What is an Intraocular Lens for Cataract Surgery?

The doctors at Elmquist Eye Group can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery following cataract surgery. We will also help you choose the right type of intraocular lens for your eyes so you can achieve the best possible visual results.

What is an Intraocular Lens for Cataract Surgery?

Elmquist Eye Group is known in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and throughout Southwest Florida for our highly skilled eye doctors. Yasaira Rodriguez, MD is a board certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Rodriguez’s partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and associate, Nina Burt, OD, are board certified optometrists.

Although all surgeries have risks, cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries performed in the U.S. today, and Elmquist Eye Group offers bladeless laser-assisted cataract surgery which is designed to make the procedure even more precise, safe and accurate.

Our state of the art facilities, highly specialized equipment, and highly trained doctors and staff ensure that you always get the high-quality eye care you deserve.

About Intraocular Lenses

Cataracts are treated by surgically removing the eye’s clouded natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL. Unlike a contact lens, it is placed permanently inside the eye. It cannot fall out, does not require cleaning, and you will not even notice that it’s there.

Today, there are several options when it comes to intraocular lenses. The four main types are:

  • Monofocal–A monofocal lens is a one-distance lens. It is the most basic of the available IOLs and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans. With a monofocal lens, you may be able to drive without needing glasses, but most people require glasses for distance, intermediate and near vision, such as for working on a computer or reading a book.
  • Multifocal–If being less dependent on glasses is one of your goals, consider multifocal lenses. These new-technology IOLs correct for all distances and give you good near and far vision. One drawback is that you may experience halos around lights when driving at night, but it diminishes over time and most patients are not significantly bothered by it.
  • Toric– You may be a candidate for the Toric lens if you have astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea). Standard IOLs cannot correct astigmatism. Toric lens implants typically reduce astigmatism by 75-100% following cataract surgery, but these premium lenses are not typically covered by Medicare or insurance companies and may result in an out-of-pocket expense for you.

To find out what an intraocular lens is and learn about the latest options in cataract surgery, make an appointment at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers or Cape Coral. Call us today at (239) 936-2020 to get started on the road to good vision.