If you have cataracts, you may be considering cataract surgery to improve your vision. Patients undergoing cataract surgery have the unique opportunity to improve their vision through one of the miracles of modern medicine: an Intraocular Lens implant (IOL).
What is an IOL?
A cataract is simply a hazing or opacification of the lens inside the eye. When this diseased lens is removed during cataract surgery, a clear, new artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) is implanted to replace the function of your aging disfunctional lens. If you know a friend or family member who has undergone cataract surgery and now needs their glasses less than before, you have seen the benefit of a modern IOL. The most common type of IOL implanted during cataract surgery is a monofocal lens.
A monofocal IOL provides one point of clear focus for the eye. Typically, this is set for distance vision, but the patient could have their vision set at near or intermediate. Any preexisting astigmatism is not corrected, and reading glasses are usually still needed for near vision. More advanced Toric and Presbyopic IOLs can address astigmatism and near vision issues to provide a more glasses-free outcome.
What is an Aspheric Lens Implant?
More advanced monofocal IOLs correct for the spherical aberration of many eyes even after cataract extraction. These Aspheric IOLs aim to improve sharpness, quality of vision, and night time contrast.
Empire Eye and Laser Center routinely uses Aspheric lens implants on patients to provide the best single-focus vision possible. Patients interested in upgrading to more advanced Toric or Range of Vision IOLs have the option to do so. As with any surgical decision, your choice to have Cataract Surgery, as well as the type of IOL that you would like, is a personalized decision between you and your surgeon. Dr. Chang will be happy to discuss your visual goals and the options you have to achieve those goals.
