An Important Choice
During cataract surgery, your physician will replace your natural lens with an IOL.
Today there are multiple types of IOLs, each delivering a different performance
profile based on how the lens is designed. Here are the basics about the three main
types of IOLs:
Standard Monofocal IOLs
A standard monofocal IOL is a fixed lens (it doesn't move) that
is designed to deliver improved vision at just one distance (usually far). The potential
drawback is that after surgery, you will probably need to wear glasses for near
and intermediate vision, even if you didn't wear glasses before surgery.
Multifocal IOLs
A multifocal lens uses multiple visual zones that are built
into the lens itself to provide vision at various distances. It's almost like the
rings of a target, with some rings being dedicated to distance vision, while others
are used for near vision, similar to having a bifocal or trifocal lens inside the
eye. A multifocal IOL projects multiple images, requiring your brain to adjust to
the differences. Some patients have difficulty adjusting to seeing this way. Additionally,
intermediate vision (at arms length) can be compromised because the technology
is designed mainly for near and distance vision, at the exclusion of intermediate
vision. With multifocal IOLs, patients can have potential issues of glare and halos
especially when driving at night.
Accommodating IOLs
As the name implies, an accommodating lens "flexes"
or "accommodates" using the eyes natural muscles to focus on subjects
at various distances, delivering a fuller, more natural range of vision. Crystalens is the one and only FDA-approved accommodating lens available
in the United States. Many patients hardly if ever wear glasses after surgery.
More than twice the number of patients implanted with Crystalens could see at all
distances compared to a standard IOL.
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