Often the decision to get cataract surgery can be a major one. After months or years of impaired vision, getting them removed can give you a new view on life.
Before you get cataract surgery, you’ll need to make a decision about what IOL to get. An IOL, or intraocular lens is a key part of cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, an IOL replaces your natural lens in the eye. Do you know which IOL is best for your lifestyle? Keep reading to find out how to choose an IOL!
Are You Okay With Using Reading or Full-Time Glasses?
How well do you want to be able to see after surgery? Do you want to see without any contacts or glasses, or do you not mind reading glasses?
If you’re okay with wearing reading glasses, you may want to consider standard monofocal IOLs. These are considered standard lenses. Monofocal IOLs are usually covered by insurance, along with the price of surgery.
With monofocals you can achieve monovision by having one eye with a lens to see at a distance and one to see up close. Monofocal lenses allow you to see well. You may have trouble seeing up close or far away without reading glasses.
Are You Okay With Spending A Little More?
Besides the standard monofocal IOL, you have the option of getting a premium IOL. These usually aren’t covered by insurance. They come in two main types: accommodating or multifocal. A multifocal lens is a lens that allows you to see at many distances.
This is possible through rings around the lens that have different refractive powers. These rings allow your eyes to see up close and far away.
It could take some time for your eye and brain to adjust. After you get used to it, you’ll be able to select the right focus of the lens automatically.
An accommodating lens allows you to see at many distances but works by changing shape in your eye. This depends on where you are looking. The lens changes around your eye to focus when looking up close or far away.
These IOLs allow you to see much better at a distance and up close than you would with standard monovision.
If seeing well without reading glasses is a priority, consider premium lenses. It’s important to know that accommodating or multifocal lenses are more expensive choices.
Do You Have Astigmatism?
If you have astigmatism, you can correct it with a premium lens known as a toric IOL. A toric IOL changes shape like an accommodating lens to make focusing easier. This allows you to focus at different distances to correct your astigmatism.
If you’re okay with spending the extra money for a premium lens and want to fix your astigmatism, a toric IOL could be the best way to go.
Want to learn more about cataract surgery and IOLs? Contact Ellis Eye and Laser Medical Center today to schedule an appointment at one of our many locations in California today!
