What are My Lens Replacement Options?

There are many different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) to choose from to correct a cataract.  In addition, many people with clear lenses are opting for lens exchange with newer options to improve near and distance vision.  Lens replacement remains the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S. and is one of the safest as well.  You have two options today in choosing a lens replacement solution for your vision needs.

Correcting distance vision with a monofocal IOL

A monofocal IOL is designed to provide clear distance vision.  This means you wil be able to see objects far away.  However, you will need glasses for reading and any type of close detailed work.  Monofocal IOLs have been the standard implant used for decades to help patients after a cataract is removed.  Millions of monofocal IOLs have been successfully implanted providing cataract patients with clear distance vision.

Correcting distance vision and astigmatism

Astigmatism Management is a vital new area of cataract surgery.  Astigmatism is a common condition where your eye is out-of-round, shaped more like a football than a basketball.  Your vision is potentially affected by two types of astigmatism - corneal and lenticular - and we can correct both with new astigmatism management tools.  Today's cataract patient demands excellent vision after surgey, and wants their astigmatism and refractive error corrected at the same time.  There are two ways we correct pre-existing astigmatism during cataract surgery.  The most advanced method uses a new type of lens implant, called a Toric lens, which incorporates unique optics to compensate for specific deficiencies in your vision.  Toric lenses greatly reduce the likelihood of needing a second procedure after cataract surgery to correct residual astigmatism.  For those patients who suffer from astigmatism so pronounced that they are outside the power range of the Toric lens, we recommend a combination treatment of lens replacement and relaxing incisions that delivers both improved vision and astigmatism correction.  Once we fully understand your level of astigmatism, and desire for improved distance vision and/or near vision, we will recommend the appropriate lens implant option for you.

Correcting distance and near vision with multifocal or accommodating IOLs

Previous lens replacement technologies provided only one focal point - distance - leaving people dependent upon reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery.  Recent advances in accommodative and multifocal technology now make it possible for you to read the words on prescription bottles, magazines, newspapers and computer screens, without magnifying glasses or bifocals, while still clearly seeing objects at a distance.  These lenses have the ability to consistently offer improved vision at all ranges - near through distance. 

The Acrysof® ReSTOR® multifocal lens uses patented apodized diffractive technology similar to that used in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality.  Twelve very small, concentric circles create a gradual tapering of layered steps from the center to the outside edge of this lens to create a smooth transition of light between the distance and near focal points.  This series of tiny concentric steps work together to focus light for both near and distance vision.

The AMO ReZoom IOL uses five concentric refractive zones to create multifocal vision.  Zones 1, 3 and 5 are distance-dominant.  Zones 2 and 4 are near-dominant.  There is a transition between zones to provide balanced intermediate vision.

The Eyeonics Crystalens®  accommodating lens is designed to restore the eye's accommodative ability, which is gradually reduced as presbyopia progresses.  Crystalens has hinges on both side of the IOL, so it can be moved more easily by the ciliary muscle, allowing the eye to focus more naturally at a greater range of distances than traditional IOLs.

ReSTOR, ReZOOM and Crystalens have demonstrated effectiveness in improving near, intermediate and distance vision in FDA clinical trials.  Your surgeon will discuss with you which lens will be best-suited for your vision needs at your initial consultation.