Some Useful Information Regarding IOLs
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are not only effective in restoring loss of eyesight due to cataracts but fix refracted errors too (like hyperopia, presbyopia, and myopia). Since 1981, the FDA has regarded them as safe and effective in the United States. During cataract surgery, the expert replaces the natural clouded lens with a fake lens known as IOL to improve vision.
But not every artificial intraocular lens is the same. Few IOLs let you see far or near in a better way. Picking the appropriate lens can be difficult. The FDA has approved every intraocular lens material and design. It means they have passed a stringent optical efficacy, quality, and safety test. Read below to know everything related to intraocular lenses.
What Are the Different Intraocular Lens Choices?
Different types of IOLs include:
Toric Lens Implants
If you are looking to see best without contacts or glasses, toric lens implants are the perfect solution. They are effective in addressing astigmatism. This eye condition makes the eye warped into an oval shape instead of a round and normal shape.
Pseudo Accommodative Lens and Multifocal Implants
These lenses provide the maximum visual freedom among all options for IOL. It means when choosing them, you will be able to see a wide range of vision.
Monofocal Lens Implants
They are the standard IOL lens type effective in enhancing vision after cataract surgery. However, patients may still be dependent on prescription glasses or reading glasses.
Which is the Best Lens After a Cataract Surgery?
About 4 million people in America undergo cataract surgery every year to restore their vision. After cataract surgery, there are many intraocular lenses to choose from today. The best one relies on your unique visual needs and preference. During your initial consultation with an ophthalmologist at Ryan Ranch, the expert will help you select a perfect IOL.
Pre-existing Eye Diseases
A person with age-related macular degeneration, advanced glaucoma, or other eye diseases, he/she is not an ideal candidate for the multifocal lens. When you fix an appointment with the reputed eye doctor Monterey, he/she will usually perform a comprehensive eye examination and discuss its implications and outcome to help you pick the best eye lens.
Price
Compared to conventional IOLs, Premium Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) near you are more costly. It increases the price of cataract surgery. Moreover, insurance providers do not cover these lenses.
Priorities and Lifestyle
A person with a highly active lifestyle that involves focusing outdoors, he/she experiences near vision issues rather than distance vision issues. On the other hand, if a person loves embroidery or sewing activities, he/she needs perfect near vision.
Should You Pick a Different Lens for Both Eyes?
If you are looking for IOL monovision, it usually uses a different monofocal replacement lens in each eye to address your vision. Each lens has a pre-set distance in every eye. These lenses help minimize your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.
Will Insurance Cover IOLs?
Insurance providers usually include a standard IOL option – a monofocal lens and a cataract surgery. Alternative intraocular lens options are not covered. Therefore, we advise you to always read the information on your insurance plan before selecting an IOL option.
How Long Will IOLs Last?
Intraocular lenses at Eye MD Monterey – Upper Ragsdale Dr are permanent and have zero moving parts in the lens that could experience wear and tear with time. Moreover, these false lenses are put in kids after congenital cataract surgery due to their long lifespan.
Can IOL be Removed and Replaced?
Yes, patients with IOL can replace and remove it hassle-free. But it is rare. The most common reason behind the removal and replacement would be that the lens power is incorrect or IOL moves out of position inside the eye. Since these false lenses are permanent, it is not easy to remove them.
If I Earlier Had R.K., LasikSurgery, or Other Refractive Surgery, Can I Get an Intraocular Lens?
Yes. Past refractive surgery usually impairs the IOL power selection. Due to the change in corneal shape, the cornea measurement used to calculate the IOL power turns incorrect. Therefore, before and after refractive surgery, you must depend upon previous records from the eye exam.