New Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options

Eye Surgery at SNEADCataract, Florida

Cataracts can plague all aspects of your daily life. Without being able to see objects clearly, the activities you enjoy doing can be taken away from you. The only treatment for cataracts is having the crystalline lens that cataracts grow on replaced with an Intraocular Lens (IOL) through cataract eye surgery.

In the past, the IOL chosen to replace the natural lens in cataract eye surgery was selected so that it focused far away or close range objects. Although this is a vast improvement over the cloudy vision at all distances cataracts cause, but it means that contacts or glasses are required to see objects that aren't in the chosen distance.

Monovision IOLs

One of the ways people deal with not being able to focus on objects at all distances is by having a distance IOL and a close range IOL implanted in different eyes during their cataract eye surgery. Although many people learn to cope with one eye being used for distance, and one eye used for close range, not all people can get used to this.

Also, one of the drawbacks to monovision is that depth perception can be decreased. Although the monovision not for all people, for those who are used to it as a result of contacts with presbyopia, monovision cataract eye surgery may be a good option for them.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs are a newer advancement in cataract eye surgery technology. With a Multifocal IOL, people who undergo cataract eye surgery can regain the ability to focus on objects at more than just one distance. Multifocal IOLs reduce the dependence on glasses or contact by providing people with focused vision at multiple distances.

Many people who choose to have Multifocal IOLs implanted during cataract eye surgery still use glasses to read very small print and drive at night, however, this is a vast improvement over monovision, needing glasses to see one distance, and vision that is clouded with cataracts.

Accommodating IOLs

Your natural lens changes shape so that you can focus on objects at all distances. This is called accommodating, and when your natural lens is replaced during cataract eye surgery, you lose the ability to accommodate. Multifocal IOLs and traditional IOLs do not allow you to accommodate, they either force you to wear glasses to see different distances, or they provide you with a few different focal points.

Accommodating IOLs, like Crystalens, are the first IOLs that "hinge" and move so that you are able to retain the ability to accommodate and focus on objects at all distances. Generally, after having your natural crystalline lens replaced in cataract eye surgery with an accommodating IOL, there is a period of adjustment. However, most patients who receive accommodating IOLs are able to perform activities and tasks at all distances without the need for glasses or contacts.

Dr. Snead is the eye surgeon at SNEADCataract, and he uses all of the latest technologies in cataract eye surgery. Contact SNEADCataract today if you are suffering from cataracts and are considering eye surgery. You will be informed of all the available options for your cataract eye surgery during your initial consultation.

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