IOL Options

Until recently, the primary option for cataract surgery was to receive a “fixed focus” IOL. Patients who received this type of IOL typically had both eyes corrected for distant vision but usually still required glasses for intermediate and near vision. If you are experiencing presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close without the aid of bifocals, trifocals, or reading glasses) or cataracts, you may be a candidate for one of the new technologically advanced IOLs that can provide a full range of vision.

This means that you can read and see clearly in the distance and everything in-between, with little or no dependence on bifocals, trifocals, or contact lenses. It’s almost like having bifocals or progressive lens inside your eye.

Multifocal lens implants are lenses that provide multiple focal points by use of an optical process called diffraction. They are designed to correct presbyopia (near vision loss that occurs with age) in order to provide a range of vision: near, intermediate and distance vision. Part- time glasses may still be needed after implantation of this type of lens. ReSTOR® and Tecnis® are the two brands of lenses that utilize this technology.

This style of lens does not correct astigmatism and can create visual effects at night from lights. Generally, patients are not severely bothered by these phenomena.

Accommodating lens implants are premium lenses that contain a hinge- type design, and are intended to provide near and far vision. Crystalens® is currently the only FDA approved intraocular lens (IOL) that utilizes this type of lens function. Part- time glasses may still be needed after implantation of this type of lens. This style of lens does not correct astigmatism.

Toric Lens Implants are astigmatism- correcting monofocal lens implants. This type of lens is designed to correct astigmatism. The goal is to create focused vision at a predetermined location, either distance or near objects. Most patients opt for sharp distance vision. Reading glasses may still be necessary after implantation of this type of lens. This type of lens is not intended to provide distance and near vision simultaneously.

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