Basic Intraocular Lens Implant
At the time of cataract surgery, an intraocular lens implant (IOL) is placed to help correct the vision. Traditional IOLs are monofocal, meaning they offer vision at one distance only (far, intermediate or near). They typically are an improvement over the cataractous lens that is replaced during surgery, which provides only cloudy, blurred vision at any distance. But traditional IOLs mean that you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses in order to read, use a computer, or view objects in the middle distance, especially if you already are experiencing presbyopia before cataract surgery.
The premium multifocal and accommodating IOLs such as Crystalens offer the possibility of seeing well at more than one distance, with much less need for glasses or contacts. The cost of the upgraded IOLs is not covered by medical insurance.
Toric IOLs for Astigmatism
Toric IOLs designed to correct astigmatism also are considered “premium” lenses, and like multifocal and accommodating IOLs likely will cost you extra because of benefits that are unavailable in conventional IOLs. For patients with cataracts and astigmatism there is the Toric lens, which corrects for both conditions simultaneously.
Cataract Surgery
Systemic diseases can also cause cataracts, including diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Certain medications, such as chronic use of corticosteroids, can contribute to cataract formation. Several studies have linked the development of cataracts to alcohol consumption and exposure to cigarette smoke as well.
Secondary causes, such as eye surgeries, chronic inflammation, and some types of glaucoma and extreme nearsightedness (high myopia) can also cause cataracts to develop.
If you are like most people, you were probably first diagnosed with a cataract during a routine eye exam. The next step involves visiting our ophthalmologist, who will work with you to determine if and when you will need surgery.
Our ophthalmologist will perform a few simple tests to determine the severity of your cataract and the type and power of implant you’ll need. If the doctor determines you have cataracts in both eyes, he may recommend having surgery on the eye with the most advanced symptoms first.
Today, our ophthalmologists can fit you with an intraocular lens that best matches your visual needs. The doctor will probably perform three other exams that will help determine the type and power of intraocular lens that you’ll need. Keratometry measures the curvature of your cornea. Biometry measures the length of your eye using a laser. Corneal Topography analyzes the surface of the eye.
An intraocular lens (IOL) is an implanted lens in the eye, usually replacing the existing crystalline lens because it has been clouded over by a cataract.
The Crystalens
Unlike standard cataract replacement lenses, the Crystalens corrects your cataracts and gives you the maximum range of clear vision. The Crystalens flexes like your eye’s natural lens, allowing you to see better at all distances. Crystalens is an accommodating intraocular lens that, unlike a standard IOL, can treat both a person’s cataracts and presbyopia—loss of near and intermediate vision. You may have noticed a gradual loss of your up-close vision and had to start wearing reading glasses. Crystalens not only treats your cataracts (a clouding or hardening of your lens), but can also reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.
It does so by recreating accommodation similar to your eye’s natural lens. The unique Crystalens can reduce or eliminate glasses for most activities, including: reading a book, working on the computer, and driving a car.
Crystalens was modeled after the human eye. Like the natural lens, it uses the eye muscle to flex and accommodate in order to focus on objects in the environment at all distances. Crystalens dynamically adjusts to your visual needs.
The AcrySof IQ ReSTOR IOL
For patients with cataracts and presbyopia there is the ACRYSOF® RESTOR® lens, which corrects for both conditions at the same time, eliminating the need for spectacles after surgery in most patients. Clinical trials showed that over 80 percent of patients receiving this lens did not require glasses for any task following surgery.
For patients considering cataract surgery, Dr. Garcia performs a comprehensive examination of the cataract, evaluating the status of each eye structure and the performance of the visual system.
When cataract surgery is recommended, Dr. Garcia thoroughly discusses all aspects of the surgery with the patient, and creates a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Garcia will assist the patient in selecting an intraocular lens implant (IOL) that best serves his/her visual needs and preferences. The Crystalens is an advanced upgraded IOL that is able to provide distance and near vision, and is recommended for many patients. We suggest a personal consultation and examination to determine if cataract surgery would be helpful to you.