What is an Intraocular Lens?
An intraocular lens (IOL) is a man-made lens that is implanted inside the eye, usually where the natural lens had been. A small self-sealing incision is made in your cornea for the procedure that includes removing the cataract and implanting the IOL. There are many types of IOLs to choose from, and Dr. Yomtoob offers his patients the most technologically advanced IOLs available.
What are the types of intraocular lenses to choose from?
Once your cataract has been surgically removed, your eye surgeon will implant an intraocular lens where the natural lens had been located.
Intraocular lens options include:
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- Monofocal lenses. A monofocal lens, also called a single vision lens, has been the standard IOL for routine cataract surgery. This lens takes the place of the cataract and helps you see distance better. It does not correct astigmatism or near vision, so you may still need to wear glasses with this lens choice.
- Astigmatism Management: There are two methods to correct astigmatism during your cataract surgery:
- Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI): In this procedure, Dr. Yomtoob makes an incision in your cornea (either with a laser or a blade) to relax lower amounts of astigmatism.
- Toric lenses. A toric lens corrects certain higher levels of astigmatism and provides you with a better chance of clear distance vision without glasses. A toric lens does not correct near vision.
- Multifocal/Accommodating lenses. A multifocal lens can improve distance, intermediate distance, near vision all at once. These may reduce your need for glasses for each of these distances. These lenses are only appropriate for some patients, and your eye surgeon or ophthalmologist can help you determine if you are a candidate. The most commonly used multifocal lenses are:
- Restor Multifocal lens
- Technis Multifocal
- Crystalens Accommodating lens
During the proper selection of the best IOL for you, as decided by you and your eye specialist, there are a number of tests that must be performed to allow for computer formulas to choose the best lens power for your eye. Despite all of our advanced technology, please keep in mind that you still may need glasses or contact lenses to have the best vision allowed after surgery.