Cataract Surgery Lens Options

Determining that you need cataract surgery is the first step to getting your vision back. Choosing the right lens is the next step, and an incredibly important one at that. There are three main types of intraocular lenses, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric. It is important to understand what each lens offers before making a decision.

Monofocal Lenses

Most people choose monofocal lenses when getting cataract surgery. Because they have been around longer than the other lens, they are considered the gold standard for cataract surgery. Monofocal lenses are available in fixed focus and accommodating lenses.

Fixed focus monofocal lenses are set to a single distance, meaning they will help you see objects up close or far away. You can also get one of these lenses for mid-distance. There is a good chance that you will need to wear corrective lenses if you go with fixed focus monofocal lenses. For instance, if your monofocal lenses are fix focus, they are set for far distances. Therefore, you will likely need reading glasses to see objects up close.

Accommodating monofocal lenses are another option. Since they are monofocal, the lenses have a single focusing power. However, the lenses move inside of the eye, allowing the eyes to focus on objects that are near and far away. Since the lenses move when the eye muscles start to focus, the object comes into focus, regardless if it is close to you or far away.

Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses can focus on objects that are close and far away without moving. In this case, your brain will learn to work with the lens, thereby allowing your eyes to properly focus on objects that are both near and far. Most people do not have to wear corrective lenses if they go with this option, even those who have worn corrective lenses in the past. It is important to note that some people who use this lens will experience halos when looking at lights during the nighttime.

In addition, your insurance will probably not cover the entire cost of multifocal lenses. Although it will cover up to the cost of standard monofocal lenses, you will still be expected to pay the rest out of your own pocket.

Toric Lenses

If you suffer from an astigmatism, you might want to consider getting toric lenses. Your eye doctor will map your corneal shape and calculate the amount of correction your eyes need. Then, the astigmatism correction is incorporated into the toric lens. In many cases, the lens completely corrects the astigmatism, but sometimes, weak eyeglasses are required to finish the correction. It depends on the severity of the astigmatism and the experience of the surgeon.

You do not have to choose your lens on your own. You can consult with a Burlington, Vermont eye surgeon, who will help you decide which lens is right for you. After your decision is made, you will be ready to schedule your surgery. With that done, it will not be long before you can say goodbye to your cataracts.