Advanced Cataract Implants
Modern-day cataract surgery involves removing the cataract from the eye and replacing it with an artificial implant, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The FDA first approved the use of IOL’s in cataract surgery in 1981. Before that time, the cataract was extracted from the eye and was not replaced. Since the natural lens contains about 1/3 of the refraction power of the eye, the patient was required to wear very thick glasses in order see clearly after surgery. With the advancement of cataract surgery techniques came advancement of IOL options. The patient’s preoperative measurements and goals after surgery are considered to help the patient and our doctors determine the best implant option for each eye. The doctors at OEI do not belive in a one-size-fits-all” approach. Each eye is meticulously evaluated to determine the best customized option for you.
Premium IOL: Multifocal IOL
The primary goal of the cataract surgery is to remove the cataract to restore clear vision. Some patients have the additional goal of freedom from depence on glasses. For many of these patients, the multifocal implant is an excellent option. The implant contains concentric rings that create focal points at distance, intermediate, and near. This differs from the traditional monofocal implant, which only allows for one focal point. Since the implant allows works differently than the natural lens of the eye, most patients need time to adapt. Most adaptation typically occurs wthin the first month after surgery, but for some patients can take longer. These patients may also see halos around lights because of the rings in the IOL, but this too will diminish over time. OEI uses ORA technology with the multifocal implant to ensure the most accurate surgery results.
Astigmatism-correcting IOL: Toric IOL
Astigmatism is caused when the window on the front of the eye, the cornea, is abnormally shaped. This causes the light to split into more than one focal point when it reaches the back of the eye, causing blurred vision. Astigmatism can be compensated for with contact lenses or glasses. The toric IOL can permanently correct astigmatism in most patients needing astigmatic correction. These patients will still need glasses for reading, but often do not need glasses for distance vision. Patients with moderate to severe astigamtism often notice better vision than they have ever experienced with contacts or glasses. Many variables must be correct to ensure that the toric IOL works properly. OEI uses ORA technology with all toric IOL implants to ensure that rotation, power, and position of the implant is correct.
Standard IOL: Monofocal IOL
The standard IOL is the traditional lens implant with cataract surgery. This implant is also called the monofocal IOL, since it creates one focal point. In almost all cases, this focal point is set to create clear distance vision. Patients with this implant will need glasses to read. Astigmatism patients who get the standard IOL implant will most likely need bifocal glasses after cataract surgery.