At a glance
- Research involvement: Dr Brendan Cronin and Dr David Gunn contributed to clinical research on PureSee and co-authored a published study of its visual performance. Dr Cronin also contributed to separate research on the preloaded delivery system used with PureSee. [1, 2]
- How it works: PureSee is a purely refractive extended depth of focus (EDOF) lens designed to provide distance and intermediate vision, with some useful near vision. [1]
- What to expect: Reading glasses may still be needed, particularly for small print or prolonged reading. Halos and glare remain possible.
When you discuss cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, your surgeon may suggest several replacement lenses. Each offers a different balance of distance, intermediate and near vision. Understanding that balance takes clinical research as well as experience using a lens in the operating theatre.
At Focus Vision, Dr Brendan Cronin and Dr David Gunn were involved in clinical research on the TECNIS PureSee lens during its development. Both are co-authors of a published study evaluating its visual performance. Dr Cronin has also explained that their earlier trial work helped inform which version of the PureSee optic progressed to market. [1]
What is the PureSee lens?
TECNIS PureSee is an EDOF intraocular lens. It is designed to provide clear distance vision and extend the range of focus for intermediate activities, such as using a computer or viewing a car dashboard. Some patients also gain useful near vision, although reading glasses may still be needed, particularly for small print.
PureSee uses a purely refractive optical design rather than the diffractive rings found in some other lenses intended to reduce dependence on glasses. Clinical research has found a visual-disturbance profile similar to that of the enhanced monofocal lens used for comparison in the study. That does not mean halos or glare cannot occur: individual experiences vary. [1]
Our role in evaluating PureSee
Dr Cronin and Dr Gunn are co-authors of a published multicentre clinical study comparing PureSee with the TECNIS Eyhance enhanced monofocal lens. Researchers measured distance, intermediate and near vision, contrast sensitivity and patient-reported symptoms. [1]
In that study, PureSee provided better measured intermediate and near vision than the comparison lens. Distance vision, contrast sensitivity and reported visual disturbances were similar between the groups. These are results across study participants, not a prediction of an individual patient’s outcome. [1]
According to Dr Cronin, their involvement also included earlier trial work comparing versions of the PureSee optic before the final design was selected for commercial release. That firsthand experience informs how they discuss the lens’s useful range, potential visual effects and limitations with patients.
Their role was in clinical evaluation. Johnson & Johnson Vision designed and manufactured the lens.
The delivery system matters too
An intraocular lens is folded and delivered through a small incision during surgery. PureSee is supplied preloaded in the TECNIS Simplicity delivery system. [3]
Dr Cronin was also an investigator and co-author of a published clinical evaluation of this delivery system. That study used a different TECNIS lens, so it should be understood as research on the injector platform, separate from the PureSee lens study. It provides a further example of his involvement in evaluating cataract surgery technology. [2]
What does this mean when choosing a lens?
Research involvement does not make PureSee the right lens for every patient. It means Dr Cronin and Dr Gunn can draw on direct experience of its clinical evaluation when explaining what the evidence shows, alongside their experience using the lens in practice.
If distance and intermediate vision are your main priorities, PureSee may be worth considering. If reading fine print without glasses matters most, another lens design may better match your goals. Corneal and retinal health, your prescription and your night-driving needs also influence the decision.
At your consultation, your surgeon will explain which lenses may suit your eyes, what each is designed to achieve and when glasses may still help.
Considering cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange? Book a consultation with Dr Brendan Cronin or Dr David Gunn at Focus Vision to discuss whether TECNIS PureSee may suit your eyes and lifestyle.
References
- Corbett D, Black D, Roberts TV, Cronin B, Gunn D, Bala C, et al. Quality of vision clinical outcomes for a new fully-refractive extended depth of focus intraocular lens. Eye. 2024;38(Suppl 1):9–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-024-03039-8
- Black D, Corbett D, Roberts TV, Cronin B, Smith PJ, Janakiraman DP, et al. Clinical evaluation of a novel preloaded intraocular lens delivery system during routine cataract surgery. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2020;14:2291–2300. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S260925
- Johnson & Johnson Vision. TECNIS PureSee IOL product information, showing the lens with the TECNIS Simplicity delivery system. https://www.jnjvisionpro.com/en-us/products/tecnis-puresee/
Lens suitability depends on your eye health and visual needs. All surgery carries risks, and outcomes vary. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives during your consultation.