Cataract patients now have options to reduce their dependence on glasses. In the early days of lens implants, patients could only receive a standard implant, which left them dependent on glasses for most activities. Today, we have access to the latest premium intraocular lenses which include Multifocal, Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF), Toric and Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) implants. As each patient’s eye and lifestyle is unique, Dr. Nightingale will help determine which lens best suits your needs.
Multifocal intraocular lenses are available for patients who desire minimal glasses dependence after cataract surgery. These lenses provided excellent distance, mid-range and near vision without glasses. They are available for patients with astigmatism. These lenses have become very popular as patients increasingly desire independence from glasses after cataract surgery.
EDOF lenses provide excellent distance and mid-range vision without glasses. These IOLs are excellent for patients that desire excellent distance vision, but who also do a significant amount of computer work and other mid-range activities (music, instrument panel in cockpit for pilots, etc.). They are available for patients with astigmatism. They do not provide adequate near vision without glasses, and patients require reading glasses for near work. EDOF lenses are used in patients who desire increased glasses independence but who do not qualify for multifocal IOLs (see above) due to certain eye health or eye anatomy issues.
The Light Adjustable Lens by RxSight is the only intraocular lens whose focus can be adjusted after the lens has been placed into the eye. This lens is made using a special photosensitive material that can be adjusted through a series of non-invasive, in-office light treatments that take only a few minutes. With these post-operative adjustments, the lens’ focus can be customized and optimized for each patient’s needs. In fact, a patient can “test drive” your vision after these adjustments until the vision is optimized for the patient’s needs and lifestyle. This lens is particularly suited to patients who want to trial monovision (one eye set for distance vision and the other eye set for near vision) to reduce glasses dependance. This lens is also well suited to patients with a history of LASIK, where adjustments in the lens power can be necessary after cataract surgery.
Patients with moderate to severe astigmatism usually require glasses to correct this astigmatism. We can eliminate or reduce your astigmatism at the time of surgery with a toric intraocular lens. A toric intraocular lens will reduce your astigmatism and therefore your need for glasses. In general, patients will be free of glasses for their desired target (distance or near), but will require glasses for all other parts of their vision.
This lens represents the most basic intraocular lens. A standard monofocal lens will help correct vision for one focal point only (distance or reading, NOT both). Glasses will be needed for all other parts of your vision. For instance, patients who elect to see without glasses for the distance will require glasses for reading and computer. Conversely, patients who elect to see without glasses for reading will need glasses to see in the distance. In addition, the standard monofocal intraocular lens will not correct astigmatism and patients with astigmatism might require glasses for all parts of their vision (bifocals or progressives). Patients with significant astigmatism are encouraged to choose a toric intraocular lens.