Your Options for Clear Vision
During cataract surgery your eye’s natural lens is removed. This is necessary because the protein build-up on the lens cannot be separated from the lens. After the lens is removed, your cataract doctor will insert a new lens to restore clear vision. The good news is that the replacement lens options are amazing.
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses that provide clarity to your vision. In the past, cataract patients only had one option: monofocal lenses that provided clear vision for one distance only.
Today there are a variety of Lifestyle Lenses that have advanced features for clear vision at multiple distances.
- Multifocal IOLs with multiple focusing points to allow for distance and up-close vision
- Trifocal IOL to deliver an exceptional combination of near, intermediate, and distance vision
- Extended Depth of Focus IOL to offer a continuous, extended range of vision
- Toric IOLs to correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness
Lifestyle Lenses can reduce or completely eliminate your need for reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery in Southeast Idaho.
Multifocal IOLs
Rather than just providing clear vision at one distance like monofocal lenses do, multifocal IOLs also correct presbyopia (the need for reading glasses to see things up close). Permanently implanted into the eye, these prescription lenses focus light from different distances simultaneously to allow for clear vision at multiple distances. As a result, multifocal lenses can reduce or completely eliminate your need for reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery.
Trifocal IOL
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first and only trifocal lens in the U.S. The Alcon AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) is now a replacement lens option for cataract surgery patients. We are proud to offer this lens for our patients.
PanOptix is clinically shown to deliver an exceptional combination of near, intermediate, and distance vision while significantly reducing the need for glasses after surgery. Most patients who choose this lens are able to read text messages on their smart phones, work on a computer and even drive without the need for glasses. This is due, in part, to ENLIGHTEN® Optical Technology, a proprietary design that optimizes intermediate vision without compromising near and distance vision.
Extended Depth of Focus IOL
The Alcon AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision Lens is the first and only non-diffractive extended depth of focus intraocular lens (IOL) that incorporates X-WAVE™ technology to stretch and shift light entering your eyes so you can obtain a continuous, extended range of vision. With the Vivity lens, you may not need glasses (even readers) to see clearly at all distances after cataract surgery. Some patients experience sharper vision in bright and dim lighting, better nighttime vision and a reduction of halos/glare. This lens also offers protection from damaging UV rays and blue light.
Toric IOLs
Many patients come to us with not only cataracts but also astigmatism (with or without nearsightedness and farsightedness). Having worn glasses or contact lenses their entire lives, they are often surprised to learn that having cataract surgery can also correct their astigmatism as well.
Toric IOLs have different focusing powers in different areas of the lens to allow for clear distance vision. The lens is permanently placed in the exact position in the eye to adjust for the unique shape of your cornea. Toric lenses can reduce or completely eliminate your need for glasses after cataract surgery.
The Choice is Yours
You will make the decision about which IOL to choose during your Cataract Screening and exams with your doctor. The various pros and cons of each IOL will be discussed in detail, allowing you to make the best decision for your lifestyle, vision goals, and budget. Your doctor can make recommendations for you, but ultimately the choice is yours.
To learn more about the different types of replacement lenses for cataract surgery, contact us today to schedule a free Cataract Screening. You can find out which Lifestyle Lens might be right for you.
