Types of Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants

The natural lens in the eye, where cataracts form, is a strong magnifying lens. Without an intraocular lens implant you would need to wear very thick magnifying type glasses or a contact lens after surgery. All types of IOLs offer improved vision after surgery. In May of 2005, a Medicare Ruling cleared access for Seniors to pay an out-of-pocket fee for an upgrade to replacement lenses that treat cataracts as well as the loss of reading vision associated with age (presbyopia). Contact us to schedule your evaluation and let our doctors help you decide what type of implant is best for you.

Single Vision Intraocular Lens
This type of lens, also known as a monofocal IOL, provides clear vision at one set focal length, usually distance. This provides excellent vision when driving to read road signs or when going to a ballgame, however you will provably need glasses for reading or other close-up activities.
 
Monovision
Monovision allows you to see up close with one eye while seeing clearly at a distance with the other eye. The part of the brain related to vision tends to filter out the image from the eye that is not in clear focus.    If you choose monovision you eventually do not pay attention to the eye that is not as clearly focused. Many people who wear monovision contact lenses like this arrangement. It allows them good vision both near and distance without the hassles of corrective lenses. However, monovision is not for everyone and does take some time to adjust. Also, monovision does not correct vision as sharply as having both eyes corrected to the same focus. Monovision is best suited for people who have a strong preference not to wear corrective lenses such as reading glasses. We highly suggest you try the monovision contact lenses for a few weeks to see if monovision is right for you.
 
Toric Intraocular Lens
When a patient has significant astigmatism, a single vision IOL will not give clear vision at any distance. Patients with astigmatism have corneas that are not round, but rather oblong like a football. Toric IOLs have a unique design that offsets the imbalance of the corneal astigmatism. In this way they can significantly improve distance (or near) vision in these patients who otherwise would need glasses after surgery. For more information click here.

ReSTOR®
The ReSTOR lens uses an innovative apodized diffractive technology to provide a full range of vision. It works like two lenses in one. Combining refractive technology for distance vision and apodized diffractive technology for near vision through a series of concentric rings, the ReSTOR lens allows light from both distance and near objects to focus clearly on the retina. This is something that many cataract patients would otherwise have to achieve by wearing reading glasses. For further information click here, or visit www.acrysofrestor.com.