Advanced Technology Lenses
Cataract Lens Options
Prior to cataract surgery patients will choose an intraocular lens that will be implanted during their procedure. All lens options will be thoroughly discussed which includes: the monofocal, ReSTOR, and Toric lens. Given the patients’ history and lifestyle, a lens recommendation will be given based upon the patients’ individual needs.
Monofocal Lens
This standard lens is included, as basic coverage, under most insurance carriers including Medicare. It corrects either distance or near vision only, meaning patients who receive this standard implant with cataract surgery may need glasses for either near or distance vision.
Acrysof® Toric (Astigmatism Correcting)
This premium lens implant is designed to correct the focusing power of the lens and also reduce or eliminate astigmatism. If a patient has astigmatism and needs cataract surgery, the AcrySof® Toric lens is a revolutionary way to correct both conditions at the same time. The AcrySof® Toric lens also includes high-energy blue light protection, which helps protect your eyes from damaging UV rays, along with artificial lighting, such as fluorescent light bulbs. The Toric lens does not correct near-vision and most patients will need glasses for near-vision activities after surgery.
Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Current multifocal intraocular lens technology has advanced to the point where patients can expect to perform all or almost all of their daily activities without glasses of any kind. The lenses set up multiple focal points that allow excellent vision at distance, intermediate and near vision. Of course not all patients are candidates for this advanced lens so be sure to ask if this style of lens is a good choice for you.
Toric Intraocular Lenses
Astigmatism is where one axis of the cornea is steeper than another. Most patients with astigmatism need to wear glasses all the time or toric contact lenses to see well. Astigmatism can be compared to having the front part of the eye shaped more like a football then a basketball and results in blurred vision at both distance and near. The newer toric intraocular lens implants allow correction of high amounts of astigmatism, usually eliminating the need for distance correction with glasses after cataract surgery. When combined with the femtosecond laser, even the most severe amounts of astigmatism can be effectively neutralized.
