Cataract Lens Options

One of the questions you’ll be asked before cataract surgery is about the type of artificial lens you’d like to be fitted. There are many options—from monofocal to advanced ones that use the muscles of the eye to give you great focus at all distances. Others can correct astigmatism and others work similarly to varifocal eyeglasses. 

Everything You Need to Know about Cataract Lens Options and Which is the Right One for You

• The different types of intraocular lenses
• Lifestyle, surgery type, and professional advice will guide your lens choice

The different types of intraocular lenses

There are four general categories of intraocular lenses (IOLs). These are:

• Monofocal
• Multifocal
• Toric
• Light-adjustable

Monofocal lenses provide focused vision at a single distance—either near or far. Much in the same way as single-focus eyeglasses, they’ll provide you with the right prescription which means you’ll have clarity at your chosen distance. You’ll then wear eyeglasses to allow you to see clearly at the other distance. The most common choice is to have the lens set up for far distances, meaning you’ll only need to wear glasses for close-up work, such as reading.

Multifocal lenses are a bit like bifocal or varifocal eyeglasses. In other words, they have two or three prescriptions built into the lens so that you can see clearly at near, far, and perhaps mid-distance as well.

Toric lenses are premium IOLs that also treat astigmatism. They have multiple prescriptions built in to correct the problem. Because they need to be sited with extreme precision, they are only an option if you’re undergoing laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Light-adjustable lenses are the latest cutting-edge addition to the range of IOLs. They’re revolutionary because the prescription can be adjusted after surgery. This is made possible thanks to a unique, photosensitive construction material.

Lifestyle, surgery type, and professional advice will guide your lens choice

The type of IOL that’s right for you will be dependent on various factors. 

• Your lifestyle: If you’re very active and would rather you’re not encumbered by having to wear glasses, then you might choose to go with multifocal lenses. Or perhaps you love doing close-up work and don’t mind wearing glasses for distance. In this case, perhaps a monofocal lens will be well suited.
• The type of surgery: There are two forms of cataract surgery—traditional and laser-assisted. If you want a premium IOL, then these can only be fitted during a laser cataract procedure.
• Your eye anatomy: For those with astigmatism, a toric lens might suit. However, with advances in cataract surgery procedures, it’s now possible for the surgeon to treat astigmatism by laser during the same operation.

As you can see, there are multiple options and the right lens is down to your personal needs. The choice of lens will be a joint decision made by you and your surgeon. You’ll discuss the pros and cons of each and he or she will use their expertise to guide you towards the lens that will best suit your requirements.

Get the Ultimate Cataract Surgery Experience at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

The surgical procedure and cataract lens options are an ever-advancing science. The Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic at the West Boca Eye Center is a world-leading facility when it comes to all things cataract-related. Led by Dr. Brent Bellotte—a globally renowned ophthalmologist who’s dedicated his life to the advancement of cataract treatment—there’s simply no better place to take full advantage of the latest surgical techniques and advanced cataract lens options.

Find out more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com and call today to book an appointment.