Once you decide to have cataract surgery, you will discuss your options with your doctor about which intraocular lens (IOL) will work best for you. This is a very important conversation because the implant will stay with you the rest of your life. Implants are typically made of plastic, silicone, or acrylic.
Here are the basic types of implants:
1. Standard, or Monofocal IOL
This type lens has one focusing distance. It is set to focus for:
Close work, medium range, or distance vision – chosen depending on your visual needs. You may prefer to have the lens set for clear distance vision. This setting is best for driving, walking and seeing people at a distance. Generally, you will need eyeglasses for reading or close work.
Note, however, monofocal lens are unlikely to be suitable if you have astigmatism, which your doctor will check for prior to surgery.
2. Toric IOL
A Toric lens is designed for people who have astigmatism, which is a common, and generally treatable, imperfection in the curvature of the eye that causes blurred distance and near vision. Toric IOLs can correct astigmatism because, like the astigmatic eye, they also have different powers in different directions that balance the eye’s astigmatism.
3. Multifocal IOL
This type lens is designed to provide patients clear vision at multiple distances, near or far away. A multifocal lens may allow you to see clearly without glasses, including reading or computer work. You still may need glasses in some situations, like reading small newspaper print.
You, your eye doctor, and your surgeon will discuss your goals for vision after cataract surgery to decide which implant is best for you.
Click here check my previous blogs on the topic of cataracts.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss cataract surgery, click here.