Lens Replacement
During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded cataract and implants a tiny, clear intraocular lens (IOL) to replace it. There are variety of IOL types, each designed to provide a different visual outcome. Standard monofocal IOLs focus light at one point-either far away or up close. The standard lens is not designed to eliminate the need for glasses, but rather to make the vision with glasses far more clear than it was prior to cataract surgery. For those looking for a wider range of clear vision with less dependence on glasses, and correction for certain refractive errors (astigmatism and presbyopia), lifestyle lenses may be the best option.
What are lifestyle lenses?
During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded cataract and implants a tiny, clear intraocular lens (IOL) to replace it. There are variety of IOL types, each designed to provide a different visual outcome. Standard monofocal IOLs focus light at one point-either far away or up close. The standard lens is not designed to eliminate the need for glasses, but rather to make the vision with glasses far more clear than it was prior to cataract surgery. For those looking for a wider range of clear vision with less dependence on glasses, and correction for certain refractive errors (astigmatism and presbyopia), lifestyle lenses may be the best option.
Astigmatism-Correcting Lifestyle Lenses Do you wear glasses? Now you may have another option.
Sometimes, the surface of the cornea is curved more like the surface of a football, with both flat and steep curves. This uneven curvature (astigmatism) distorts vision because light rays are not focused to a single spot on the retina. This can have a significant effect on the quality of vision.
An implantable astigmatism-correcting toric lens makes it possible to treat this condition. The toric IOL is implanted during surgery to provide quality distance vision independent of glasses and contact lenses.
Toric lenses can tremendously improve the quality of vision for those who have astigmatism, far more than is possible with a standard IOL. Ask your eye doctor for more information about astigmatism-correcting toric lens options.
Presbyopia-Correcting Lifestyle Lenses Are you looking to enjoy a full range of vision, while reducing or eliminating the need for glasses?
As we age, the eye's lens naturally begins to harden and becomes less flexible, preventing the lens from changing shape to focus on close-up images. This is called presbyopia. Multifocal lenses restore your ability to focus on near objects. The result is clearer vision at all distances without the aid of glasses and contacts.
Multifocal lenses and extended depth of focus lenses have been shown to offer an even greater level of magnification for near objects than other lenses. The multifocal IOL contains added magnification in different parts of the lens, which focuses light at different distances. This is what allows the eye to focus clearly without glasses at all distances.
Light Adjustable Lenses The First and Only Lens Adjusted After Surgery
Most IOLs are designed for a specific vision outcome before surgery and cannot be changed once they have been implanted. The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) is the only IOL that can be customized to your vision needs after surgery.
LAL lenses are made of a special photosensitive material that changes the shape and power of the implanted lens in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. The light treatment procedure can be adjusted and performed multiple times to ensure the lens fits your vison needs. Once the desired outcome has been achieved, you will receive a final light treatment and no further changes will be needed. The lens will be set and UV light will no longer affect its shape.
