Multifocal IOL

The Multifocal IOL has circular zones of increasing power surrounding a central distance only optical zone to allow an extended range depth of focus to allow both distance and near vision. These lenses are helpful for patients who would like to have as wide a depth of focus as possible and reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts when compared to a standard intraocular lens. There is even a design for patients that have astigmatism. Every patient considering one of these lenses needs to be aware that there can be some tradeoffs associated with this technology. While 85% of patients that have a Multifocal IOL wear no glasses at all, some experience a halo and glare at nighttime due to the design of the IOL. In addition, patients with the Multifocal IOL may find that they need a small amount of reading correction, especially in dim light. This new option, however, does provide more versatile vision after cataract surgery and helps reduce our dependency on glasses for driving as well as reading a newspaper or your smartphone. We are very fortunate to be living in a time where technology has given cataract surgery patients so many options to correct their vision with IOLs.

If you have a cataract and would like to decrease your dependency on reading glasses and bifocals after surgery, please talk to our surgeons about your expectations and we will be happy to provide further information.

Toric IOL Correcting Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a condition which causes blurred or distorted vision because the cornea of the eye is “out of round”. The cornea is the outer portion of the eye where light passes through as it enters to pupil. The irregular curvature of the cornea, which resembles a football to some extent, (i.e., rounder in one axis than the other) bends the light rays in such a fashion that it does not come to a single focal point. Almost everyone has some element of astigmatism, but as many as 40% of patients have a significant amount which can be corrected through either eye glasses or contact lenses. For many years astigmatism stood in the way for patients seeking cataract surgery, but now to correct astigmatism, but when patients develop a cataract, there are special IOLs that can correct for this optical condition. These lenses are known as Toric IOLs and can be used for moderate to very high amounts of astigmatism. Toric IOLs are implanted with a specific design that counterbalances the corneal curvature imperfection that creates the astigmatism in the first place. These lenses will refocus the light as they pass through the lens to result in a near perfect and long-lasting correction of astigmatism and a restoration of vision. This is a wonderful option for any patient that has a pre-existing corneal astigmatism. Our surgeons will do preoperative measurements to determine if you are a candidate for this lens and review those results with you so that you can choose the most appropriate lens for your lifestyle.

Aspheric IOL

Traditional mono-focal IOLs provide good vision at a single focal point, usually at distance, leaving patients needing to wear reading glasses after surgery. Aspheric IOLs are specialized mono-focal lenses that correct spherical aberration and distortion as well as reduce glare, which improves the quality of vision, especially in low light. The overall result is a lens that will provide the best quality of vision over a traditional mono-focal IOL, especially during nighttime driving and other less than ideal conditions such as rain or snow. Patients who choose such a lens should expect improved contrast sensitivity, enhanced visual function, and superior nighttime driving ability. The two aspheric IOLs that we use are the Tecnis ZCBOO as well as the Alcon SN60WF. Both lenses provide the best balance between the two eyes and the best overall depth perception. We can adjust the focal point depending on whether a patient chooses to have their vision adjusted for intermediate or near vision. This is common in people who do a lot of close work. They may have to wear glasses for driving, but their work or hobbies allow them to read without glasses when we set the focal point for near activities.

If you should have further questions about an aspheric IOL, please ask our surgeons and we will explain this in detail.