Cataract Surgery Lenses

In cataract surgery, the lens implant replaces the natural lens. The lens implant will not develop cataracts or presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close up objects, such as reading). Different types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are used for basic cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery. Monofocal Intraocular lenses are used in traditional cataract surgery, and for laser cataract surgery Lifestyle Intraocular lenses are typically used.

After performing a comprehensive exam and consultation, the doctors at Eye Clinic of Austin will counsel each patient about their best cataract surgery lens option according to lifestyle, medical and eye health history.

Monofocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

The most traditional IOL is a Monofocal IOL. Mono means one and focal means focus of the lens of an eye. This means that Monofocal IOLs will only provide vision for one distance. This distance, or power, for the lens is calculated prior to surgery and is usually selected to give you good distance vision. When Monofocal IOLs are used, the patient will still require glasses for reading and mid-range vision, and may require them at all times if there is a lot of astigmatism.

Lifestyle Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Multifocal IOLs are referred to as Lifestyle IOLs or presbyopia-correcting IOLs because they are designed with multiple focusing properties. This means the lens can focus near, far, and somewhat in between, which can reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses.

Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Toric IOLs are also considered Lifestyle IOLs, as they were designed for people suffering from astigmatism. They can correct most astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. These IOLs are perfect for people suffering from cataract and astigmatism and they reduce or eliminate the need to have corneal refractive treatment to correct the astigmatism.

Astigmatism is present when a cornea has an oblong shape rather than a round shape. This causes light to focus on multiple points on the retina, which results in blurred vision. The Toric IOL is designed to offset the shape of the cornea so that light focuses on the retina and vision is clear.

The Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery reported in March 2009 that Toric IOLs can correct astigmatism substantially better than other options, and that after three months, 70% of the patients in the study who received Toric IOLs achieved 20/40 vision or better.

Accommodating Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
Accommodating IOLs are Lifestyle IOLs that are designed to work with the muscles of the eye to focus upon whatever distance is needed. These IOLs provide sharp vision for multiple distances with clear distance vision, excellent computer vision and air reading vision, often requiring weak reading glasses for fine detailed or prolonged close work.