Intraocular Lens Options

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant Options

Nearly every person undergoing cataract surgery will receive an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The natural lens of the eye focuses light on
the retina at the back of the eye, where cataracts form. Since the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, it needs to be replaced.

​​​​​​​Traditionally, a basic IOL was used during surgery, with the expectation that glasses or contacts would still be needed to optimize vision afterward. At The Center for Eye Care and Optical, we offer advanced IOL options known as "Premium IOLs" or "ATLs" (advanced technology lenses). ATLs can improve your vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses altogether.

​​​​​​​Our surgeons understand that every patient's visual needs are unique, and prioritizing the correction of your vision to best suit your lifestyle is important. Before your surgery, you and your eye surgeon will discuss which type of lens is most suitable for you.
Please note that Premium IOLs are considered an upgrade and are not covered by insurance. This means there will be an additional out-of-pocket expense for the patient, ranging from $1600 to $3800 per eye.

What IOL is Right for Me?

Before deciding on a lens, consider how you want to see after surgery and what matters most to you. Do you want to be glasses-free? Are you comfortable wearing glasses, and if so, for reading or distance?
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• Distance vision: This is important for activities like driving and watching television.

• Near vision: Necessary for tasks such as reading, knitting, writing, and using phones or tablets.

• Intermediate vision: Important for computer work.

• Astigmatism: If your eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball, it can cause blurry vision at all distances due to how light enters the eye.
  
  

Determine how you want to see:

• I want excellent distance vision and am comfortable wearing glasses for reading.

• I want excellent reading vision and am comfortable wearing glasses for distance.

• I do not want to wear glasses after surgery.
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Intraocular Lens Options:

• MONOFOCAL: Monofocal IOL implants offer a limited range of focus. The majority of patients receiving this IOL implant still need glasses after surgery for either reading, distance, or both.

• TORIC – Astigmatism Correcting: Toric IOL is designed to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision. Most patients receiving this IOL achieve quality distance vision without needing glasses or contact lenses for either distance or near vision.

• VIVITY (Distance & Near): Vivity IOL provides clear vision at far and intermediate distances while still offering functional near vision. Unlike traditional multifocal/trifocal implants, there are no separate "rings" for distance, intermediate, and near vision. This eliminates the common complaint of "rings" or "halos" around lights. However, you may still need eyeglasses for reading and other close-up tasks.

• PANOPTIX (Distance, Near, Intermediate): PanOptix® IOL is a multifocal IOL that offers good distance, intermediate, and near vision. While a mono-focal lens helps with distance vision, the PanOptix® Lens provides a full range of vision, reducing dependence on glasses. However, it may result in slightly less sharp vision and/or night glare.

• RxSight Light-Adjusting Lens: This is the only IOL that allows your physician to optimize your vision after cataract surgery. You can adjust and preview your vision based on your personal desires and lifestyle requirements through a series of light treatment procedures done at a remote facility. This customization can take only a few minutes each.
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Discuss the benefits and risks of the different types of IOLs with your eye surgeon to determine what's best for you.