The eye’s natural lens is removed during cataract surgery. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are small medical devices implanted inside the eye to replace the eye’s natural lens.
They resemble a contact lens. There are several kinds of intraocular lenses (IOL’s). Each is safe and approved by the F.D.A. for use in the United States.
During traditional cataract surgery, the eye surgeon will place a monofocal lens in your eye. Monofocal lenses are the most basic kind of IOL available.
This is the only kind of IOL that insurance will pay for. It only corrects for one range of vision, and most people choose the ability to see clearly at a distance.
Many patients are thrilled that they can drive or see a performance without glasses after cataract surgery. But they will need glasses to see up close, including reading or texting on their smartphone.
Thanks to advances in technology, cataract patients can now see near, far, and in-between after surgery. With premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), many of our patients can enjoy clear distance vision.
They can see clearly at a distance while reducing or eliminating the use of reading glasses. Some premium lenses can even correct the problems of blurry or distorted vision caused by astigmatism.
When you are ready to plan your cataract surgery, your Joshi Eye Institute surgeon will explain the options available. It’s important to discuss your lifestyle and favorite activities so that they understand your priorities.
If you love sports and outdoor activities, you may want an option that minimizes wearing glasses. If you spend more time on a computer, you may want to consider a different lens option.
Premium IOLs are not covered by Medicare or other insurances. The reason for this is because they are not considered medically necessary.
If you want premium lenses, your procedure is still covered but you will need to pay out of pocket for the lenses. The staff at Joshi Eye Institute can explain the options, as lens costs vary.
Toric lenses are premium intraocular lenses that correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. Astigmatism is a common eye problem that occurs when the shape of the eye is more oval than round.
This causes a blurry, distorted view. Toric lenses can help restore crisp, clear distance vision for cataract patients with astigmatism.
Toric IOLs correct astigmatism because they have different powers in different parts of the lens. Alignment markings are placed on the side of the lens during manufacturing.
These markings enable the surgeon to adjust where the IOL gets placed. This is important because it’s how the surgeon corrects astigmatism.
Toric lenses do not correct for close vision, so reading glasses are still needed. More advanced options can offer correction for distance and intermediate (computer use) vision.
Accommodating IOLs offer patients the ability to see distant objects clearly. They also allow patients to have their presbyopia corrected. While most patients can’t get rid of reading glasses altogether, they can usually function well for computer use.
The eyes normally use “accommodation” to focus themselves. During this natural process, our eyes use small muscles to alter the shape of our lenses to change their optical abilities.
Accommodating IOLs use the same muscles to mimic this effect. This allows patients to focus on different distances.
Accommodating IOLs have some flexibility which allows them to move around in the eye. The IOL can move forward slightly when you look at near objects. This feature increases the focusing power of the eye for reading better than a monofocal lens.
Multifocal IOLs expand range of vision by increasing magnification in different areas of the lens. By scattering light through several zones, multifocal IOLs are another kind of IOL that corrects presbyopia.
Since patients can see clearly at several distances, most no longer need reading glasses after surgery. This is something to consider if you don’t want to wear glasses after cataract surgery.
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Click to Request an AppointmentYes. Sometimes, the best visual outcome after cataract surgery occurs if there is a different kind of premium IOL in each eye. For example, you may have more astigmatism in one eye than the other.
Your surgeon might recommend a toric IOL for that eye, and a different type of IOL for the other eye.
Your Joshi Eye Institute eye surgeon will discuss the various IOL options during your cataract screening. Each premium IOL has advantages and disadvantages.
If safe driving at night is your top priority, there are some IOLs that are better in low light and reducing glare.
Other IOLs may be best for achieving some near vision correction. Your doctor will recommend the best solution for you.
Concerned that you may need cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL!
