When we remove the cataract we are removing the lens of your eye. We always replace the cloudy lens with a new lens implant. There are now more choices in lens implants than before, and these new lenses can reduce or in some cases eliminate the need for glasses. Not everyone is a candidate for these lenses and we cannot guarantee that you will not have to wear glasses for some activities. In addition, there is an extra charge for these premium implants that is not covered by insurance or Medicare.

However, if you are interested in becoming less dependent on glasses after your cataract surgery, review the options below and talk to your doctor or our staff to see if you are a candidate.

Astigmatism Correcting Implants

For patients with cataracts and astigmatism there is the AcrySof® Toric lens, which corrects for both conditions simultaneously. Correcting your astigmatism can provide excellent distance vision without depending on glasses.

Presbyopia Correcting Implants

Crystalens® was modeled after the human eye. Like the natural lens, it uses the eye muscle to flex and accommodate in order to focus on objects in the environment at all distances. Crystalens® can help provide both far and near vision without always depending on glasses.

Most people with cataracts or who have had corneal refractive surgery and retained good eye health are acceptable candidates for Crystalens™ implantation, but those who have already had cataract surgery are not. People with eye health problems such as chronic infections or diabetes should check with their doctors about eligibility.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs use a different technology to provide both reading and distance vision without glasses.  These implants have an optic that can focus light at both distance and near at the same time.  The brain learns which image to use after both eyes are implanted and after an adaptation period.  They can be very successful in the carefully selected patient, but work best in eyes without astigmatism, and without any other eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

There are two brands of multifocal IOLs we work with, the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL and the TECNIS® Multifocal IOL.  We have had success with both lenses and your surgeon can discuss which might be best for you.

As with many things, there may be a trade off. If you decide to have a multifocal lens, your use of glasses may decrease, but at the cost of losing some of the sharpness of your vision. There may also be some visual side effects such as halos and glare from lights at night that are more common than with a monofocal IOL.

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