Vision Revolution: Exploring the World of Advanced IOL Lens Implants

Most of us will need cataract surgery as we age, but the great news is that steady advances in intraocular lens (IOL) technology have made it possible for many of us to enjoy glasses-free vision after the surgery.

During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens. However, many patients don’t realize (prior to meeting with their surgeon) that they have a choice for which type of IOL they get.

The first step is to think about your post-surgery vision goals. Do you want to have the best distance vision, or near vision, in both eyes? Another option would be to have one eye set for distance and the other for near vision. Or you may opt for multifocal vision, also called extended depth of focus vision.
Once you and your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist have set your desired result, it’s time to consider available IOL options. There are 3 main lens implant types: monofocal, multifocal or accommodating, and toric.

Monofocal lenses are designed to provide the best possible vision at one distance. Most people who choose monofocals have their IOLs set for distance vision. They use reading glasses for near-vision tasks. In addition, the Light Adjustable Lens Implant is a type of monofocal lens implant that can be adjusted after it’s already inside your eye, for greater accuracy and often glasses-free vision.

Multifocal IOLs have corrective zones built into the lens, much like bifocal or trifocal eyeglasses. This allows you to see both near and far objects. Some multifocals may also correct intermediate vision.

• Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs have only one corrective zone. But this zone is stretched to allow distance and intermediate vision.
• Accommodative (multifocal) lenses can also correct vision at all distances. This lens uses the natural movements of your eye’s muscles to change focus.

Toric lenses have extra built-in correction for astigmatism.

Multifocal, EDOF and accommodative IOLs are often called “premium” lenses. (see https://atlanticeye.com/premium-iols/). They can reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses, but they are more expensive than monofocals and may not be fully covered by insurance.

Whether you’ll need cataract surgery soon or in the future, we hope this brief discussion will give you a better familiarity with available options in lens implants. When the time comes, rest assured that your Atlantic Eye ophthalmologist will guide you in choosing the optimal lens implant for your individual goals, budget and lifestyle.