Innovative advancements in ophthalmology are now available to patients being evaluated for cataract surgery. Suppose cataract surgery is the best treatment for you. In that case, there are now premium lens implant options that offer your best possible visual result – depending on the physical limitations and potential of your individual eye.
As no two eyes are the same, there is no one solution for everyone’s vision after cataract surgery. Your surgeon at East Valley Ophthalmology will utilize technology designed to provide the most precise data possible to assess the condition and potential of your eyes, thereby achieving the optimal outcome for you.
What are my options for lens implants?
- Light-adjustable lens implants
- Single-focus (one distance) lens implants
- With astigmatism correction
- Without astigmatism correction
- Monovision
- Multifocal lens implants
- Accommodating lens implants
- Cross-over lens implants
What are light-adjustable lens implants?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) from RxSight™ is the first intraocular lens (IOL) that allows precise adjustments to your prescription after cataract surgery. This groundbreaking technology enables our eye doctors to personalize your vision for superior clarity, tailoring it to your lifestyle and preferences.
Follow this link for more information: Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) from RxSight
What are single-focal lens implants?
These lenses are ideal for many patients with cataracts. These advanced single-focus lens implants provide patients with the best possible clarity at one distance – for far away, intermediate, or close-up vision. And most commonly, wearing glasses will be necessary to correct any residual nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism after cataract surgery.
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What are multifocal lens implants?
Multifocal lenses simultaneously focus light differently for different ranges of vision. Examples of multifocal IOLs that are FDA-approved and available for cataract surgery performed in the United States are the AcrySof IQ ReSTOR and Tecnis Multifocal IOL.
What are accommodating lens implants?
Accommodating lenses work using your eye’s ciliary muscle contractions; as the lens moves forward, it increases in magnifying power so that you can see up close. When the muscle relaxes, the lens returns to its original position, so you see more clearly at a distance. Examples of accommodating IOLs that are FDA-approved and available for cataract surgery performed in the United States include the Crystalens and Trulign Toric IOL.
Are there any disadvantages?
Though the multifocal and accommodating IOLs provide an expanded range of vision compared with conventional monofocal intraocular lenses, you may still need reading glasses to see small print and perform other near vision tasks comfortably. For some cataract patients, the possibility of impaired night vision due to glare, halos, or starbursts (which may be permanent) has led them to shy away from multifocal and accommodating lenses and stick with monofocal options.
Cross-over lens implants
Some lenses aim to bridge the gap between multifocal and monofocal lenses, allowing for more vision at different distances while minimizing visual side effects. An example of this is the FDA-approved Symfony lens, which uses echelettes —a type of diffraction grating —to extend the IOL’s focus range. At the same time, it also corrects chromatic aberration to enhance contrast.
How to Choose the Right Lens for You.
Each of these advanced, implantable lenses utilizes a slightly different optical design to help you achieve the closest possible alignment with your individual refractive needs. Which lens is the best choice for you can only be determined during a complete eye exam by a qualified ophthalmologist. Once your surgeon has measured and examined your eyes, you can discuss your lifestyle and vision needs and decide which option has the most significant potential for your best outcome. Your surgeon will make their recommendation for you based on your specific physiology and needs.
Are premium lens implants more expensive?
Premium lens implants are more expensive than the standard single-focus lenses. While most health care plans and Medicare cover the cost of cataract surgery, they typically do not cover the cost associated with any of the premium lens implants or procedures that are designed to correct astigmatism or reduce your dependence on glasses. For cataract surgery, your health care coverage will be billed, and you will be financially responsible for any elective portion of the procedure, along with any co-payments, co-insurance, or deductibles.
