Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Cataracts on January 30, 2024
Millions of people get cataract surgery every year. This safe, effective procedure allows your eye doctor to remove the clouded natural lens inside your eye and replace it with a new, clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
IOLs can clear vision that has become discolored and blurred by cataracts. Premium IOLs can also address a variety of other vision problems and allow you to experience reduced dependence on visual aids after the procedure.
Keep reading to learn how you know if you should choose a premium IOL!
Types of Premium IOLs
The standard IOL is a monofocal lens that corrects vision for one distance, either near, intermediate or far. Most people who choose a monofocal IOL elect to have their distance vision corrected.
In this case, they will still need to use glasses for other activities that require clear near or intermediate vision, such as reading or computer use.
Monofocal Wavefront Lens
Wavefront lenses are a new technology that uses computer modeling of the eye to give you the most precise monofocal correction. These IOLs offer the same degree of sharpness as glasses due to their more sophisticated shape.
Because they only correct for one distance, you may need to wear glasses for close-up work if you choose this lens.
Toric Lens
If you have a curvature to the front of your eye or your natural lens, known as astigmatism, a toric IOL may be right for you. Toric IOLs can correct astigmatism and reduce the visual distortion typically caused by it.
Multifocal Lens
A multifocal lens corrects your vision at both distant and intermediate distances. They are similar to bifocal glasses with different degrees of correction in a single lens.
Most people who opt for multifocal IOLs have excellent correction for distant objects and items up close. With this lens, you will likely be able to watch television, drive, read, or do other close-up tasks without glasses.
Extended Depth of Focus Lens
These premium IOLs have an elongated focal point, which can provide sharp vision for both distance and intermediate viewing. With this lens, you likely won’t need glasses for activities like driving or using a laptop.
They offer many of the vision correction benefits of multifocal IOLs without the same risk of glare and halos.
Light-Adjustable Lens
Light-adjustable IOLs are made of light-responsive material that allows the lens to be customized to your eye after cataract surgery. After you recover from the initial procedure, your eye doctor can apply targeted ultraviolet light to the implanted lens.
The lens then adjusts to your desired sharpness and provides customized vision correction.
How Do I Know if a Premium IOL is Right For Me?
When choosing the right IOL, you should think about your goals for vision correction surgery and what your vision priorities are. You should consider questions such as:
- Are you willing to wear glasses, or do you want to minimize the need for glasses as much as possible?
- Do you need to use distance vision or near vision more often?
- Do you drive or work at night? Are you comfortable with glare or halos around lights after dark?
The best way to know for sure which IOL may be best for you is to talk with your eye doctor about your options. Your eye doctor can help you narrow down your options and decide if a premium IOL is best for accomplishing your vision goals.
Do you want to find out more about cataract surgery and premium IOLs? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Hillsboro, OR, today!
