Major Types of Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
The number one reason people opt for intraocular lens procedures are to remove cataracts and restore their clear vision. Although cataracts can form as early as age 40, they become more common as people age. By the time they turn 75, at least half of people in the U.S. suffer from at least one cataract or have had surgery to remove them. Cataracts are also associated with diseases like diabetes and behavior like smoking or too much exposure to the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays. Here are the major types of lenses used for intraocular surgery.
Standard Lens (Monofocal)
In most cases, monofocal lens will be the least expensive and most effective option. It has a single focus depth for all regions of the lens and it primarily for distance viewing. Normally, patients will need a pair of eyeglasses with a light prescription to adjust their vision according to individual needs.
Multifocal Lens
In some cases, patients need a multifocal IOL that can focus at multiple distances. This provides a full range of vision at various distances without glasses. With this lens, patients can read small print close up and clearly identify objects further away. Some people report seeing halos or rings around bright objects and may have difficulty seeing under low light conditions.
Toric Lens
This is a term that many people may know from contact lenses. It refers to a lens shaped like a cone or tower in order to match the shape of the eye. It corrects for astigmatisms and often is necessary for patients who are near sighted. Like the monolens, this lens normally requires patients to have glasses for special conditions like reading or driving.
Accommodating/Accommodative Lens
New technology has made it possible for you to use your eye muscles to adjust the focus area of the lens. It can adjust on the fly so you can more clearly see options close or far based on your eye movements. Most people will still need some light prescription glasses with these lenses.
Aspheric Lens
This is an advanced lens that varies in the degree of curvature across the surface of the lens to focus light more accurately than a regular lens. It’s designed to more closely match the variability of a natural lens and delivers more precise vision, especially in low light.
Monovision Lens
This is an original concept in vision correction that treats the focal area for each eye differently. The lens in your dominant eye will be adjusted to provide clear vision at a distance, while the lens in your other eye allows you to see better close up. Often a pre-surgical trial is required to make sure this type of vision correction is right for you.
Whichever type of lens is best to correct your vision, we can help. Our eye doctors have treated thousands of patients throughout the Kansas City area. We use the latest technologies and most up-to-date practices and procedures. Please call us today at (816) 358-3600 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about how intraocular lenses may be the best choice to correct you vision.