Posted by: Associates in Ophthalmology (NJ) in Cataracts
Selecting an IOL for cataract surgery is something to discuss with your doctor. During your meeting, you will discuss the various kinds of IOLs.
There are advantages and disadvantages depending on the IOL you go with. You also need to consider whether you will go with a premium IOL option.
Looking for preparation before your cataract screening? Keep reading for information about the different kinds of IOL you can choose from!
What an IOL Does
An IOL becomes necessary when the natural lens of the eye is too cloudy from cataracts. Without cataracts, the natural lens is clear and see-through.
The IOL replaces the natural lens during cataract surgery. Having an IOL is the only way you will regain clear sight after cataract surgery.
IOLs are usually made of acrylic or silicone materials. These are durable materials and should last the rest of your life. Premium IOLs offer you vision at several distances.
They can even potentially remove your need for glasses. Standard IOLs focus your vision at only one distance. With these IOLs, you will need to use glasses afterward to function.
Investing in premium IOLs won’t guarantee you will never need glasses again, but they will decrease your dependence on them.
Advantages: Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are the standard IOL option. They provide the most basic vision. Monofocal IOLs are easy to get used to for most patients.
The main advantage is the price point, as they are going to cost the least amount.
Disadvantages: Monofocal IOLs
The disadvantage of monofocal IOLs is you must wear glasses after cataract surgery. If you don’t mind wearing glasses, this isn’t a big deal. For others, this is the biggest disadvantage of monofocal IOLs.
Advantages: Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs work in the same way that bifocal glasses do. Different areas of the IOL refract light that passes through it differently. This focuses light on the retina at several different ranges.
Disadvantages: Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs may be difficult to get used to. The ranges in eyesight will have some small gaps between distances.
Advantages: Accommodating IOLs
Accommodating IOLs adjust to different distances by actually moving inside of the eye. This behaves the most like your natural lens. With accommodating IOLs, transitions between ranges of vision are smoother and more accurate.
Disadvantages: Accommodating IOLs
Accommodating IOLs are more expensive as they are more technical. They may provide close-up vision that’s less clear as compared to multifocal IOLs.
Other Kinds of Premium IOLs
Accommodating and multifocal IOLs are able to correct for nearsightedness and farsightedness. If you have astigmatism, then you will need to consider toric IOLs.
Toric IOLs are the only IOLs specially designed for those with astigmatism. These are custom fit to match up to your specific astigmatic eyes.
Traditionally, IOLs have been symmetrical and spherical in shape. You can now invest in aspheric IOLs.
Aspheric IOLs more closely resemble the natural shape of the lens of your eye. This results in fewer visual disturbances down the road.
Wondering which IOL may be best for you and your needs? Schedule a cataract screening at Associates in Ophthalmology in Livingston, NJ today!
