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Our Team in Tupelo, Mississippi, Explains What an IOL Is

An Intraocular lens or IOL, is an artificial lens that is implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. The lens is designed to replace the natural lens that has become cloudy due to cataracts.

The IOL is inserted through a small incision in the eye and positioned in the capsular bag, which is the thin, clear membrane that originally held the natural lens. Similar to prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, IOLs are available in a variety of focusing powers.

Patients experience significant improvement in their vision after this surgery, with many able to achieve excellent visual acuity without the need for glasses or contacts.

Different Types of IOLs

Woman with monofocal iol

Monofocal IOL

Monofocal or standard IOLs are the most common type used in cataract surgery. They come in different prescriptions, but offer only one vision adjustment, correcting either nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

Standard aphakic monofocal IOLs are designed to provide clear vision and restore basic visual function. Aspheric monofocals, however, have a non-spherical shape that helps to reduce distortions and aberrations. It improves contrast sensitivity and vision and allows for fewer halos or glare, especially in low-light conditions.

While monofocal IOLs do not correct all vision problems, they are a reliable and cost-effective option. They also have a low risk of complications and a high success rate. Nevertheless, patients frequently still require the use of glasses or contact lenses in order to see clearly after surgery.

Brands of monofocal IOLs:

  • Tecnis Aspheric (Abbott Medical Optics)
  • AcrySof IQ (Alcon)
  • SofPort AO (Bausch + Lomb)
  • Softec HD (Lenstec)
Man with premium iol

Premium IOL

Premium IOLs are a category of intraocular lenses that provide advanced vision correction beyond what is possible with standard monofocal IOLs. They are designed to improve visual outcomes and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

Unlike monofocal IOLs, premium IOLs correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, benefiting presbyopic patients who need prescription eyeglasses for distance and reading. This often eliminates the need for multiple pairs of glasses altogether.

They are typically more expensive but offer patients greater visual freedom and independence from glasses or contact lenses

Types of premium IOLs:

  1. Multifocal IOLs
  2. Trifocal IOLs
  3. Accommodating IOLs
  4. Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL)
  5. Toric IOLs
Man with multifocal IOLs

Multifocal Lenses

What are Multifocal IOLs?

Multifocal IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, allowing patients to see both near and far objects without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Refractive multifocal lenses use different powers of refraction to focus light at multiple distances. Diffractive multifocal lenses separate light into different focal points, creating multiple focus zones for clear vision at different distances

Multifocal IOLs provide improved visual function and independence for patients with presbyopia and are available in different designs and materials to suit the needs of the patient.

Vivity® IOL

The Vivity IOL is a more advanced multifocal EDOF (extended depth of focus). It enables you to experience ongoing comprehensive vision without the disadvantages of other multifocal IOLs.

The lens is made of a non-diffractive technology called X-WAVE™, which uses wavefront-shaping technology to correct distance vision while also reducing the occurrence of glare and halos. This technology is designed to mimic the natural shape of the cornea, allowing for clear vision at all distances without the loss of contrast sensitivity.

The Vivity® IOL is a popular choice for cataract patients who want to achieve optimal visual outcomes without compromising on visual quality. This lens is also available in a toric version to correct astigmatism.

Don't let cataracts impact your quality of life. Call or book an appointment to experience the benefits of our IOL service.

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What Are the Pros & Cons of Multifocal IOLs?

Patients who choose multifocal IOLs typically experience a smooth and natural adjustment to their new lenses. There are some potential advantages and disadvantages associated with these lenses that should be taken into consideration by patients.

Cost-Effective

Although multifocal IOLs may cost more than traditional monofocal IOLs, they can be more cost-effective in the long term. They reduce the need for multiple pairs of glasses or contact lenses and reduce healthcare costs associated with the management of certain eye conditions.

Improved Visual Acuity

Multifocal IOLs provide clear vision at multiple distances, including near, intermediate, and far distances. Patients can also enjoy clear vision at night as the effects of strong light impairing their vision are lessened by multifocal IOLs.

Greater Convenience

Multifocal IOLs eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses, providing greater convenience and freedom for patients. This is particularly beneficial for those with active lifestyles or hobbies that require clear vision at different distances.

Visual Side Effects

Some patients may experience visual side effects such as glare or halos, particularly in low-light conditions. These side effects vary from patient to patient and may be more pronounced in some.

Cost

Multifocal IOLs are a premium option and cost more than traditional monofocal IOLs. This can be a drawback for some patients who are on a tight budget.

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Older Couple Discussing Cataract Surgery

Using Multifocal and Monofocal IOLs Together

In some cases, multifocal and monofocal IOLs are used together, known as a blended vision approach. The goal is to provide both good distance and near vision by implanting a multifocal IOL in one eye and a monofocal IOL in the other. An eye dominance test is performed and the near focal point is often focused on the non-dominant eye.

Blended vision may be particularly beneficial for those with an active lifestyle or job that requires both near and distance vision. However, it is important for patients to understand that it can take time for the brain to adjust to the differences between the two eyes.

Book an appointment with the team in Tupelo, Mississippi, to discuss the option of blending multifocal and monofocal IOLs.

Trifocal IOLs

What are Trifocal IOLs?

Trifocal IOLs are a type of premium intraocular lens that provides clear vision at three distances: far, intermediate, and near. This is accomplished through the use of specialized lens technology that incorporates multiple focal points.

Trifocal IOLs are designed to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. The PanOptix® Trifocal Lens is one of these new options that offer three vision distances as opposed to one or two.

PanOptix® IOL

The PanOptix® Trifocal Lens is a premium intraocular lens designed to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.

The lens allows for better vision over three primary areas. It utilizes advanced technology that allows for a smooth transition between distances, minimizing the potential for visual disturbances such as halos or glare.

Adults who require their natural lens to be replaced can now have greater sight and independence with the PanOptix® Trifocal IOL.

 

Accommodating Lenses

Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL)

Accommodative IOL

Accommodating IOLs are another type of premium intraocular lens that is designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances.

These lenses are designed to move in response to the eye's natural focusing mechanisms, allowing patients to see clearly at both near and far distances Predominantly used to cure cataracts and presbyopia, this special type of IOL shifts and adjusts when your eye moves.

Accommodating IOLs are particularly beneficial for patients with an active lifestyle as the need for glasses or contact lenses is eliminated or greatly reduced.

Light Adjustable IOLs

Light Adjustable Lenses (LAL) are a type of premium intraocular lens that utilizes advanced technology to allow for post-operative vision correction.

These lenses are made from a special material that can be adjusted by exposing it to UV light, allowing the surgeon to fine-tune the lens power after it has been implanted. The IOL can be adjusted for astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness when the lens's shape changes. 

This is particularly beneficial for patients with high levels of astigmatism or those who experience refractive error after cataract surgery.

Toric IOLs for Astigmatism in Tupelo, Mississippi

What are Toric IOLs?

 

Toric IOLs are a specialized type of intraocular lens designed for patients with astigmatism, a refractive error that occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped.

Toric IOLs are uniquely designed to counteract the effects of astigmatism by incorporating a specific amount of correction power to the lens at a certain orientation. This allows for more precise vision correction, resulting in clearer and sharper vision. 

Toric IOLs are a popular choice for patients with moderate to severe astigmatism and may reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. 

If you or a loved one suffers from astigmatism, contact our surgeons in Tupelo, Mississippi, to get more information on Toric IOLs.

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