If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you’ve probably been searching for your surgery options. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 24.4 million Americans experience vision loss as a result of cataracts. While cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, it’s safe to say no one wants to slowly start seeing the world through a cloudy lens. This is literally what a cataract is – the clouding of your eye’s lens as you age. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to accept vision loss related to cataracts. Advances in technology have made cataract surgery a great option for millions of Americans to restore vision loss. In fact, each year, nearly 4 million people in the U.S. undergo cataract surgery, which consists of replacing the eye’s lens with an artificial lens or IOL (intraocular lens). When it comes to cataract IOL options, there is no one size fits all option and that’s a good thing. We offer some of the most advanced IOLs available today.
Monofocal Lens
The most commonly used lenses are the monofocal, or single vision lenses, and are the lenses that have been used in cataract surgery for decades. However, monofocal lenses won’t correct near vision or astigmatism and you’ll likely still need glasses for most activities. They can help you see distant objects and are typically covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.
Light Adjustable Lens™
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) contains molecules which change the shape of the lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. This is the first and only lens that is able to be customized after cataract surgery. After surgery, you’ll undergo a series of 3-4 brief UV light treatments that adjust the lenses to the prescription that is optimal for your eyes. You will need to wear UV blocking glasses until the final treatment is completed to ensure there are no unpredictable changes to the lenses. One study of 600 patients found that those who received LALs versus standard monofocal lenses, were two times as likely to achieve 20/20 distance vision at 6 months.
Multifocal IOLs
This type of lens is designed to split the light as it enters the eye correcting vision at near, far, and intermediate distances. Multifocal IOLs can reduce the need to wear glasses or contact lenses but they can cause halos around lights after dark.
Extended Focus
This lens is designed to provide clear distance vision with improved intermediate and near vision, compared to a standard monofocal IOL. The shape of the lens is less likely to cause a halo effect around lights like multifocal IOLs.
Every individual is different and there is no one lens that fits all solutions. There are a number of great options for improving your vision with the correct lenses. Consult with your eye doctor to select the right IOL option for your specific case. For more information about cataract surgery and your IOL options, contact the caring professionals at Tyson Eye and schedule your eye exam today.
