Intraocular Lens Options

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant Options

Nearly everyone who undergoes cataract surgery receives an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The eye’s natural lens helps focus incoming light onto the retina at the back of the eye. A cataract occurs when the natural lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred or hazy vision. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL, which provides a new optical lens to help focus light onto the retina.

Traditionally, a basic IOL was used during surgery, with the expectation that glasses or contacts would still be needed to optimize vision afterward. At The Center for Eye Care and Optical, we offer advanced IOL options known as “Premium IOLs” or “ATLs” (Advanced Technology Lenses). ATLs can provide additional vision correction and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Our surgeons understand that every patient’s visual needs are unique, and correcting your vision to best suit your lifestyle is important. Before surgery, you and your eye surgeon will discuss which type of lens is most suitable for you.

Please note that Premium IOLs are considered an upgrade and are not covered by insurance. This means there will be an additional out-of-pocket expense for the patient, ranging from $2,100 to $4,500 per eye.

​​​​​​​What IOL Is Right for Me?

Before deciding on a lens, consider how you want to see after surgery and what matters most to you. Do you want to reduce your dependence on glasses? Are you comfortable wearing glasses, and if so, for reading or distance?

• Distance vision: Important for activities like driving and watching television.

• Near vision: Necessary for tasks such as reading, knitting, writing and using phones or tablets.

• Intermediate vision: Important for computer work and seeing the car dashboard when driving.

• Astigmatism: An irregular curvature of the cornea that can cause blurred or distorted vision.

Determine How You Want to See:

• I want excellent distance vision and am comfortable wearing glasses for reading.

• I want excellent near vision and am comfortable wearing glasses for distance.

• I would like to reduce my dependence on glasses as much as possible.

Intraocular Lens Options:

MONOFOCAL:
A monofocal IOL provides a single range of focus, typically set for either distance or near vision. Glasses are usually needed for the range of vision not corrected by the lens. Depending on your individual vision and the focus selected, glasses may still be needed for certain activities.

TORIC – Astigmatism Correcting:
A toric IOL is designed to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected vision. When set for distance, most patients achieve quality distance vision with reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Reading glasses are typically still needed for near vision.

EXTENDED DEPTH OF FOCUS (EDOF):
EDOF IOL provides clear vision at far and intermediate distances while still offering functional near vision. Unlike traditional multifocal/trifocal implants, there are no separate "rings" for distance, intermediate, and near vision. This eliminates the common complaint of "rings" or "halos" around lights. However, you may still need eyeglasses for reading and other close-up tasks.

MULTIFOCAL IOLs (Distance, Near & Intermediate):
A multifocal IOL is designed to provide a full range of vision, including distance, intermediate and near, reducing dependence on glasses. Unlike a monofocal lens, which typically focuses at one distance, multifocal IOLs provide vision at multiple distances. Some patients may experience slightly reduced sharpness or contrast, glare or halos, particularly at night.

RxSight Light Adjustable Lens:
The Light Adjustable Lens is the only IOL that allows your physician to customize the lens power after cataract surgery. Once your eye has healed, your vision can be adjusted and previewed based on your personal visual goals and lifestyle through a series of specialized light treatments. Multiple treatment visits are required, and special UV-protective glasses must be worn as directed during the adjustment period.

Discuss the benefits, limitations and risks of the different types of IOLs with your eye surgeon to determine which option is best suited to your eyes, lifestyle and visual goals.