Spotlight on TECNIS Odyssey™

This Spotlight Series article is editorially independent content.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally and the primary cause of vision loss in the United States. Approximately 20.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older (17.2%) have cataracts in 1 or both eyes, and 6.1 million (5.1%) have undergone lens removal surgery. If left untreated, cataracts progressively worsen vision over time. Many individuals with cataracts also experience other vision issues, such as presbyopia, which typically becomes noticeable around age 40 years.^1,2 Cataract surgery is a common procedure, with 9 in 10 people experiencing improved vision after surgery.³

TECNIS Odyssey™: Next-Generation IOL

Advancements in intraocular lens (IOL) technology have significantly transformed presbyopia-correcting cataract surgery, improving visual outcomes for patients.⁴ Built on the TECNIS platform, the TECNIS Odyssey IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision) is a presbyopia-correcting IOL that combines multifocal and extended depth of focus technologies.⁵

Launched in 2024, TECNIS Odyssey is indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia in adult patients with <1 diopter of preexisting corneal astigmatism in whom a cataract lens has been removed. The TECNIS Simplicity (Johnson & Johnson Vision) delivery system is used to fold and assist in inserting the IOL. The same delivery system is used with TECNIS Odyssey Toric II IOL, which is indicated for primary implantation for the visual correction of aphakia and for the reduction of refractive astigmatism in adult patients with ≥1 diopter of preoperative corneal astigmatism in whom cataract lens has been removed.⁶

Efficacy Data

TECNIS Odyssey IOLs mitigate the effects of presbyopia by providing enhanced visual acuity at intermediate and near distances to minimize eyeglass wear while maintaining comparable distance visual acuity.⁶

In US-based clinical studies, patients reported:⁶

• 94% satisfied with their overall vision without glasses
• 96% confidence with reading on a smartphone or tablet
• 97% satisfied with distance vision
• 92% satisfied with their ability to see steps and read street signs at night

TECNIS Odyssey’s unique freeform diffractive surface was designed to eliminate the gaps between near, intermediate, and far distances, contributing to a low incidence of bothersome visual disturbances such as halos, glares, and starbursts. Its optimized dysphotopsia profile was demonstrated in a multicenter, real-world clinical analysis of reported outcomes at 1 month postoperative visit (FIGURE 1).⁷

TECNIS Odyssey also demonstrated a continuous full range of vision with improved near vision compared with PanOptix^® IOL (Alcon). Patients implanted with the TECNIS Odyssey lens were able to read print that was 14% smaller on average compared with patients implanted with PanOptix IOL (FIGURE 2). TECNIS Odessey also demonstrated superior low-light contrast compared to PanOptix. (FIGURE 3).^6,7

Safety Information and Clinical Considerations

TECNIS Odyssey IOLs have no listed contraindications; however, surgeons should carefully evaluate patient selection and counsel patients on the potential risks and benefits associated with implantation. As with routine cataract surgery, complications may be minor and temporary or, in rare cases, may permanently affect vision. Potential complications include worsening vision, bleeding, and infection. Patients implanted with TECNIS Odyssey IOLs may also experience visual disturbances such as halos or glare, particularly in nighttime or low-visibility conditions. Although these effects are generally manageable, they may be bothersome and, in rare instances, significant enough to warrant IOL removal. Recent contact lens wear may alter refractive measurements; therefore, corneal stability should be established before determining IOL power. Patients with predicted postoperative astigmatism >1.0 diopter may not achieve the same reductions in glasses dependence or improvements in intermediate and near vision observed in patients with lower astigmatism.^7,8

For more information, www.jnjvisionpro.com/en-us/products/tecnis-odyssey.

 References

1. About common eye disorders and diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/
2. Turbert D. What is presbyopia? American Academy of Ophthalmology. May 21, 2026. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia
3. Cataract surgery. National Eye Institute. Updated December 5, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts/cataract-surgery
4. Kang S, Arsenault SM, O’Brien RC, et al. Comparison of visual performance and patient satisfaction between two trifocal intraocular lenses: a prospective, paired-eye comparative study. Clin Ophthalmol. 2026;20:572237. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S572237
5. Hacopian AG, Brunson PB, Hall B. Patient reported outcomes and visual acuity after bilateral implantation of a next generation presbyopia correcting intraocular lens. Clin Ophthalmol. 2026;20:572703. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S572703
6. Johnson & Johnson rolls out the new TECNIS Odyssey next-generation intraocular lens offering cataract patients precise vision at every distance in any lighting. News release. Johnson & Johnson. September 30, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/johnson-johnson-rolls-out-new-tecnis-odyssey-next-generation-intraocular-lens-offering-cataract-patients-precise-vision-at-every-distance-in-any-lighting
7. TECNIS Odyssey™ IOL. Johnson & Johnson. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.jnjvisionpro.com/en-us/products/tecnis-odyssey/
8. Johnson & Johnson. TECNIS Odyssey™ IOL. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blta38a56f5447b1cc5/blt673832b7a46bc13c/69b9c339321ab5f45560361c/English_Patient_Brochure_-_TECNIS_Odyssey.pdf?branch=prod_alias