After cataract surgery, most patients enjoy clearer, higher-quality vision. However, individual outcomes can vary significantly based on your intraocular lens (IOL) choice.
IOLs like the Light Adjustable Lens and Eyhance IOL each offer different visual benefits and are suited for different cataract surgery patients. So, how do you know which one is right for you?
Keep reading to learn more about whether you should get the Light Adjustable Lens or Eyhance IOL after cataract surgery.
What is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is the gold standard for cataract treatment and the only procedure that can remove cataracts. Cataracts are a common condition, often age-related, where clumps of protein form cloudy patches on the natural lens of the eye.
This impairs vision and causes symptoms like:
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry, cloudy vision
- Halos and glare
- Yellowed or dull vision
- Poor night vision
- Needing frequent prescription changes
At first, glasses and contacts may be enough to stabilize your vision. However, cataracts will continue to develop over time and make it difficult to do things like read, drive, or navigate your surroundings safely.
At this point, it’s time to consider cataract surgery. This quick procedure involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens, or IOL.
This restores your vision and, depending on the IOL you choose, can even make it better than it ever was before.
What is an IOL?
IOLs, or intraocular lenses, are clear, synthetic lenses made to replace the cataract-affected natural lens during cataract surgery. They come in many different types and can correct presbyopia as well as common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Standard monofocal IOLs correct vision at one distance, meaning most patients still need glasses and contacts for certain activities after the procedure. However, premium IOLs like the Light Adjustable Lens and the Eyhance IOL can offer patients more visual freedom and enhanced visual outcomes.
What is the Light Adjustable Lens?
The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is a unique IOL that can be customized after cataract surgery to meet your desired vision. It is made with a photosensitive material that changes the shape of the lens when it is exposed to UV light.
After cataract surgery, your eye doctor will have you attend light adjustment sessions, where they will use the painless Light Delivery Device in 90-second increments to reshape the IOL. Between these sessions, you’ll get to test-drive your vision and have them make future adjustments if needed at your next session.
Once you’ve reached your desired vision, they will perform two lock-in treatments to finalize the power of your lens. The result is vision that has been truly personalized to match your lifestyle and preferences.
What is the Eyhance IOL?
The Eyhance IOL is an advanced monofocal lens that is set to one power around the edge and transitions to a different power in the middle of the lens. This helps improve the range of your distance vision after cataract surgery.
Because the Eyhance is a monofocal IOL, it also has reduced occurrences of visual disturbances when compared to other premium lenses, like multifocals. Patients who choose the Eyhance IOL get to enjoy this benefit, as well as enhanced distance vision and improved night vision.
You may still need reading glasses for up-close activities, but most patients enjoy clear vision for everyday activities that don’t require up-close focus.
Should I Choose the Light Adjustable Lens or Eyhance IOL?
If you want to enjoy enhanced distance vision and fewer halos and glares after cataract surgery, the Eyhance IOL could be right for you. Good candidates for the Eyhance IOL should also be okay with needing reading glasses for some up-close activities.
However, if you want more control over your specific visual outcome, the Light Adjustable Lens may be better for you. The adjustment process after cataract surgery enables you to test out your vision before it’s finalized, offering you more peace of mind heading into the procedure.
You may not be a good candidate for the Light Adjustable Lens if you cannot tolerate the post-operative care requirements. You’ll need to wear a special eye shield at all times, indoors or outdoors, unless you’re sleeping, showering, washing your face, or applying eye drops.
This ensures no UV light from the sun changes the shape of your lens, interfering with the results. You’ll also need to attend multiple adjustment sessions followed by two lock-in appointments.
After your vision has been finalized, you can remove the eye shield and enjoy your new, personalized vision. The best way to know which IOL is right for you is by scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor at Loden Vision Centers.
They will factor in things like your prescription, medical history, lifestyle, and visual goals to make an IOL recommendation. Apart from the Eyhance IOL and Light Adjustable Lens, Loden Vision Centers also carries a wide range of IOLs, including standard monofocal lenses, the Symfony IOL, the Vivity IOL, and the PanOptix trifocal lens.
Are you ready to explore your IOL options for cataract surgery? Schedule an appointment at Loden Vision Centers in Nashville, TN, today!
