Once cataract symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life, surgery is the most effective treatment to restore your vision and quality of life. The lens you choose for your cataract surgery, however, can have a lasting impact on both the clarity and quality of your vision.
With so many options available, learning the differences between basic and premium lenses is an essential step in your decision-making process. Keep reading to learn more about which IOL might be right for you!
Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
Cataracts occur when proteins in the lens of the eye break apart and clump together. As these clumps collect, they block light from reaching the retina, impairing vision.
Some of the signs of developing cataracts include cloudy vision, poor night vision, halos and glare, and changes in color perception. Pupils that appear yellow or milky white are an additional , but very late sign. While cataracts can start to develop in adults as young as 40, they are most prevalent in individuals over the age of 65.
Cataract surgery is the only way to permanently treat cataracts. During the procedure, the natural lens of the eye affected by cataracts is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), which is designed to last a lifetime and prevent cataracts from ever reforming.
For most people, cataract surgery is an easy outpatient procedure with a short recovery period. It is usually performed on one eye at a time, with a break of 1 to 2 weeks between procedures.
How Do You Choose an IOL for Cataract Surgery?
There are two types of IOL to choose from for cataract surgery: basic and premium. While all IOLs are designed to restore clear vision and eliminate those annoying cataract symptoms, some lenses can further reduce your dependency on visual aids after the surgery.
What Is a Basic Lens?
A basic or monofocal lens is an IOL that can provide clear vision at a single distance. Most patients who choose a basic IOL opt to improve their distance vision, but usually still need to rely on glasses for close and intermediate tasks, such as reading and using a computer, after surgery.
Basic monofocal lenses are typically covered by most insurance and Medicare plans, as they are considered medically necessary for cataract treatment. While they offer limited vision improvement, with glasses, they can provide excellent clarity and have a proven track record for safety and effectiveness.
The limitation of basic lenses is that they can only correct vision at a single focal point and are unable to correct astigmatism, so many people still need glasses after surgery. This can be frustrating for patients who would like to minimize their dependence on corrective eyewear.
What Is a Premium Lens?
Premium lenses are designed to go beyond basic vision correction by reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery. These lenses use advanced optical technology to provide a broader range of clear vision.
Available premium lenses include:
Multifocal
Multifocal IOLs use concentric rings to focus light from multiple distances on the retina. These lenses can provide clear vision at far, intermediate, and near distances, helping patients read a menu or see a road sign without having to switch glasses.
Multifocal lenses are ideal for people who lead active lifestyles and want to achieve visual independence after surgery. While some multifocal lenses can cause halos or glare at night, newer versions have updated designs that significantly reduce these effects.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)
EDOF lenses can provide seamless intermediate-to-distance vision. Rather than splitting light into multiple focal points like a multifocal lens, EDOF technology stretches the focus, resulting in a smoother, more natural transition between distances.
EDOF lenses are an excellent option for people who work on computers, drive frequently, or engage in hobbies that rely on intermediate vision. They are also less likely to produce visual side effects than traditional multifocal lenses.
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens
Light adjustable lenses offer a uniquely personalized approach to vision correction. After surgery, ultraviolet light treatments adjust the lens power to fine-tune vision.
These customizable lenses allow patients to test different vision settings during recovery before locking in their final prescription. The result is optimal vision correction that is unmatched by other lenses.
Toric
Toric lenses are designed for patients with astigmatism, a common condition characterized by an uneven curvature of the cornea. Toric IOLs correct this irregularity, providing sharper focus and reducing the need for glasses for distance activities.
Both standard and premium lenses often come in toric versions. When paired with the other advanced features offered by premium IOLs, they can provide significantly improved vision for patients with astigmatism after cataract surgery.
While premium lenses are usually not covered by insurance, their long-term benefits are often worth the out-of-pocket investment. They can ultimately save money by eliminating the recurring costs associated with glasses and contact lenses.
When choosing between a basic and a premium cataract lens, you should consider your vision goals, lifestyle needs, and budget. As long as there is no astigmatism, basic lenses can restore clear vision at a single distance, while premium lenses use advanced technology to deliver clear, crisp vision at multiple distances.
Your eye doctor can help you determine which lens might be best for your lifestyle and vision goals.
Do you want to learn which IOL might be best for you? Schedule an appointment at Whitson Vision in Indianapolis, IN, today!