Choose Your IOL with Confidence!

With advances in technology, cataract surgery has become a very quick, very effective treatment option with very good to excellent results that can last a lifetime. No only have new technologies increased the safety and precision of cataract surgery, but they have also expanded the options for clearer postoperative vision. The way that vision is supported after cataract removal is through an appropriate intraocular lens, IOL. An intraocular lens is an ultra-thin medical device that gets implanted in the capsule that held the natural lens. The patient does not see or feel the new lens because it is made to mimic the structure of the natural lens. Here, we will provide a brief overview of the various intraocular lens options available in our Amarillo office. You need not make your decision regarding this device now. You’ll need your doctor’s help in understanding which one may be ideal for you. However, it does help to have a basic understanding of how different IOLs work so you can begin formulating your post-treatment expectations.

Four Types of IOLs

The Conventional Monofocal

This intraocular lens corrects vision in one focal point. This can be at a distance, near, or intermediate. Patients who choose the conventional monofocal should know that mono vision is when one eye sees well at a distance and the other sees well up close. Even when the focal point is selected, approximately 25% of patients may still need a weak pair of glasses to see optimally at that distance. Additional details to know about the conventional monofocal IOL include:

• Patients will need corrective lenses for the two focal points not corrected by the IOL.
• Patients who choose a distance focal point will need eyeglasses to read or perform computer work.
• Patients who choose a near focal point will need to wear eyeglasses all the time to see at a distance.

Acrysof IQ Toric Lens

This Premium IOL is like a conventional IOL that is designed to correct astigmatism. Nearly every eye has some degree of astigmatism, described as an irregular shape. When the curve of the cornea is only mildly irregular, this corrective IOL is not necessary. This Toric lens is designed more so to treat moderate to severe astigmatism. Like the conventional monofocal IOL, though, this lens also only provides visual clarity with a single focal point. At that, about one-quarter of patients who receive this IOL still need to wear glasses for their selected focal point (usually distance).

Acrysof IQ Vivity^TM Lens

Also a Premium IOL, the Vivity Lens gives an extended depth of focus that supports good intermediate and distance vision. Patients who receive this IOL can expect to see their computer with good clarity and also clearly see objects 20 or more feet away. Some patients do still need to wear distance or intermediate glasses to optimize their vision. Some may need to wear reading glasses at some point. This intraocular lens can also be made in Toric style to correct moderate to severe astigmatism.

Acrysof IQ PanOptix Lens

Our final Premium Lens is designed to provide the patient with 3 good points of vision. It supports near, intermediate, and distance simultaneously. More than three-quarters of the patients who choose the PanOptix lens do not need glasses afterward. Some people (less than 5%) experience glare or halos of light at nighttime. This is typically not bothersome or disruptive to safe nighttime driving. This IOL can also be made in Toric style to correct moderate to severe astigmatism.

Choosing an IOL is about much more than simply replacing a clouded lens. Dr. Murrell helps each patient determine which intraocular lens may best suit their needs and lifestyle, so they can live their best lives after cataract surgery. To learn more, contact our Amarillo office at (806) 351-1177 to schedule a consultation.