Cataract Lens Options

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A Monofocal IOL is the lens used in traditional cataract surgery. This lens provides clear vision at a single point of focus and is covered by most medical insurances. This lens is most often used with distance vision, for activities such as driving or watching a baseball game. You should expect to wear glasses for any reading or up-close activities. Depending on your preference you can also select to have this IOL used for near vision.

Monovision or Blended Vision is another option in which the dominant eye is set with a distance-vision IOL and the non-dominant eye is set with a near-vision IOL. The brain can adapt to seeing clear vision at both distances through a process called neuro-adaptation, helping reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. Good candidates for this option have generally been through a monovision contact trial with their primary eye care physician.

A Toric IOL is used to correct astigmatism due to an irregular-shaped cornea, as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Like toric soft contact lenses, toric IOLs can correct astigmatism because they have different powers in different meridians of the lens. Because of how a toric IOL works, it must be properly aligned in the eye to provide the best visual outcome.

The monofocal and multifocal IOL all have a toric option available. Depending on your vision preference and astigmatism amount, we are able to accurately place the best lens for you.

Are you ready to find out if you are a good candidate for cataract surgery? We are known for our superior clinical experience and surgical outcomes. Call today to schedule a comprehensive cataract evaluation with one of our specialists!

A multifocal IOL can offer multiple points of focus after cataract surgery, similar to bifocal/progressive glasses and multifocal contact lenses. The primary goal of a multifocal lens is to accommodate your active lifestyle without glasses or contacts. Popular multifocal lenses such as ReSTOR and Tecnis can provide advanced image quality regardless of lighting conditions and pupil size. Glares and halos around lights are sometimes reported when driving at night but can diminish over time as your brain adapts to the new lens implant. Previous eye surgery can often determine whether you would be a good candidate for a multifocal IOL.

Southern Eye Associates is excited to announce that we are now offering the Alcon AcrySof IQ Vivity lens, the first extended depth of focus IOL in the United States. The Vivity IOL is a premium lens that allows you to see clearly at the crucial far and intermediate distances while still providing functional near vision. This IOL utilizes a non-diffractive technology called X-Wave, which allows the user to see with all available light, resulting in an uninterrupted range of vision. X-Wave Technology also protects your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and damaging blue light from digital devices.

With other IOLs, the light is split into several separate focal points, often making it tough to see in certain environments. Patients with the Vivity IOL report fewer visual disturbances following cataract surgery compared to most multifocal options available today. There are many patients that are not candidates for most multifocal or trifocal lenses. The Vivity IOL can be a great alternative for those that suffer from dry eye, have retinal issues, or had previous refractive surgery. In the past, your surgeon may have considered a monovision approach, but with this new premium lens, we can give you an extended range of vision. The Vivity IOL also comes in a toric lens model for patients that need their astigmatism corrected during cataract surgery.

Vivity IOL: Extended Vision

  • Clear Vision Far Away
  • Clear Vision at Arms Length
  • Functional Vision Up Close