Posted by: Chicago Arbor Eye Institute in Cataracts
There are many reasons why people choose to undergo a vision correction procedure. Some people have cataracts that are affecting their vision significantly enough that cataract surgery is the best choice for restoring vision.
Other people choose elective vision correction to reduce the need for glasses or contacts and improve their quality of life. When you make the decision to move forward with cataract surgery or a vision-correcting procedure like refractive lens exchange, you’re taking the first step toward sharper, clearer vision.
Your next big decision will be choosing which kind of intraocular lens (IOL) will give you the results you want. Keep reading to learn 4 of the best premium IOLs and why they improve your vision!
What Do IOLs Do?
Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are the corrective elements in two vision procedures: cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE). They are synthetic lenses that safely replace the natural lens of the eye and offer permanent prescription vision correction.
Once they are implanted, they correct vision and allow you to have reduced reliance on glasses or contacts.
IOLs for Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a necessary procedure to reverse the vision changes from cataracts. Cataracts develop on the natural lens of the eye, causing cloudy patches that limit the amount of light that can reach the retina.
This can negatively affect vision, causing symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and sensitivity to glare. Severe cataracts can cause persistent blank or cloudy spots in your field of vision that substantially affect your ability to do daily tasks.
The lens is the only part of the eye that develops cataracts. Removing the cataract-affected lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) can reverse all the vision changes caused by cataracts.
In addition, IOLs are corrective lenses that can improve common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
IOLs for Refractive Lens Exchange
RLE is an elective vision correction procedure for people who do not yet have cataracts but want the vision correction benefits of IOLs. It involves the same techniques as cataract surgery, and the same selection of IOLs is available.
Getting RLE eliminates the risk of developing cataracts in the future since IOLs are not susceptible to the changes that affect the natural lens of the eye.
How Do I Choose an IOL?
There are a variety of IOLs, and different models address different vision concerns. Every person undergoing cataract surgery or RLE will work with their eye doctor to choose the right IOL for their needs.
There is no one IOL that is perfect for every patient. Your ideal choice of IOL will depend on several factors:
- Your visual needs
- Your goals for your vision after cataract surgery or RLE
- Your budget
Your eye doctor at Chicago Arbor Eye Insitute will help you decide which lens may be best for you.
What Types of IOLs Are There?
Standard IOLs offer vision correction at one distance. They work like glasses or contacts that correct your distance vision.
You may still need to wear reading glasses to address farsightedness or presbyopia. Premium IOLs offer vision correction at multiple distances and can provide better correction for astigmatism.
At Chicago Arbor Eye Institute, we are at the forefront of IOL technology and have extensive experience with many types of IOLs. Our cataract surgeons offer several premium IOLs that are considered some of the best in the industry.
Alcon Clareon PanOptix Trifocal IOL
The Alcon Clareon PanOptix trifocal IOL is the only FDA-approved trifocal IOL. Like trifocal glasses, the PanOptix trifocal IOL offers correction for close vision, distance vision, and intermediate vision.
Choosing this IOL means you will be able to see clearly without glasses, even for activities like reading or computer work.
Alcon Clareon Vivity Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOL
The Alcon Clareon Vivity IOL is an extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL lens. EDOF IOLs use the extended depth of focus to provide vision correction at all distances. People who choose EDOF lenses report a lower incidence of seeing glare and halos around lights, making them an excellent choice for safer driving at night.
The Vivity IOL also offers excellent contrast sensitivity, making it easier to see details even in low light.
Alcon Clareon Toric IOL
If you have a refractive error called astigmatism, you may already be familiar with toric lenses. Astigmatism is an irregular shape of the eye that leads to reduced visual acuity.
Toric contact lenses are a common option to correct vision issues caused by astigmatism. Toric IOLs work in a similar way.
They are specifically designed to treat astigmatism and offer outstanding vision correction services. Our cataract surgeons recommend the Alcon Clareon Toric IOL and offer other toric lens models, like the Alcon Clareon Vivity and Panoptix IOLs.
Johnson and Johnson Symfony IOL
The J&J Symfony IOL is a preferred choice for people who want to correct age-related farsightedness, also called presbyopia. The Symfony lens corrects close vision to reduce the need for reading glasses.
Its advanced optical technology also facilitates smooth focus transitions to enhance vision at any range.
How Much Do IOLs Cost?
Since cataract surgery is considered necessary, insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover the cost of the procedure and a standard, monofocal IOL. They may not cover the cost of premium IOLs, and you will need to pay the difference out of pocket.
RLE is an elective procedure, and most insurance companies do not assist with the costs. You can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for premium IOLs and active vision correction.
In addition, there are financing options available to help make vision correction and premium IOLs accessible and affordable. The team at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute can help you choose a payment plan that works for you.
Are you ready to learn more about how IOLs can improve your vision after cataract surgery or RLE? Schedule an appointment at Chicago Arbor Eye Institute in Chicago, IL, to learn more about IOLs, cataract surgery, and refractive lens exchange today!
