Before the development of intraocular lenses (IOLs), you would need thick eyeglasses or special contacts in order to see even after cataract surgery. However, with IOLs you can have improved vision without glasses or contacts.
What is an IOL?
An intraocular lens (IOL) is a synthetic, artificial lens placed inside the eye to replace the natural lens removed during cataract surgery. The majority of IOLs are approximately one-third the size of a dime and made of a foldable, flexible material.
Why Are IOL’s Used?
When the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, most of the eye’s ability to focus is lost. To restore vision, there are three options: eyeglasses, contact lenses, or a permanent IOL. If you have cataract surgery in one eye, the magnification in one eye can hinder the binocularity of your vision. Tolerating and handling contact lenses can be difficult for some. The third option, a permanent IOL surgically placed inside the eye, makes good vision effortless and more natural.
Types of IOL’s Available
There are three types of IOLs available: monofocal fixed-focus, multifocal and accommodating.
Monofocal fixed-focus provides corrected vision at a set distance, i.e. near, far, or intermediate. You will need glasses for clear vision at either near or far distances. Multifocal lenses are designed with a series of focal zones and, depending on how
Multifocal lenses are designed with a series of focal zones and, depending on how the light comes through the zones, may allow you to see both near and far objects.
Accommodative lenses let specific eye muscles move the IOL, changing the focus in the same way a natural lens would so that you can have clear vision at all distances.
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR®
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL’s help cataracts patients open a whole new word for your vision. Designed to reduce the need for glasses, patients will feel see the environment around them better than ever before. Patients can lead more active lifestyles as they can expect this lens to improve their vision over a range of distances.
Crystalens®
The Crystalens® IOL can treat cataracts and the loss of nearby vision (presbyopia). Patients will immediately notice a different in how full their vision has become. Activities such as driving, working on a computer, reading restaurant menus, and watching television become much easier.
Tecnis Multifocal®
The advanced TECNIS® Multifocal lens will improve patients vision at all distances and all lighting conditions. Many patients experience the best vision they have had in years with TECNIS®. In a recent study, 9 out of 10 people do not need glasses after receiving TECNIS® multifocal lens.
Toric Lens®
The Toric® lens will c0rrect any cataracts problems, as well as if you have astigmatism. The unique design allows the lens to eliminate corneal astigmatism. This will significantly improve your distance vision.
Trulign Toric Lens®
The Trulign Toric Lens® is one of the newest types of intraocular lens implants available today. There are no other lenses available that can correct up to three diopters of astigmatism and give you the clear vision Trulign® does.
Is It Right for You?
Once you have decided to have cataract surgery, choosing an IOL is the next decision you need to make. You and your ophthalmologist will discuss your options to decide if an IOL is right for you, and if so, which type you should choose.
