Much like the lens on a camera, your eye's natural crystalline lens’ primary function is to focus images. When a cataract clouds the lens, it more difficult to see clearly. When your cataract progresses to the point that daily tasks become challenging and interfere with your quality of life, cataract surgery is usually indicated.
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Major types of lens implants
The type of IOL you need depends on your particular situation, and Dr. Epitropoulos will work with you to determine which lens is best for you. Until fairly recently, nearly everyone who had cataract surgery was fitted with a standard, monofocal intraocular lens, allowing the patient to see objects in the distance clearly but which require glasses to see objects that are closer
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Multifocal lens A lens with multiple focal point designed to replace cataracts and correct presbyopia in order to provide a full range of vision near far and in-between while offering enhanced image quality.
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Astigmatism Correcting Monofocal LensA lens with a single focal point, designed to correct both cataracts and pre-existing astigmatism, providing distance vision while offering enhanced image quality.
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Monofocal LensA lens with a single focal point, designed to correct cataracts and provide better vision at one distance. For reading OR far away.
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The type of IOL you need depends on your particular situation, and Dr. Epitropoulos will work with you to determine which lens is best for you.
During surgery, your eye's natural lens will be replaced by an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL, made of plastic, silicone or acrylic. The IOL performs the function of the eye's natural lens. Most of today's IOLs are around a quarter of an inch in diameter and soft enough to be folded so they can be placed into the eye through a very small incision. Recent advancements in lens technology not only treat the cataract and restore vision, but reduce or virtually eliminate your dependency on glasses, correcting distance vision, near vision, and astigmatism.
Standard Monofocal Lenses
Standard monofocal lenses provide clear vision but only at one fixed focal point, usually at a distance. If you are fitted with a monofocal lens, you will most likely need glasses to see up close (reading and computer vision). Each of the lens types below can have additional attributes as well. For example, there are IOLs that are multifocal, aspheric, and blue light filtering. Ask Dr. Epitropoulos about them.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses have special features that correct your near, intermediate, and distance vision in the same lens, providing your best chance at being free of glasses for the majority of activities. Two types of multifocal lenses are the Restor and Technis lenses. A small percentage of patients with the multifocal lenses may experience bothersome glare at night.
Accommodative Lenses
Accommodative lenses are designed to move in response to your eye muscles to adjust for various distances. That said, accommodative lenses actually have a fixed focal point, which makes them a type of monofocal lens, reducing the chance of glare at night. Patients often still need to wear glasses for fine print with the accommodative lenses.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are designed for people with astigmatism, reducing or virtually eliminating the need for glasses for distance vision following surgery.
Call 800.964.9969
If you are interested in seeing your best without glasses, please contact Alice Epitropoulos, M.D., today. We will discuss the benefits, risks and costs. As always, Dr Epitropoulos strives to provide the latest proven solutions to protect and restore vision for you and your loved ones.
