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Is A Premium IOL Better?
Posted by: Georgia Eye Associates in Cataracts
Cataract surgery may seem complicated, but the reality is it’s not. Cataract surgery only takes about 15 minutes per eye to perform.
During the procedure, the natural lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial lens. These synthetic lenses are called IOLs, short for intraocular lenses.
In their most basic form, they provide functioning vision, although you will need to use glasses with them to see clearly at more than one distance. If relying on glasses for the rest of your life seems disappointing, then you may want to learn about premium IOLs.
Premium IOLs can provide you with quality vision at many distances without little to no need for glasses. Keep reading to find out if a premium IOL is better!
What is the Standard IOL Option?
A basic IOL (a monofocal lens) focuses your vision at one range, either near or far. The main benefit if you choose a monofocal IOL is the price point.
Monofocal IOLs have the lowest upfront cost and are the only IOL covered by insurance. Though they are less expensive, they may not be the best investment long term.
If you factor in spending money on glasses or contacts in the future, monofocal IOLs may not save you very much.
Types of Premium IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are the first type of premium IOL. As the name implies, multifocal IOLs focus your vision at many distances.
It achieves this through its design, which features different zones of the IOL. This controls how the IOL can focus on light.
In this way, multifocal IOLs operate like bifocal or trifocal lenses. The focusing power depends on the angle that the light is hitting the lens.
Accommodating IOLs achieve a similar result through different means. Rather than the differentiating focus happening in the lens structure, the lens moves inside the eye.
This closely mimics the movement of the natural lens, providing a smoother and natural transition between ranges.
If you have astigmatism, you will want to consider toric IOLs. Astigmatism occurs due to an uneven corneal surface, causing light to be focused on to several points.
To correct this, an IOL must be custom fit to line up with the patient’s specific vision needs. Toric IOLs are the only IOL specifically designed for those with astigmatism.
Finally, aspheric IOLs are IOLs that are not symmetrical. They are designed to more closely resemble an actual lens.
While it has no real effect on how the IOL focuses, the natural shape reduces the occurrence of visual aberration that round IOLs can cause.
The Consensus: Premium IOL Or Standard IOL?
Ultimately, the right IOL for you depends on what you are looking for. If you don’t mind wearing glasses after cataract surgery, monofocal IOLs may be the right choice.
It is also important to remember that a premium IOL won’t guarantee perfect vision, and you may still need glasses to some degree after the surgery. You will have good odds of being glasses-free with them, so they are worth your consideration!
Thinking it may be time for cataract surgery? Schedule a cataract screening at Georgia Eye Associates in Atlanta, GA now!
Tags: Cataracts Atlanta, Cataracts Buckhead, Georgia Eye Associates, Intraocular Lens Atlanta, Intraocular Lens Buckhead
