How Do You Choose an IOL for Cataract Surgery?
June 13, 2024
Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures in the United States, with more than three million people per year undergoing this safe, effective surgery. The main benefit of cataract surgery is that it completely removes the cataract-affected lens of the eye, so you no longer have cloudy, dimmed, or discolored vision.
Another benefit of cataract surgery is the opportunity to improve your overall vision. After removing the cataract-affected lens, your eye doctor will replace it with an artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens (IOL) that can correct common refraction errors like astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness.
When you start planning for cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon will talk to you about what type of IOL might be best for you. Learning about IOLs and considering your needs can help you choose which kind will work best for you. Keep reading to learn how you choose an IOL for cataract surgery!
How Does Cataract Surgery Improve Vision?
Cataracts are caused by irreversible clouding on the natural lens of your eye. The clouding prevents light from passing through the lens, making it more difficult to see.
During cataract surgery, your eye doctor will remove the affected lens and replace it with a perfectly clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs immediately fix the vision problems caused by cataracts because they don’t have the cloudy patches the natural lens has.
They can also correct other vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. When you talk to your eye doctor about cataract surgery, they will go over all your options for IOLs.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
What Types of IOL Options Are There?
There are several different varieties, and they offer different vision benefits:
Monofocal
Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at a single distance. Most people choose a monofocal IOL that corrects their distance vision, so they won’t need glasses for activities like driving or watching TV.
In this case, they may still need to use reading glasses for reading or computer work.
Toric
Toric lenses are specially shaped to correct vision issues caused by astigmatism. Toric IOLs provide correction only for distance vision, so you may still need to wear glasses for reading or other near-vision activities.
Multifocal
Multifocal IOLs can provide vision correction at multiple distances. If you choose a multifocal IOL, you will be able to experience clear vision at near, intermediate, and far ranges.
If you choose this type of IOL, you may still need reading glasses for certain activities. However, a multifocal IOL will allow you to experience much greater visual freedom compared to monofocal IOLs.
Extended Depth of Focus
Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses are another type of IOL that can correct vision at multiple distances. These lenses have an elongated focal point that allows vision correction at all distances.
If you choose an EDOF lens, you will benefit from excellent mid-range vision correction, which is useful for people who do a lot of computer and smartphone work.
Aspheric Monofocal
Another option for monofocal vision correction are aspheric IOLs. These lenses are designed so the shape is slightly flatter around the periphery of the lens.
The benefit of these lenses is that they reduce glare and increase sensitivity to contrast between light and dark. People who choose these lenses have better vision in low light, rain, fog, or snow than people with traditional monofocal lenses.
This makes them a good choice for people who drive in lots of different weather conditions.
Schedule a Cataract Evaluation
How Do You Choose an IOL?
Before you choose an IOL, you should consider what result you want from cataract surgery. All IOLs will correct cataracts-related vision problems, which may be your primary goal.
In that case, a standard monofocal IOL may be a good option for you.
However, if you want to eliminate or dramatically reduce your need for glasses or contacts, you may want a premium IOL like a multifocal or EDOF. These will allow you to do most daily activities like driving, reading, and watching TV without the need for glasses. If you have astigmatism, you may benefit from toric IOLs.
While they only correct distance vision, toric IOLs address the specific issues caused by astigmatism. If you frequently drive at night or in inclement weather, you may want to consider aspheric IOLs.
Cost can also be a factor in choosing IOLs. Many insurance plans cover standard monofocal IOLs but do not cover the cost of premium IOLs. You can check with your insurance plan to see what types of IOLs are covered.
Your eye doctor at Carroll Vision Center will help you determine which IOL may be best for you, depending on your vision goals, lifestyle, and budget.
Are you ready to move ahead with cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract evaluation at Carroll Vision Center in Westminster, MD, today!