OOMC News

Cataracts are one of the most common eye health issues. They cause the natural lens in your eye to become cloudy and will result in impaired vision over time. A cataract removal surgery can remove the clouded lens from the eye, but if you’re looking to correct your eyesight, an intraocular lens (IOL) may be needed.

To learn more about how cataract lenses help you see clearly after surgery, here’s your guide to IOL lenses.

Cataract Lenses for Vision Correction

With advanced tools and technologies, a cataract procedure is typically painless and only takes about ten minutes to complete. During the surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded lens from the eye and replaces it with an IOL. Cataract lenses can restore and correct vision so that patients can see clearly after the surgery.

IOLs can also be used for a refractive lens exchange (RLE). Known as an effective alternative to LASIK, an RLE involves implanting an IOL into the eye after dissolving the natural lens. Like in cataract surgery, these lenses can correct vision and reduce the need for glasses and contact lenses.

Types of Cataract Lenses

There are many types of cataract lenses that can help correct refractive errors in cataract patients. To see which IOL is best for you, here’s a closer look at the different types of cataract lenses.

• Monofocal IOLs can only provide one focusing distance (distance, intermediate, or near). They do not help correct astigmatism, but many patients will often choose this cataract lens to help them see at a distance. However, they may still need glasses to focus on closer images. Monofocal IOLs of different focusing distances can also be implanted into each eye to achieve monovision. This allows you to see clearly at different distances. However, using two different IOLs can cause changes in depth perception.
• Multifocal IOLs are cataract lenses that allow patients to see clearly at all distances. When implanted into both eyes, patients may not need to wear contact lenses or glasses to correct their vision after their cataract procedure. Overall, multifocal lenses are recommended for those with no eye problems and provide optimum results when implanted into both eyes. However, they can cause glares or halos around bright lights at night.
• If you have astigmatism, toric IOLs can be an ideal solution. Toric IOLs are available in many powers and can help correct several diopters of astigmatism. During the procedure, the surgeon will implant the lens and make sure that it is aligned properly to improve vision. While this cataract lens will help reduce blurry eyesight and help patients see far away, those with higher levels of astigmatism may still need weak glasses to ensure crystal-clear vision.

If you’re suffering from cataracts, surgery, along with the right cataract lens, can help you see clearly and reduce the need for contact lenses and glasses. For more information about IOL options and cataract treatments, schedule a consultation at Phillips Eye Specialists!