If you have a cataract, your natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to be blurry or hazy. An intraocular lens (IOL) is a tiny artificial lens that replaces the eye’s natural lens, which is removed during cataract surgery in order to restore clear vision.
What are IOLs?
IOLs are clear lenses often made of silicon or acrylic used for implantation. They come in different focusing powers, similar to contacts or prescription eyeglasses, so that your sight can be restored to the clearest possible vision.
The Difference: Monofocal and Multifocal IOLs
There are various types of IOLs that can be utilized, but the two IOLs most commonly used for cataract surgery are monofocal and multifocal IOLs. In the past, only monofocal lenses were used in cataract removal. This led individuals to need bifocals or reading glasses post-surgery to correct the near-vision loss (called presbyopia) caused by the single lens. Enter multifocal IOLs, which are made to correct near vision, far vision, and all distances in between.
Benefits of Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are advanced presbyopia-corrections lenses that allow you to be glasses-free after cataract surgery. Multifocal lenses have various lens powers so that vision can be restored at several distances. The surgical procedure for implanting a multifocal IOL is the same as a standard cataract surgery.
Symfony IOL
The Tecnis Symfony® Intraocular Lens is a multifocal IOL that provide continuous high-quality vision following cataract surgery. Symfony® provides seamless day-to-night vision, with patients being able to see clearly at night at various distances. Vision is high-quality, and any light-related issues regarding glare or the “halo” effect, which are recognized as rings or blurring around bright lights, have been corrected with these lenses.
Vivity IOL
The Vivity IOL is a multifocal lens, but unlike other kinds of multifocal IOLs, it’s non-diffractive. A diffractive multifocal lens is broken up into sections that each have alternating focal points. The rings come out of the center of the lens. The Vivity lens has a unique design thanks to its proprietary X-Wave technology. It is the use of this exclusive technology that makes the Vivity lens smoother. The Vivity IOL can transition from one refractive power to another seamlessly.
PanOptix Trifocal Lens
The PanOptix trifocal lens offers clear vision whether you’re reading a book or using a computer. The focal points of the PanOptix trifocal are unique and don’t sacrifice close sight for intermediate vision. With the PanOptix trifocal IOL, you don’t have to settle. You can get the best out of having cataract surgery and end up with better vision than ever.
Want to restore clear vision after cataracts? Schedule a consultation with us today!
