Premium IOLs
Cataract patients now have options for more independence from glasses at both near and far after cataract surgery! Previously, individuals suffering from cataracts had only a standard lens implant option after surgery. Now, with advancements in lens technology, there are a number of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) available including multifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs, toric IOLs, and the light adjustable lens. Your doctor will help determine which IOL is best for you based on the unique characteristics of your eye and your lifestyle needs. We have highly qualified surgeons with state of the art lens technology to help you see better!
Multifocal Lenses
Freedom from glasses has been a goal of cataract surgery for decades, and now it is achievable thanks to the newest generation of multifocal IOLs. Whereas previous generation multifocal IOLs focused at two points, the current generation IOLs actually cover three points: distance, computer/dashboard, and reading. These lenses can even be used in patients with astigmatism (see Toric lenses below). We offer the Panoptix lens from Alcon and the Synergy lens from Johnson and Johnson. While not every patient is a candidate for these IOLs, the majority of our patients with multifocal IOLs in both eyes wear glasses very little, if at all!
Extended depth of focus lenses
Similar to a multifocal IOL, an extended depth of focus IOL can allow a patient to see more than one distance, usually distance and computer/dashboard, or computer/dashboard and near. They can be used in a larger subset of the population and have some characteristics which make them an attractive alternative to multifocal IOLs. By offsetting the power slightly in one eye, many patients use glasses very little after having these IOLs implanted. These lenses are also available as a toric IOL to correct astigmatism (see below).
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses make it possible to reduce or eliminate the effects of corneal astigmatism. Just like glasses and contact lenses can correct astigmatism, a toric IOL can compensate for the irregular shape of the cornea from inside the eye, giving clearer vision. A monofocal toric IOL can be used to give clear vision at distance or near, and many of the multifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs are available as torics to allow sharper vision at more than one distance. Patients with astigmatism are enjoying the same benefits from cataract surgery as those without it!
Light Adjustable Lenses
On January 9th, 2020, the first Light Adjustable lens in South Florida was implanted at the Center for Excellence for Eye Care. This lens is a high-definition IOL that allows patients to adjust their vision following cataract surgery. Ultraviolet light is used to fine tune and optimize the patient’s vision – whether the patient wants exceptional vision for distance, near, or a combination. It has been especially effective for patients who had Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery for myopia and astigmatism. After their cataract procedure, patients wear UV Protective glasses (which we provide) to keep ambient light from changing the IOL power. Adjustments begin as early as 2.5 weeks after surgery; the number of visits varies depending on the number of adjustments required. Patients can test drive their vision as the lens is adjusted and give feedback to the surgeon about their experiences. Once the exact visual result has been achieved, there is a final visit where the lens power is “locked in,” completing the customization process . Typically, by 5-6 weeks after cataract surgery the lens is locked in, and patients no longer need to wear the UV protective glasses.
If you are interested in finding out whether you are a candidate for any of the premium lenses above, please call our office at 305-598-2020 and schedule an evaluation with one of our elite cataract surgeons at CEEC today!
