What is an Intraocular Lens (IOLs)
Much like a camera, your eye’s natural crystalline lens plays an important role in focusing images. When a cataract clouds the lens, it makes it virtually impossible to see clearly.
When your cataract progresses to the point that daily tasks become difficult and interferes with your quality of life, you will need cataract surgery. During surgery, your eye’s natural lens will be replaced by an intraocular lens, or IOL.
An intraocular lens is an artificial lens made of plastic, silicone or acrylic that performs the function of the eye’s natural lens. Most of today’s IOLs are around a quarter of an inch in diameter and soft enough to be folded so they can be placed into the eye through a very small incision.
Many of today’s advanced lenses not only restore vision but can reduce or virtually eliminate your dependency on glasses. Lenses are now available that correct distance vision, near vision, astigmatism and other eye conditions.
Until fairly recently, nearly everyone who had cataract surgery was fitted with a standard intraocular, or monofocal, lens. Monofocal lenses allow you see objects in the distance clearly but require that you wear glasses to see objects that are closer. However, recent advancements in lens technology have made it possible to not only treat the cataract but reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses as well.
The type of IOL you need depends on your particular situation. Your doctor will work with you to determine which lens is best for you.
There are four basic types of intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Monofocal Lenses
Also known as standard lenses, provide clear vision but only at one fixed focal point, usually at a distance. If you are fitted with a monofocal lens, you will most likely need glasses to see up close.
Multifocal Lenses
These have special features that correct your near, intermediate, and distance vision in the same lens. Multifocal IOLs provide your best chance at being free of glasses for the majority of activities. Multifocal lenses we use:
Accommodative Lenses
Accommodative lenses, also known as variable focus lenses, are designed to move in response to your eye muscles to adjust for near, immediate and far vision. Those who are able to retrain their eye muscles to move the lens have experienced relief from presbyopia as well as cataracts. However, accommodative lenses actually have a fixed focal point, which makes them a type of monofocal lens.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are designed for people with astigmatism, reducing or virtually eliminating the need for glasses for distance vision following surgery in people with astigmatism.
No single lens works best for everyone. Only your ophthalmologist can determine the most appropriate option for you and will work with you to help you select the right course of treatment. To learn more about which lens may be for you please contact us here. Not everyone is a good candidate for an IOL, either. If you had cataract surgery before replacement lenses were available, or you are considered a poor candidate because of additional eye diseases or conditions, you may need to be fitted with special contact lenses or require another treatment option instead.
