Functional vision is the basic vision used to perform everyday functions like identifying objects, tracking movement and discerning spatial relationships. Functional vision is an important consideration for cataract patients, especially in low-visibility conditions, where seconds can matter in recognizing danger.

One of the most fundamental activities affected by cataracts is driving. It's a frustrating, unsettling moment when you realize, while driving on a rainy night, that you may not be up to the task of operating a vehicle because of your vision.

Patients with the AcrySof® IQ lens participated in a night driving study that assessed performance in 36 distinct conditions, which simulated city and rural settings under clear, glared and foggy circumstances. Results showed that the respondents with the AcrySof® IQ lens had improved functional vision, resulting in more time to take appropriate action. In other words, for motorists who have trouble driving at night, the AcrySof® IQ lens can make a significant difference at the most critical moments.

Out of the 36 driving conditions tested, subjects with the IQ lens performed functionally better in 34 instances. The lens' performance in 12 of these conditions was statistically significant, particularly in the cases of detecting and identifying city pedestrians and rural warning signs under glare and fog conditions.

If you believe cataracts could be limiting the functional vision you need for tasks such as driving, ask your doctor if the AcrySof® IQ lens is right for you.

 
Want to learn more about other Alcon products for cataract patients?

Learn how the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® lens may provide you with a full range of vision and freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery.

Learn how the AcrySof® IQ Toric lens treats both cataracts and astigmatism at the same time, offering quality distance vision.

[Page updated August 2009]