Intraocular lens, (IOL) implantation is a surgical procedure that helps patients regain their visual acuity after being diagnosed with a variety of visual disturbances, such as glaucoma, refractory errors, and cataracts. This revolutionary surgical technique is a multi-step procedure, which involves the replacement of your eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, which in turn, can restore your vision and also improve the quality of your life.
Dr. Murrell specializes in IOL surgery, helping patients restore visual acuity. With the utmost precision, Dr, Murrell utilizes cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results.
How Is Intraocular Surgery Performed?
IOL surgery is usually performed to treat patients diagnosed with cataracts. Most cataracts occur because of changes that happen naturally as you get older. As the cataract progresses, your vision can become cloudy and may eventually lead to blurred vision.
During intraocular lens surgery, a small incision in the cornea and the clouded lens is gently removed. The IOL is then inserted to replace your natural lens that was removed.
Types of Intraocular Lens
There are four different types of Intraocular lens (IOLs) that are used for lens replacement.
Monofocal
Monofocal lenses are the most commonly used IOL in lens replacement surgery. Monofocals can help patients have clearer vision at one single point, which is typically at distance vision. This means that after the procedure, you may be able to see into the distance but will still need glasses to see things close to you.
Toric Lens
Toric lenses correct astigmatism, a visual condition that is characterized by an irregularly shaped cornea. Patients diagnosed with astigmatism usually have blurred or distorted vision at certain distances. Because toric lenses have different powers at varying meridians, it allows for greater correction in visual acuity.
Multifocal
Multifocal lenses are unique because they offer a wide range of focal points, which improves your vision acuity at different distances. Multiple lenses are designed to reduce or completely eliminate the need for glasses, especially when it comes to reading glasses. Since multifocal lenses incorporate different zones on the lens surface, most patients see an improvement in both near and distance vision paths.
The conventional monofocal
(The conventional monofocal)
Corrects vision in one focal point (when you see the best without glasses) this can be at distance (most common), near, or intermediate.
- 25% of patients may still need a weak pair of glasses at a focal point that they choose (usually distance.)
- 100% of patients will need for the 2 focal points that they did not chose.
- You will need reading glasses 100% of the time if you choose a distance focal point.
- You will need distance glasses 100% of the time if you choose near focal point.
- There are few patents that have mono vision prior to cataract surgery. Mono vision is when one eye sees well at a distance and the other sees near.
Premium Lens Options – additional cost for these lenses not covered by insurance
Acrysof IQ Toric Lens
(The conventional monofocal IOL with astigmatism)
Almost every eye has some astigmatism. This occurs when the clear cornea in the front of the eye is irregularly shaped. Those patients with very minimal or mild astigmatism do not require this IOL. However, those patients who have moderate to severe astigmatism may choose this IOL so they can see better at the focal point they choose (usually distance).
- 25% of patients may still need distance glasses
- 100% of patients will need reading glasses
- Remember, this is a premium IOL and there is an out-of-pocket cost to you.
Acrysof IQ VivityTM Lens
This IOL is designed to give an extended depth of focus to give good distance and intermediate vision. This will enable patients to see the computer and dashboard when driving and still give excellent distance vision.
- 5% of these patients may still need distance / intermediate glasses while 85% will not need distance or intermediate glasses.
- 50% of the patients may see ok at near with good lighting, while 50% of the patients will need reading glasses.
- This technology does not create glare or halos at night.
- This IOL is available with a Toric option if the patient has moderate to severe astigmatism.
- Remember, this is a premium IOL and there is an out-of-pocket cost to you.
Acrysof IQ PanOptix Lens
(Distance, Intermediate, and Near IOL)
This IOL gives vision at all 3 focal points: Distance, Intermediate (computer/dash board), and Near.
- 20% of the patients may still need glasses at distance , intermediately or near while 80% won’t need glasses.
- This IOL design may give glare or halos of light at night (in my experience less than 5%). While many patients have this, very few are bothered by it.
- This IOL is available in a Toric option if the patient has a moderate to severe astigmatism.
- Remember, this is a premium IOL and there is an out-of-pocket cost to you.
Can Each Eye Have a Different Multifocal IOL?
It's possible to have a different IOL in each eye. Mixing IOLs may be ideal if you want to improve distance vision in one eye and near vision in the other, for example. We make this choice very carefully with an in-depth discussion about your desired outcome, needs, and preferences.
How Can I Prepare for the Intraocular Lens Procedure?
There usually isn't much to do to prepare for cataract removal surgery. During your consultation, it is important to inform the doctor of any medications you're taking. Some may need to be stopped or altered to prevent surgical risks. You'll receive pre-surgical instructions before your procedure. Please review them well in advance and contact our office if you have any questions. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics to begin taking before surgery. If this is the case, it is important to use them as directed.
How Do IOL Implants Work?
The IOL is made with precise power based on the position of the lens, the curvature of the cornea, and the length of the eye. Each of these measurements is taken prior to surgery and may be checked again during surgery, when adjustments can be made. Your intraocular lens is designed to work very much like your natural lens or prescription eyeglasses or contacts. As light passes through the front of the eye, it bends based on the power of the IOL. This focuses rays of light to land accurately on the retina at the back of the eye. The accuracy of the rays of light supports crisp, clear vision at multiple distances.
How Do You Know if You Need an Intraocular Lens?
Every person who undergoes cataract removal surgery needs an intraocular lens. This is because, during cataract removal surgery, the entire natural lens of the eye is extracted. Intraocular lens technology can also be used to improve vision that is not affected by cataracts. This is referred to as refractive lens exchange surgery. It is sometimes considered for adults who are not good candidates for LASIK.
How is Implantation Performed?
Lens implantation is the final aspect of cataract removal surgery. After the clouded lens is removed during the procedure the new lens, the IOL is folded and inserted into the same capsule that held the natural lens. It is secured in the capsule, which will naturally heal around the IOL over the course of several days.
How Long Do Multifocal Lenses Last?
Multifocal IOLs are designed to last many years, if not indefinitely. The new lens is positioned just like the one that has been removed and it does not require any specific maintenance. You shouldn't even be aware that you have it, other than that you can see better than you have in a long time.
Conclusion
As you can see, modern cataract surgery and the IOL options provide today’s cataract patients with many choices. Learning as much as you can about these choices prior to your evaluation in my office will help you ensure that you get the type of vision requirements that you desire. There is also much more detailed information on the internet regarding these IOL’S and I encourage you to check them out.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more schedule a consultation at our Amarillo, TX office with Dr. Murrell by calling (806) 351-1177 or (800) 782-6393.
