Cataract surgery is an extremely common procedure during which the natural, clouded lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial alternative known as an intraocular lens, or IOL for short. There are many different types of IOL available, enabling your cataract surgeon to recommend the variety that will best restore and improve your vision, enhancing your quality of life after your cataract surgery.  

Here are the different options you may be offered when it comes to selecting your intraocular lenses.

Standard monofocal IOL

As their name suggests, these IOLs have a single focus that is set for near, mid-distance, or distance only. These are not suitable for patients who need assistance to see clearly at multiple distances. However, if you only need to have your IOLs set for one distance, for example, close-up vision because you have hyperopia, then monofocal IOLs may be a good choice. 

RxSight Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens

This is the first and currently only FDA-approved intraocular lens that can be adjusted after it has been inserted in order to improve the acuity of your vision. These adjustments usually take place around two to three weeks following their insertion, during which a light delivery device is used to customize the lenses based on your specific requirements. This helps to ensure that the quality of your vision is maximized following your cataract surgery. 

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are recommended for patients with astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when light is refracted at multiple points across the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision. Standard IOLs are unable to correct astigmatism, so instead toric lenses will be provided. These have special markers on the peripheral parts of the lens that enable your surgeon to see the orientation of the astigmatism correction, ensuring that they are placed correctly to provide you with clear vision. 

AcrySof Toric IOLs

If you require toric IOLs, we may recommend that you are implanted with Acrysof toric IOLs. This type of IOL is a foldable, single-piece lens that is monofocal in design, meaning that you may still need to use reading glasses when focusing on close-up objects. However, you should find that your distance vision is greatly improved without using prescription lenses. 

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs are recommended for patients who need to have improved vision at multiple distances as they are specifically designed to correct near, intermediate, and distance vision. For them to do this, they have concentric rings etched onto the surface of the lens, each of which is set to allow images at a variety of distances to focus on the retina. Choosing multifocal IOLs can reduce or eliminate your need to wear corrective glasses for specific visual distances. 

AcrySof IQ Panoptix IOL

This innovative intraocular lens is the first and only trifocal IOL of its kind available in the U.S. This premium contact lens is now available at our vision center, enabling our patients to enjoy the freedom of clear vision at every activity. 

For more information about cataracts surgery or the IOLs visit Coastal Vision Medical Group at one of our Southern California locations. Call (888) 501-4496 to schedule an appointment.