Cataract surgery preparation isn’t just about psyching yourself up for the operation itself, it also involves choosing the right IOL (intraocular lens). In days gone by this wasn’t an issue—you weren’t given an option. But today’s technology has delivered a bunch of different choices, each of which can have a significant impact on your post-cataract surgery lifestyle.
This can sound pretty daunting. But don’t worry, you’ll select the IOL in conjunction with your cataract surgeon. But knowing a little bit about what’s available before you have this conversation will help you feel more confident. It’s a big decision, after all…
IOL Options Explained
Searching online about IOLs will bring up a host of what can be overwhelming terms, like mono-focal, multi-focal, light-adjusting, and toric lenses. Rather than getting bogged down by the medical terminology, let’s look at what each means and how these might fit into your lifestyle.
- Monofocal lenses: This is the most simplistic kind. (and cheapest, which is why these are the only ones that most insurance and Medicare policies cover). Mono means one, or single, so this lens provides you with clear vision at either near or far distance. In most cases this will be set at far, meaning you’ll probably need to wear eyeglasses for close-up work—although, if you choose, this can be vice-versa.
- Multifocal lenses: Think of these like bi- or tri-focal glasses. They have different prescriptions built into the design, allowing you to focus on different distances by shifting your gaze up and down. Some provide near and far vision, while others also have an area that focuses on intermediate vision.
- EDOF, or extended-depth-of-vision, lenses: OK, so now we’re getting into more complex lenses. These premium lenses have a single point of focus that’s elongated to provide good intermediate and far-distance focus. This usually results in only needing eyeglasses for reading and close-up clarity.
- Toric lenses: These correct or significantly improve astigmatism. They tend to be monofocal, meaning you’ll need glasses for close-up vision, with focused eyesight at distance without any corrective aids.
- Accommodative lenses: There are different types of these, but they all have one thing in common—they’re designed to provide clear vision at all distances, changing focus through the eye muscles and natural movements. This would, potentially, mean you wouldn’t need any eyeglasses at all.
- Light-adjustable lenses (LALs): These are the latest type of lens that can be customized while they’re in the eye. After your cataract operation, you’ll return a few times to have the prescription tweaked. Once it’s right, it’ll be “locked in” and no more changes can be made. These provide good far-distance vision, so you’ll need eyeglasses for close-up. They can also correct or improve astigmatism.
Your Lifestyle Will Influence Your Choice
Monofocal lenses remain the most commonly used (often because premium lenses can set you back a pretty penny). But many people find the extra outlay of lifestyle cataract lenses well worth the cost.
Premium IOLs are an investment into your quality of life (and, surprisingly, they can even end up saving you money over the long-term costs of glasses, eye exams, and prescription changes).
Some examples of how choosing the right IOL can impact your life include:
- The keen sportsperson: Maybe you play golf, tennis, swimming, diving, or boating… Imagine being able to clearly see that ball as it flies through the air, not needing a prescription diving mask, or being able to focus on that dolphin breaching without scrabbling around for your glasses (by which time it’s already disappeared back into the ocean anyway).
- You drive a lot: Driving without glasses might seem a pipe dream, but the right IOL can dramatically increase your chances. This is especially relevant for night or low-light conditions and for those with astigmatism.
- Your work or hobby involves close-up or fine detail: Perhaps you spend hours staring at a computer screen. Maybe you’re a proofreader, work in a lab with a microscope, or perhaps you’re a surgeon? Or maybe you just want to be able to read and watch the TV without having to find your glasses every time you want to look further afield.
- You spend loads of time outdoors: Certain premium IOLs are very effective at reducing glare and filtering varying types of light conditions.
Choosing the right IOL is very personal and shouldn’t be rushed into—plus, more lenses are constantly being developed as technology advances. Discuss the options with your ophthalmologist and take a bit of time to think it through before coming to a decision.
This is something we really encourage at the Modern Cataract Surgery clinic. If you’re ripe for surgery and are wondering which of the latest IOLs might suit, then feel free to get in touch.
Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com
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