Similar to other areas of our health, we also experience age-related changes to our eyesight, and cataracts are among the most common visual changes affecting Americans.
Fortunately, modern medical treatments offer a way to restore clear vision through cataract surgery using specially designed intraocular lenses (IOLs).
There are several types of IOLs, each catering to different visual needs and preferences:
- Monofocal lenses (Fixed and Adjustable)
- Multifocal lenses
- Toric lenses (Fixed and Adjustable)
- Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses (Fixed and Adjustable)
A cataract surgery consultation helps determine which IOL lens type is most suitable for your own vision needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
All About Cataract Surgery
Cataracts develop naturally with age and cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This obstructs incoming light from focusing directly on the retina, causing blurry or hazy vision that cannot be improved with updated glasses or stronger lighting. Hence the need for surgical intervention.
Cataract surgery helps restore vision by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one, allowing you to enjoy vibrant, sharp eyesight once again.
Although cataracts might develop slowly, doctors typically recommend surgery when hazy or cloudy vision begins interfering with daily activities such as reading, driving or working.
Surgery of any kind can sound intimidating, but with a success rate of over 95%, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures in the United States, with over 3.6 million surgeries performed annually.
Thanks to technological advancements, most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure and recovery is generally quick. Most people experience improved vision within just a few days!
What Are Intraocular Lenses?
An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that replaces your natural lens during cataract surgery. These lenses are designed to focus light directly onto the retina, addressing vision concerns caused not only by cataracts but also by any refractive error you may have.
Not all eyes–and not all lifestyles–are the same. That’s why several types of IOLs are available, each designed to meet specific vision requirements.
Choosing the right lens can drastically improve your quality of life post-surgery.
Monofocal Lenses: Fixed and Adjustable Options
Monofocal lenses are the most common type of IOLs. They focus on one specific distance, either near, intermediate, or far. These lenses offer the same standard of vision correction we see with single-vision eyeglass lenses.
Although they’re limited to a single focal range, depending on which range you choose, you may still need glasses for distance or near vision. Monofocal lenses are therefore great for people who don’t mind wearing glasses for specific tasks like reading. These lenses are also covered by insurance as a standard lens option.
While traditional monofocal lenses offer fixed optical properties, Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs) go a step further by allowing vision customization after cataract surgery.
These lenses are made from a special photosensitive material that can be precisely adjusted using ultraviolet (UV) light. Once the eye has healed post-surgery, the doctor uses a non-invasive light treatment to fine-tune the lens power, thereby tailoring the lens to your visual needs.
Although LALs offer a more personalized approach to vision correction, these adjustments require additional appointments and the recovery process is longer compared to other lens options.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, allowing you to see close-up and far away, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses. These lenses work by mimicking the eye’s natural focusing ability, making them a popular choice for those seeking the kind of versatile vision they enjoyed before developing presbyopia.
Multifocal lenses are designed with concentric rings of varying power around a central clear zone. These rings separate light into near, intermediate and distance points of focus. Because of this unique design, one does not need to search for the area of magnification like you would with bifocal or progressive glasses – it happens automatically. However, the light-splitting that occurs with these lenses increases the chance of glare and halos, especially at night. The vast majority of patients who are good candidates for this lens do enjoy a full range of vision (with depth perception) and are not troubled by side effects.
These lenses are generally not recommended for patients with macular degeneration, complicated corneas (post radial keratotomy or keratoconus patients) or those with other particular anatomical variations. Specifically, eyes that have a large distance between the visual axis and the geometric center of the cornea, known as a large angle alpha, experience glare at a higher rate with a multifocal IOL compared to those with a smaller angle alpha.
It is important for patients to understand that these lenses may require an adaptation period as your brain gets used to your new visual system.
Toric Lenses: Fixed and Adjustable Options
Toric lenses are designed for people with astigmatism. They simultaneously address cataracts and irregular corneal shape in one procedure, reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts. Toric lenses are available in both fixed and adjustable options.
They are also available in both multifocal and EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) options, offering additional benefits depending on your needs.
Those without significant astigmatism won’t benefit from toric lenses, and the lenses themselves may cost more than standard, monofocal lenses.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses: Fixed and Adjustable Options
An EDOF lens creates a continuous range of vision, primarily providing both excellent distance and intermediate vision. The lens usually provides a patient with good near vision although it is not a guarantee.
Similar to multifocal lenses, these lenses aim to improve presbyopia, but their design differs. They have two optical zones, rather than the multifocal series of rings, but are still able to split light. This lens design allows for a wide range of focus with a large central optical zone that reduces the incidence of glare and halos. An EDOF implant is an excellent choice for patients who have a large angle alpha or those who have more complicated corneas but still want an extended range of vision.
Adjustable EDOF lenses are also available in toric options as well as with the Light Adjustable Lens Plus, allowing for post-surgical customization to fine-tune vision to the patient’s needs.
Confidently Restore Your Vision
With so many IOLs available, selecting your artificial lens can feel overwhelming but working with your eye doctor is key to finding the right lens for your vision needs and lifestyle.
Thankfully, our doctors are here for you every step of the way, from the initial consultation, through the surgical procedure, and finally, during post-operative care. This personalized and collaborative process allows us to tailor your treatment plan so you can enjoy clear, sharp vision for years to come.
Connect with our Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons team to schedule your cataract surgery consultation.
