IC-8® Apthera™ IOL
Bausch + Lomb IC-8® Apthera™ IOL
Precision Vision with Pinhole Technology from a Leading Austin Cataract Surgeon
At Westlake Eye Specialists, we are committed to offering our patients advanced, personalized solutions for cataract surgery—especially when vision goals go beyond standard lenses. The IC-8® Apthera™ IOL from Bausch + Lomb is a breakthrough in Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lens technology, using pinhole optics to deliver crisp vision across a wide range of distances, even for patients with minor corneal irregularities.
If you’re looking for full-range, high-quality vision with less dependence on glasses, this innovative lens might be right for you. Our board-certified Austin cataract surgeons are proud to offer Apthera as part of our premium lens portfolio for patients in Austin, Killeen, Kyle, and New Braunfels.
What Is the IC-8 Apthera Lens?
The IC-8 Apthera IOL uses small-aperture (pinhole) optics to focus light in a highly controlled way, improving depth of field and minimizing the visual distortions that can occur with irregular corneas or previous refractive surgery.
This lens is implanted in one eye only—typically the non-dominant eye—while the other eye receives a standard monofocal or EDOF lens. Together, they create a full range of functional vision, allowing you to see well at near, intermediate, and distance ranges with a high degree of stability and minimal need for glasses.
Unique Benefits of the IC-8 Apthera IOL:
- Extended depth of focus through small-aperture design
- Ideal for patients with previous LASIK/PRK or corneal irregularities
- Reduced visual disturbances like halos or glare
- High tolerance to minor refractive errors
- Sharp, continuous vision from near to far distances
- Can correct up to 1.5D of corneal astigmatism without a toric design
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Apthera IOL?
As your trusted Austin cataract surgery team, we carefully evaluate your full visual profile—including eye dominance, corneal measurements, and lifestyle habits—to determine whether Apthera is a match for your goals.
This lens is ideal for patients who:
- Have had previous LASIK, PRK, or RK
- Have mild corneal irregularities that limit standard IOL performance
- Want clear vision at all distances
- Prefer to avoid multifocal IOLs due to light scatter or halos
- Can comfortably adapt to a blended-vision strategy (Apthera in one eye, monofocal/EDOF in the other)
Patients in Kyle, Killeen, and New Braunfels who desire the widest visual range with reduced spectacle dependence often find Apthera to be a life-changing option.
How It Works
The IC-8 Apthera lens contains a central mask with a 1.36mm aperture that filters unfocused light while allowing only the most direct light rays to reach the retina. This creates a pinhole effect, naturally extending the range of focus without diffractive optics.
Combined with a carefully selected IOL in the opposite eye, this approach offers:
- Distance vision comparable to monofocal IOLs
- Intermediate clarity for daily tasks like working at a computer or cooking
- Functional near vision, often without glasses
- Less dependence on perfect alignment or astigmatism correction
The IC-8 Apthera Lens
The IC-8 Apthera lens contains a central mask with a 1.36mm aperture that filters unfocused light while allowing only the most direct light rays to reach the retina. This creates a pinhole effect, naturally extending the range of focus without diffractive optics.
Combined with a carefully selected IOL in the opposite eye, this approach offers:
- Distance vision comparable to monofocal IOLs
- Intermediate clarity for daily tasks like working at a computer or cooking
- Functional near vision, often without glasses
- Less dependence on perfect alignment or astigmatism correction
Cataract surgery with the IC-8 Apthera is performed just like any other IOL procedure and typically takes under 30 minutes per eye. Since the lens is placed in only one eye, your second eye will be treated with a lens that complements your vision strategy.
Our surgical process includes:
- Laser-assisted lens placement and capsulotomy
- Intraoperative guidance to ensure centered positioning
- Advanced diagnostics and wavefront mapping pre-op
- Post-op monitoring to ensure full adaptation and binocular balance
Our Austin cataract surgeons are among the few providers in Central Texas offering the IC-8 Apthera, and we have the experience to guide you through every detail.
Clear Vision with Confidence
If you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for traditional multifocal or toric lenses—or if you’ve had prior vision surgery—the IC-8 Apthera could open the door to freedom from glasses.
Available at Westlake Eye Specialists locations in:
- Austin, TX
- Kyle, TX
- Killeen, TX
- New Braunfels, TX
Call now or schedule your cataract consultation online to meet with a trusted Austin cataract surgeon and find out if the IC-8 Apthera is the right lens for your unique vision needs.
