What are my IOL options?
With rapid advancements in technology in recent years, today’s cataract surgery patients have many options when it comes to choosing an artificial lens (IOL) to replace their natural lens, which is removed during cataract surgery. Before surgery, your Advanced Eye Centers surgeon will speak to you about your IOL options and help you come to an IOL selection that is unique to you and your lifestyle.
The most common type of IOL is the monofocal or fixed-focus IOL. The monofocal lens helps you attain clearer vision at one distance. Note that eyeglasses and contact lenses are still required in order for you to see clearly at all ranges of distance.
Another type of IOL is the multifocal IOL. The multifocal lens has several rings of different powers built into the lens. The part of the ring you look through will determine if you can see clearly at near, far, or intermediate distances.
A third type of IOL is the accommodative IOL. The accommodative lens has a hinge designed to work with your eye muscles, allowing the lens to move forward as they eye focuses on near objects and backward as the eye focuses on distant objects. This movement allows you to focus clearly at different distances.
