We’re going to explore those options with a brief overview to help you determine which is the best for you. Keep in mind that we will also go through these options together during your appointment.
Standard Lens
The standard lens is the most used and oldest lens. We aim for patients to have good vision at a distance, but most will still require reading glasses and, in some cases, some correction of astigmatism for improved distance vision.Standard lenses have one focal point. The standard lens is also called a monofocal lens for this reason. So, you can think of this lens as improving your vision, and making your vision, colors, and brightness better, but will not get you out of glasses at distance or near. This is the option most frequently chosen for patients that have no desire to be spectacle free.
Toric IOL
This is another common lens that also corrects astigmatism. We are now able to correct this astigmatism during cataract surgery with a toric intraocular lens.
Astigmatism is an imperfection in the cornea of the eye that causes distortion in our vision that is most frequently perceived to affect our distance vision. To put bluntly, patients with astigmatism have corneas that are shaped more like footballs instead of basketballs, and this affects vision. To correct for this, most people wear glasses. However, we are now able to correct this astigmatism during cataract surgery with a toric intraocular lens. This lens will improve the distance vision typically, reducing the need for glasses at distance, as well as some near vision. Typically patients that choose to correct their astigmatism with these lenses still require reading glasses for near vision. Again, this lens typically allows patients to become free of spectacles for their distance vision.
Presbyopia correcting IOL (glasses free lens)
These are the newest technology for intraocular lenses. They allow for the correction of astigmatism at distance, reducing the need for glasses at distance, and also allow for improved near vision.
Presbyopia correcting lenses reduce the need for glasses at distance, and also allow for improved near vision. The vast majority of patients will not require reading glasses after choosing one of these lenses, except for exceedingly small print, or holding an object just a few inches from your face. Again, typically patients who choose these newest technology lenses become spectacle free for most of their daily activities.
There are three options of premium lenses that are typically used: Vivity from Alcon, PanOptix from Alcon, and Symfony from Johnson and Johnson Vision.
The Vivity lens offers significantly reduced halos and glare when compared to previous generations of intraocular lenses, while still attaining improved near vision, allowing patients to become free of glasses! We are proud to be the only office in Omaha offering the Vivity lens.
The PanOptix lens is a trifocal lens that allows for excellent distance, intermediate, and near vision. Typically, we recommend this lens for patients who are strongly desiring to be spectacle free.
The Symfony lens is an extended depth of focus lens that allows for exceptional distance and intermediate vision, with a very good near vision. Typically we recommend this lens for patients who desire exceptional distance vision, and may require reading glasses on occasion, albeit seldomly.
For more information on what lens best suits you, please make an appointment to see one of our surgeons.
