Invest in Clear Vision with IOLs
An IOL, or intraocular lens, is a tiny, artificial lens that replaces your eye’s natural lens once it is removed during cataract surgery. At Wilmington Eye, we offer several different types of IOLs, each offering a unique set of advantages that will improve your vision following cataract surgery. Some IOLs can even reduce or eliminate your need for glasses or contacts following your procedure. As you prepare for cataract surgery, it’s important to understand your choices for intraocular lenses (IOLs).
What is an IOL?
During cataract surgery, the natural lens in your eye (now referred to as a cataract) is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, or an IOL. These intraocular lenses come in different focusing powers, like the different focusing powers of your prescription glasses or contact lenses. Thanks to advances in technology, some IOLs now have the ability to significantly improve your vision after cataract surgery and reduce your dependence on glasses.
The picture below is an actual IOL lens, held by Dr. Travis Jenkins, a cataract surgeon here at Wilmington Eye.
Different Types of IOLs
We offer 3 different types of IOLs; Monofocal IOLs, Toric IOLs, and Multifocal IOLs. Each lens types comes with its own set of advantages to improve your vision following cataract surgery. To determine the best IOL for you, it’s important to talk with your surgeon about your lifestyle and vision goals. We can help you understand the different IOL options and set realistic expectations with your surgeon. Please keep in mind that your surgeon will ultimately determine which IOL is right for you.
Monofocal Intraocular Lens
The Monofocal lens is our standard introacular lens and is the only lens covered by most insurances (including Medicare). A Monofocal IOL allows you to focus on objects at a single distance. Before developing a cataract, your natural lens could adjust to accommodate for objects that were near or far away. With a Monofocal lens, you will only be able to focus on objects at ONE distance (near or far away). Your surgeon will help to determine if a Monofocal IOL is right for you.
- Covered by insurance
- Clear vision following procedure
- Glasses still needed
After surgery, you'll need glasses for the following viewing distances:
Toric Intraocular Lens
If you have been diagnosed with astigmatism (a medical term that means the surface of your eye is not perfectly round), a Toric IOL may be the best lens choice for your cataract surgery. A Toric IOL is a premium lens, an advanced lens option that offers astigmatism management. A Toric lens will correct your astigmatism, which will improve your overall vision following cataract surgery, allowing you to see objects more clearly. This premium IOL is not covered by insurance. Your surgeon will help to determine if a Toric IOL can help treat your astigmatism.
- Clear vision following procedure
- Corrects astigmatism
- Glasses still needed
- NOT covered by insurance
After surgery, you'll need glasses for the following viewing distances:
Multifocal Intraocular Lens
A multifocal lens provides you with an exciting and promising opportunity to eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses following cataract surgery. Multifocal lenses are the most advanced cataract lenses available, providing a full range of outstanding vision; excellent near vision, enhanced intermediate vision, and clear distance vision, all while relying less on glasses and contacts. With a multifocal IOL, you will be able to see near, intermediate, and far away objects clearly. This premium lens is not covered by insurance. Your surgeon will help to determine if a Multifocal IOL is right for you.
- Clear vision following procedure
- Full range of brilliant, continuous vision at all distances
- May reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses
- NOT covered by insurance
One team of board-certified ophthalmic surgeons can help determine which intraocular lens is right for you. To find out more about cataract surgery, contact us today to schedule a cataract consultation.
