Should You Choose a Premium IOL Before Cataract Surgery?
September 24, 2024
Do you have cataracts, making seeing the world around you more challenging? If you're considering cataract surgery, one decision you have to make before the procedure is choosing what kind of intraocular lens you'll have.
An intraocular lens, or IOL, is a lens that takes over the job of the previously transparent natural lens in your eye. There are many kinds of IOLs, including premium ones.
Premium IOLs allow you to experience better vision while reducing your dependence on visual aids after cataract surgery. But is a premium IOL right for you?
Keep reading to learn more about IOLs and if you should choose a premium IOL before cataract surgery!
What is an IOL?
Cataracts form on the eye's natural lens, making the lens cloudy and more challenging to see through. Cataract surgery removes the natural lens to remove the cataract formed on it.
During cataract surgery, your cataract surgeon at Maryland Eye Associates will create a small incision in your eye. Then, they will remove the natural lens and the cataract before positioning an intraocular lens (IOL) inside your eye to replace your natural lens.
The intraocular lens functions like your natural lens, helping your eyes focus light so you can see. The IOL also ensures that you can see clearly after cataract surgery.
However, there are several kinds of IOLs, and depending on the IOL you choose before cataract surgery, you may be able to achieve better vision than you had before cataracts. Only one type of intraocular lens is considered a standard IOL and is included in the cost of cataract surgery. This IOL is called a monofocal lens.
Premium IOLs vs. Standard IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are the most basic intraocular lenses that are entirely uniform. They are standard IOLs set to a refractive power that helps you see either up close or far away.
If you choose a monofocal IOL, you'll need glasses to see at the opposite distance. Some patients select monovision, where one monofocal lens is set for seeing up close and another for seeing at a distance.
With monovision, you can see well enough between the two distances. However, most patients still need to depend on visual aids like reading glasses or glasses and contact lenses to see clearly.
Premium IOLs, also called premium lifestyle lenses, are designed to correct refractive errors and presbyopia to a higher degree than monofocal IOLs by giving you a more comprehensive range of vision and clearer vision.
Premium IOLs can also reduce or eliminate the need for other visual aids. Remember that monofocals are included with the cost of cataract surgery, which most health insurance plans cover as it's medically necessary.
However, this is not the case with premium IOLs. These intraocular lenses require an out-of-pocket cost.
But because of the enhanced vision premium IOLs offer, many patients find the added expense is well worth it! Whether you want to have better vision on the golf course, improve your backhand while playing tennis, or want to see more clearly while baking cookies with your grandchildren, a premium IOL could be the answer you've been looking for.
Premium IOL Options Available at Maryland Eye Associates
We offer some of the most advanced premium lenses at Maryland Eye Associates. We have a wide variety to choose from, including the following IOLs:
Multifocal IOL
The multifocal lens is divided into two alternating sections. Some sections help you see up close, while some allow you to see far away.
With a multifocal IOL, you'll see well whether you're looking at something up close or something further away from you, like down the lane while swimming or watching your favorite television show with friends. Multifocal IOLs offer improved vision up close, at a distance, and at intermediate distances while reducing your dependence on visual aids after cataract surgery.
Trifocal IOL
The trifocal IOL is similar to a multifocal. However, instead of alternating between two different refractive powers, it changes between three.
One refractive power helps you see up close, one enables you to see far away, and the third allows you to see at a middle distance. The result is a broader range of clear vision than the traditional multifocal with exceptionally sharp up-close and intermediate-distance vision.
Toric IOL
Toric lenses correct astigmatism. These IOLs help correct the cornea's irregular shape that astigmatism creates, leading to distorted vision at most distances. Most premium IOLs come in toric models to ensure you can correct astigmatism during cataract surgery.
Could it be time for cataract surgery?
Should You Choose a Premium IOL?
With so many options, should you choose a premium IOL? Which one should you choose if you choose a premium IOL?
The best place to start is to receive a recommendation for a premium IOL from your cataract surgeon at Maryland Eye Associates. They'll consider your lifestyle, visual goals, and budget before recommending the best one.
Do you want to reduce your dependence on visual aids? Do you want to correct astigmatism during cataract surgery?
Knowing this information will make choosing the best IOL and achieving your most optimal vision easier. Premium IOLs like the trifocal IOL are excellent if you want to reduce your dependence on visual aids and correct presbyopia, while a multifocal IOL is great if you want to expand your range of vision and improve things like reading, texting, or other activities.
Ready to choose better vision? Take the next step towards your best vision after cataract surgery by requesting your appointment at Maryland Eye Associates in Prince Frederick, MD! Isn't it time to see clearly again?