Is The Symfony IOL Right For Me?

As you age, you become more and more likely to develop cataracts. Cataracts develop inside your eye’s natural lens and can eventually become so bad that you have your entire lens removed.

But, you still need a lens to see. So, during cataract surgery, a replacement lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL, takes the place of your natural lens.

Keep reading to learn more about the Symfony IOL and see if it is right for you when you get cataract surgery.

What Are IOLs?

IOLs are acrylic or silicone-based lenses that provide clear vision to cataract patients. There is a wide range of IOLs, and they can be very customizable based on your needs and desires.

The most basic type of IOL is a monofocal or standard IOL. Standard IOLs correct vision at one distance, which means you’ll still need glasses after cataract surgery.

But you can also get IOLs that can give you better eyesight than you have ever had before. The Symfony IOL is one of these powerful IOLs.

What Makes the Symfony IOL Different?

It is an FDA-approved multi-focal lens that provides clear vision at multiple distances by extending the depth of focus. Monofocal IOLs only correct your vision at one distance.

With a monofocal, you can correct your distance or near-vision. Most people who get a monofocal correct their distance vision.

That means you will still need glasses for intermediate and up-close vision. But if you get the Symfony IOL, you can have more.

It gives you excellent distance vision like a monofocal plus good intermediate and up-close eyesight. That means, for example, clear sight without glasses while using your cell phone or the computer.

How Does the Symfony IOL Work?

The Symfony IOL is an extended depth of focus (EDOF) multi-focal IOL. It extends the range of focus of light entering your eye so you can see far away and up-close without glasses.

Other multi-focal IOLs allow you to see clearly at multiple distances, but they create a vision gap between distances. That’s because most multi-focal IOLs split the light entering your eye.

The Symfony extends that light instead. That way, it enters your eye uninterrupted, which eliminates the vision gap.

Can The Symfony IOL Correct Astigmatism

Toric IOLs are the intraocular lenses that can correct astigmatism. If the IOL you select for cataract surgery comes in a toric model, you will be able to fix your astigmatism during cataract surgery.

The Symfony IOL does come in a toric model. If you get the Symfony IOL for your cataract surgery, then you can also get rid of your astigmatism at the same time.

Cataract Screenings

Your cataracts must be interfering with your vision before you have cataract surgery. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes to make an accurate cataract diagnosis.

Whether the Symfony IOL is right for you depends on your vision goals after cataract surgery. If you don’t mind relying on glasses for the rest of your life, then monofocal IOLs may be suitable for you.

Insurance and Medicare will cover cataract surgery that uses monofocal IOLs. You may need to pay out of pocket if you choose a premium IOL for cataract surgery.

But the visual freedom a premium IOL could give you may be worth the cost. The Symfony IOL could be right for you if you want to limit or even eliminate your dependence on glasses.

Schedule a cataract screening at Vermont Eye Laser in South Burlington, VT, to get your eyes checked for cataracts. Then ask about the Symfony IOL to discuss whether it is suitable for you.