Jan. 6, 2023

Sioux Falls is home to a first in cataract surgery after Dr. Vance Thompson successfully implanted a new type of lens this week.

Thompson, an ophthalmologist and the founder of Vance Thompson Vision, was the first U.S. surgeon to implant the IC-8 Apthera intraocular lens following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in July.

This new lens is the first and only non-toric lens to offer extended depth of focus vision for cataract patients with astigmatism up to 1.5 diopters. It can help correct astigmatism and irregular astigmatism and is also an option for patients with other corneal conditions, such as keratoconus.

“We are committed to offering our patients the most advanced options so they can enjoy life and reach their visual goals,” Thompson said in a statement. “We have been working with the company since they started developing this new lens and knew that the way that it focuses light will help vision quality and provide a continuous range of vision.”

An estimated 24 million people in the United States have cataracts, which can be treated only surgically, Thompson said. Cataract surgery, which involves replacing the eye’s natural, cloudy lens with a new, clear lens implant, is the most common surgery in the United States.

The Apthera IOL is used in advanced cataract surgery – also known as laser or refractive cataract surgery – which helps patients reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Premium lenses used in advanced cataract surgery allow patients to significantly recover age-related vision loss and improve their overall visual quality, Thompson said.

While Thursday’s surgery is the first following FDA approval, it was not the first time the IOL has been used in Sioux Falls. Vance Thompson Vision participated in the FDA clinical trial for the IOL from 2018 to 2020 and enrolled more patients than any other trial location.

The Apthera IOL will be available in the coming months at Vance Thompson Vision.

“We care deeply about giving our patients world-class care and treatment options that fit their lives,” Thompson said. “When we have the opportunity to offer new technology and advancements that are also proven and successful, we embrace that so our patients can have the greatest outcomes possible.”