optics, offers the AT LARA EDOF lens. It uses a combination of diffractive technology and chromatic aberration correction, similar to Symfony, but with some refinements aimed at balancing vision quality with fewer side-effects.
The AT LARA lens extends vision over a broad range while maintaining good contrast sensitivity. Clinical reports suggest it provides excellent intermediate and functional near vision, which makes it attractive for patients who want greater independence from glasses in everyday life.
What stands out about AT LARA is its balance. It doesn’t push as aggressively toward near vision as some trifocal lenses, but it offers a bit more near functionality than Vivity. The lens also benefits from Zeiss’ established precision in manufacturing, which reassures patients looking for optical quality. Like the other two, AT LARA is available in toric versions for astigmatism correction.
Some patients may still notice halos or glare with AT LARA, as is typical of diffractive designs, but overall the rates tend to be low. Surgeons often recommend it to people who want a compromise between smooth intermediate function and a touch more near vision.
Comparing the Big Three: Symfony, Vivity, and AT LARA
So, how do these three lenses stack up against each other? Let’s break it down by key factors.
- Distance Vision: All three provide excellent distance clarity, which is a baseline expectation. Vivity may feel slightly sharper in low light because of its non-diffractive design, but differences are subtle.
- Intermediate Vision: Symfony and AT LARA tend to offer stronger intermediate performance, particularly for tasks like working at arm’s length. Vivity does well here too, but some surgeons consider it slightly less powerful in this zone.
- Near Vision: Symfony and AT LARA generally provide more functional near vision than Vivity, though none are designed to completely replace reading glasses.
- Visual Disturbances: Vivity has the edge here, with fewer halos and glare reports thanks to its non-diffractive approach. Symfony and AT LARA perform better than traditional multifocals but can still cause mild night-time phenomena.
- Track Record: Symfony has the longest history and the most published data, while Vivity and AT LARA are newer but gaining ground.
Ultimately, none of the three is “better” across the board. The best choice depends on which compromise fits your needs — whether that’s minimising side-effects, maximising intermediate range, or achieving a balance that includes a touch more near vision.
Factors Beyond the Lens Brand
It’s tempting to think that choosing between companies is just a matter of picking the “best” one, but the reality is more nuanced. Your surgeon’s experience with each lens, the specific measurements of your eyes, and your daily habits all matter more than the logo on the box.
For example, if you have significant astigmatism, the availability of a toric version becomes crucial. If you’re someone who spends long evenings driving, the reduced glare profile of Vivity may be preferable. If you want to read menus without reaching for glasses as often, AT LARA or Symfony might be a better fit.
It’s also worth remembering that lens implantation is just one part of the surgery. How well the operation is performed, how accurately your eye measurements are taken, and how healthy your eye is overall will all influence your final outcome
Lifestyle Questions to Ask Yourself
Before deciding on a lens, it helps to step back and think about your lifestyle. Here are some questions worth asking:
- Do you drive frequently at night?
- Is your work primarily on a computer, or do you spend more time reading fine print?
- How much are you hoping to avoid glasses altogether?
- Do you have hobbies that demand crisp near vision, such as sewing or playing music?
- Would you be more comfortable with a design that minimises visual side-effects, even if it means relying on readers occasionally?
Answering these questions honestly will make it much easier for your surgeon to recommend the lens that truly fits your needs.
The Role of Your Surgeon
Surgeons play a major role in guiding patients toward the right choice. They not only know the technical strengths and weaknesses of each lens but also have firsthand experience of how patients respond after implantation.
A surgeon who has implanted hundreds of Symfony lenses may feel confident in their ability to achieve excellent results with that lens. Another who has seen strong outcomes with Vivity may recommend it more often for patients worried about night-time vision. Similarly, some surgeons may prefer Zeiss AT LARA for patients who want a broader range of spectacle independence.
Rather than trying to decide the “best” brand on your own, the most effective strategy is to have a detailed consultation where your surgeon takes into account your eye health, your vision goals, and their own expertise.
FAQ: Which Company’s EDOF Lens Is Best?
1. What is an EDOF lens?
An Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lens is an advanced type of intraocular lens designed to provide patients with a broader range of clear vision compared to a standard monofocal lens. Instead of focusing light at just one distance, it stretches the focal point so that you can see clearly at both far and intermediate ranges. This means you may be able to drive, watch television, and work on a computer without glasses. While you may still need reading glasses for very fine print or prolonged close-up work, EDOF lenses are designed to minimise this dependence. Their key strength lies in offering smooth, continuous vision with fewer side-effects than traditional multifocal lenses.
2. How does the Johnson & Johnson Tecnis Symfony compare to others?
The Tecnis Symfony is well known because it was the first EDOF lens approved internationally, giving it the longest clinical history and the most research backing. It uses a diffractive design that both extends the depth of focus and reduces chromatic aberration, which improves clarity. Many patients who receive Symfony enjoy excellent distance and intermediate vision, making it useful for activities like driving and computer use. It also comes in a toric version for people with astigmatism, so it can correct multiple issues at once. The main drawback is that, like other diffractive lenses, it can cause mild halos or glare in low-light settings, but this tends to be less troublesome than with classic multifocal designs.
3. What makes the Alcon AcrySof IQ Vivity unique?
The AcrySof IQ Vivity lens by Alcon is unique because it is the first widely available non-diffractive EDOF lens. It uses a wavefront-shaping technology called “X-Wave” that manipulates light without splitting it into rings, which reduces the likelihood of visual disturbances like halos and glare. This feature makes it especially appealing for patients who do a lot of night driving or are sensitive to glare. In terms of vision, it provides excellent distance and functional intermediate clarity, so many daily activities can be performed without glasses. The trade-off is that near vision is not as strong as with Symfony or Zeiss AT LARA, meaning patients often still need glasses for reading. Even so, many people prefer it because of its smoother night vision profile and reduced risk of side-effects.
4. How does the Zeiss AT LARA lens perform?
The Zeiss AT LARA lens is another strong option in the EDOF category, combining diffractive optics with chromatic aberration correction. Its design helps deliver sharp distance and intermediate vision, with some functional near vision that often goes a little further than what Vivity provides. Many patients find they can read menus or their phone screen in good lighting without glasses, even though small print may still require them. Zeiss is also a trusted name in optics, which reassures people about the precision and quality of the lens. Like other diffractive models, some people may still notice halos or glare, but in most cases these are mild and tend to settle over time. The AT LARA appeals to patients who want a balanced option with a touch more near vision compared to Vivity.
5. Which EDOF lens is best for night driving?
For patients who are particularly concerned about night driving, the Alcon Vivity is usually considered the safest bet. Because it avoids diffractive rings, it tends to produce fewer halos and glare around headlights, which can otherwise be distracting. Symfony and AT LARA also provide good performance, but they are more likely to cause mild night-time phenomena due to their diffractive optics. That said, not every patient experiences these side-effects, and many adapt quickly if they do occur. Ultimately, your surgeon will weigh your driving habits, lifestyle, and eye health before advising on the best option for minimising night vision issues.
6. Do all EDOF lenses reduce the need for reading glasses?
Yes, all EDOF lenses reduce dependence on glasses, but none of them completely remove the need for reading glasses. They are designed primarily to cover distance and intermediate ranges, meaning that tasks such as driving, cooking, or using a computer can often be done without glasses. However, if you enjoy reading books, doing needlework, or working with very fine detail, you will likely still need readers for comfort. Some patients see this as a fair compromise, as they prefer fewer visual disturbances compared to multifocals, while still gaining significant freedom from glasses in daily life.
7. Is one company’s EDOF lens more widely used than the others?
At present, Johnson & Johnson’s Tecnis Symfony is the most widely used globally, largely because it has been available for the longest time and has a strong body of published evidence behind it. Alcon’s Vivity and Zeiss’ AT LARA are newer, but their popularity is growing quickly as more surgeons gain experience and patients seek alternatives with different strengths. The availability of each lens can also vary depending on your location and your surgeon’s preferences. What’s most important is not how many have been implanted worldwide, but how well each lens matches your particular eyes and lifestyle.
8. Can EDOF lenses correct astigmatism?
Yes, all the leading EDOF lenses — Symfony, Vivity, and AT LARA — are available in toric models, which are designed to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common condition where the cornea is shaped more like a rugby ball than a football, causing blurred or distorted vision. If it isn’t corrected, even the best EDOF lens won’t deliver its full potential. That’s why having accurate pre-surgery measurements and choosing the right toric lens power are crucial. Your surgeon will guide you on this, and for patients with moderate to high astigmatism, choosing a toric version can make a huge difference to the final outcome.
9. How do I know which EDOF lens is right for me?
The best way to decide is by looking at your lifestyle and priorities. If you want the broadest possible intermediate range and don’t mind mild halos, Symfony or AT LARA might suit you best. If you drive at night frequently and want to avoid visual side-effects, Vivity could be the safer option. Your eye health also matters: for example, patients with certain corneal conditions may respond better to one design over another. A careful discussion with your surgeon, supported by detailed measurements of your eyes, is the only way to match the right technology to your specific situation.
10. What role does the surgeon play in lens choice?
Your surgeon plays a central role in ensuring you get the best possible results. Not only do they assess the health of your eyes and recommend which lenses are suitable, but they also bring their own experience of seeing how patients respond to each model in real life. A surgeon who has implanted hundreds of Vivity lenses, for example, will have valuable insights into how people adapt to them compared to other designs. Beyond the lens itself, the surgeon’s precision in carrying out the procedure is just as important in determining your final vision. For this reason, trusting their guidance is one of the most important parts of the decision-making process.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to EDOF lenses, there is no single “best” company. Johnson & Johnson’s Tecnis Symfony, Alcon’s AcrySof IQ Vivity, and Zeiss’ AT LARA all have their own strengths, and each can provide excellent results in the right patient. What matters most is matching the lens technology to your eyes, your lifestyle, and your preferences.
If you’re considering cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange and want to explore which EDOF lens might be right for you, our team at the London Cataract Centre can help. We’ll guide you through the options, explain the trade-offs in plain language, and work with you to make sure your surgery delivers the vision that best suits your life.
References
- Chang, D.H. et al. (2021) Visual outcomes and safety of the TECNIS Symfony IOL. Clinical Ophthalmology, 15, pp. 2375–2386. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8865208/
- Tan, J. et al. (2019) Visual outcomes following implantation of a diffractive extended depth of focus IOL (Symfony). Clinical Ophthalmology, 13, pp. 1367–1374. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6607220/
- Newsom, T. and Potvin, R. (2021) Clinical and optical evaluations of Vivity, Symfony, and AT LARA IOLs. ASCRS Annual Meeting Papers. Available at: https://annualmeeting.ascrs.org/-/media/files/2021-papers/sps-210/73643-final-vivity-iit-ascrs-2021_06_29—–read-only.pdf