How does the PanOptix Pro reduce light scatter and improves light utilization?
- Subhabrata Bhattacharya
- May 2, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Alcon recently launched the Clareon Panoptix Pro with ENLIGHTEN® NXT Optical technology that utilizes more light (94%) which is significantly higher than that of the parent version (88%). This has been possible due to a reduction in light scatter. For those who follow quickguide.org closely will know that this website is created to understand the 'HOW' part, rather than just be content with the 'WHAT' part. So the objective of my communication here is to understand 'How' does Alcon achieve minimizing light scatter and increase diffractive efficiency with Clareon Panoptix Pro? At the outset, let me tell you that not many information is available about the IOL, and therefore, I try to decipher what little information is available on the Panoptix Pro.
The FDA premarket approval for Clareon PanOptix Pro refers to minor optical modification on the parent model (Panoptix). This 'minor optical modification' referred to by Alcon as ENLIGHTEN® NXT Optical technology, may be the reason behind reducing light scattering. The question is, what particular minor optical modification has been done with the PanOptix Pro?
To understand this, we need to have an idea of the different ways of light scattering.
What is light scattering?
Light scattering refers to a change in the light path to many directions compared to the intended path of light, once light encounters with optical inhomogeneities, like diffractive steps or rings. Light scattering should not be confused with aberrations in the optics or in eye. Higher order or lower order aberrations are related to light that travels at small angles and reach the fovea. Light scatter is related to light that travels at larger angles and spreads on the retina. There could be many different types of light scattering, like Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering depending on the size of the optical inhomogeneities that light encounters. Rayleigh scattering happens when light interacts with particles in the optical medium that are many times smaller than the wavelength of light that crosses the optics.
But Mie scattering of light is more appropriate for discussion, as this kind of scattering happens when light encounters particles or optical inhomogeneities that are comparable to the wavelength of light. Or in other words, Mie scattering happens when the diffractive steps or rings are similar or larger in size compared to the wavelength of light.
