IntraOcular Lens Implants
During the removal of a cataract, an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is typically placed in the eye to focus vision again. Today there are a variety of IOL’s available.
Standard Single Focus (Traditional) IOL
This type of lens is designed to improve vision at one distance.
This is the type of lens typically included in the medical insurance cataract surgery coverage benefit.
With this lens clearer vision after removal of the cataract is the goal, however spectacle lenses or contact lenses are typically necessary to correct any astigmatism as well as for intermediate tasks such as computer work and for near tasks such as reading.
Advanced (Lifestyle) IOL Options
Astigmatism-Correcting (Toric) IOL
A toric IOL is designed to correct astigmatism from inside the eye. This allows maximal clarity of distance vision even without eyeglasses. There may still be a need for eyeglasses at certain times and depending on the amount of original astigmatism, but in general, they allow the most freedom from glasses and best quality distance correction. Eyeglasses will still be needed for intermediate and near tasks.
A further advantage of toric IOL’s is that because they do the correcting of the astigmatism inside the eye vs. outside as with eyeglasses, the quality of the image received by the brain is superior to that received from glasses or contact lenses. This quality improvement typically is appreciable to the brain. This is akin to the appreciation of increased clarity of an image from a high definition (HD) TV screen vs. a standard screen resolution.
Presbyopia-Correcting (Extended Depth of Focus) IOL
These IOL’s provide visual correction at all distances (near, intermediate and far) to allow patients the most visual freedom possible and reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses. They simultaneously correct farsightedness or nearsightedness as well as astigmatism and the age-related condition called presbyopia which causes the need for bifocals or reading glasses.
Custom Vision Correction
Our doctors are specialized and highly experienced in the use of advanced testing, advanced IOLs and surgical planning to design a uniquely crafted surgical approach that is personalized to each of your eyes and is designed to provide the best possible vision for your needs. This usually involves delivering to you the best quality and clearest vision possible for your eyes at all distances.