Cataract surgery does more than remove a cloudy lens from your eye. It also gives you an opportunity to choose how you would like to see after surgery.
During cataract surgery, your eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL. While a standard lens can restore clear vision, today’s premium IOLs may also help correct other vision problems and reduce how often you need glasses.
What Is a Premium IOL?
A standard monofocal IOL is designed to provide clear vision at one distance, usually far away. That means you may see well while driving or watching television but still need reading glasses for books, menus, your phone or other close-up activities.
Premium IOLs offer additional vision correction. Depending on the type of lens you choose, they may provide a broader range of vision, correct astigmatism or reduce your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
What Types of Premium IOLs Are Available?
There are several types of advanced lens implants. Each is designed to address different vision needs. Your eye health, lifestyle and expectations all play a role in determining which lens is best for you.
Multifocal and Trifocal Lenses
- Designed to provide clear vision at more than one distance.
- May help with activities such as driving, using a computer and reading.
- Can reduce dependence on glasses for some patients.
- The Cataract Surgeons offer options such as the Clareon PanOptix Pro trifocal lens, which provides vision at near, intermediate and far distances.
- Some patients may notice halos or glare around lights, especially at night, although these effects may become less noticeable over time.
Toric Lenses
- Designed for patients with astigmatism.
- Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular shape, causing light to focus unevenly and making vision appear blurry or distorted.
- A toric IOL can correct astigmatism during cataract surgery.
- For the right patient, this may improve distance vision and reduce the need for prescription glasses afterward.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses
- Designed to provide a broader range of clear vision, especially from distance to intermediate ranges.
- Can be helpful for activities such as driving, watching television, cooking and working on a computer.
- Some patients may still need reading glasses for small print or close-up tasks.
What Is High Definition Cataract Surgery?
Choosing the right lens is only one part of cataract surgery. Advanced technology can also help your surgeon make more precise decisions during the procedure.
You can learn more about your lens options and whether premium lens technology and high definition cataract surgery may be right for you.
The Cataract Surgeons use ORA System™ technology, which takes measurements during cataract surgery after the cloudy natural lens has been removed. These measurements give your surgeon real-time information that can help confirm the power and position of your new IOL, and can be particularly useful for patients with astigmatism or those choosing advanced lens implants.
Will I Still Need Glasses After a Premium Lens Implant?
Possibly.
Premium IOLs are designed to reduce dependence on glasses, but no lens can guarantee that you will never need glasses again. You may occasionally want glasses for very small print, nighttime driving or certain other activities.
The goal is to choose a lens that provides the type of vision that works best for your everyday life.
How Do I Know Which Lens Is Right for Me?
The best lens for you depends on more than your prescription. Think about the activities that are most important to you.
Do you spend a lot of time reading? Do you use a computer often? Is nighttime driving important? Do you have astigmatism? Would you like to rely less on glasses?
Your answers can help your surgeon determine whether a standard lens or one of today’s premium IOLs may be a good choice.
During your cataract evaluation, The Cataract Surgeons will examine your eyes, take detailed measurements and talk with you about how you use your vision every day. From there, your surgeon can explain which lens options may be the best fit for you.
If cataracts are making everyday activities more difficult, The Cataract Surgeons can help you understand your choices and feel confident about the next step.
