Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Cataracts on April 12, 2024
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Millions of people undergo this safe, effective surgery.
Depending on the type of artificial intraocular lens (IOL) you choose, you may even be able to significantly reduce your dependence on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses. Keep reading to learn more about IOLs, including the differences between premium and standard IOLs!
How Do IOLs Work?
During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon will remove the clouded natural lens inside your eye. When this lens becomes cloudy, it causes vision issues due to blocking light from reaching the retina, causing blurry vision and glare.
To help restore your vision, your cataract surgeon will replace your natural lens with an artificial lens called an intraocular Lens or IOL. IOLs immediately improve the vision issues caused by cataracts since the new lens is transparent and helps to focus light.
However, IOLs can go a step further and correct your refraction error. When in the eye, they work similarly to contact lenses or glasses by correcting how light is refracted when traveling through the eye.
What Are the Different Types of IOLs?
There are two general categories of IOLs: standard and premium.
Standard IOLs correct vision at one range. Premium IOLs can correct your vision so you see clearly at multiple distances, like far away and near.
Standard Monofocal IOL
Standard monofocal lenses correct vision at one distance. You can select whether they work for distance, intermediate, or near vision.
Most people who choose a monofocal IOL decide to have their distance vision corrected. This way, they can see well for activities like driving or watching TV without glasses.
In this case, they will need to use reading glasses to read printed materials or for computer work.
Wavefront Monofocal IOL
Wavefront monofocal lenses are premium monofocal IOLs that offer better correction than traditional monofocal IOLs. Wavefront implants are aspheric, so the curvature of the lens surface is different at the center than it is around the edges.
This can allow you to have crisper, clearer vision than traditional standard IOLs. The Wavefront monofocal IOL can be a great option for those who don’t mind wearing glasses after cataract surgery and want to improve the quality of their vision.
Toric IOL
If you have astigmatism and wear contact lenses, you may already be familiar with the toric type of lenses. Like toric contacts, toric IOLs are specially shaped to correct vision problems caused by astigmatism.
Toric IOLs are a premium option and can provide correction for distance vision. You may still need to wear glasses for reading or computer work.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are premium lenses that work similarly to bifocal glasses. They offer correction at multiple distances, so your vision will be clear for close-up and far-away.
Choosing multifocal lenses can allow you to have greater visual freedom after cataract surgery.
Extended Depth of Focus IOLs
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses are another premium IOL option for correcting vision at multiple distances. They use an elongated focal point to give vision correction at all distances.
EDOF lenses are also one of the best options for correcting intermediate vision range, which helps with computer and smartphone use.
Your IOL choice may depend on your vision correction needs and insurance coverage. Medicare and other insurance plans often pay for monofocal lenses but don’t cover the added costs of premium lenses.
Your eye doctor can help you determine which IOL option may be best for you based on your budget and vision goals.
Do you want to learn more about your IOL options? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
