Dr. Wong offers the most advanced options to customize your vision after cataract surgery, based on your individual lifestyle needs. We hope that the following information will help you understand the different options available to you.
What Types of Lens Implants Are Available?
Dr. Wong will help you decide on the type of lens implant that will replace your cataract. There are lenses available to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Lens implants usually provide either near or distance vision: these single focus lenses are called monofocal IOLs. Some newer lens implants can provide for near, intermediate, and distance vision: these multiple focus lenses are called Multifocal IOLs. Lens implants that treat astigmatism are called Toric IOLs. You can also have one eye corrected for near vision, and the other for distance vision, a choice called monovision.
Presbyopia And Alternatives for Near Vision After Surgery
Patients who have cataracts have, or will eventually develop presbyopia, which is a condition caused by aging that develops when your eye loses its ability to shift from distance to near vision. Presbyopia is the reason that reading glasses become necessary, typically after age 40, even for people who have excellent distance and near vision without glasses. Presbyopic individuals require bifocals or separate (different prescription) reading glasses in order to see clearly at close range. There are several options available to you to achieve distance and near vision after cataract surgery. This is probably the most important decision you need to make about your cataract surgery, so please take the time to review your options and ask questions.
GLASSES. You can choose to have a monofocal (single focus) lens implant for distance vision and wear separate reading glasses, or have the lens implant for near vision and wear separate glasses for distance.
MONOVISION. Dr. Wong could place lens implants with two different powers, one for near vision in one eye, and one for distance vision in the other eye. This combination of a distance eye and a reading eye is called monovision. It can allow you to read without glasses. Many patients who wear contacts or who have had refractive surgery have monovision and are happy with it. Dr. Wong may discuss and demonstrate this option to see if it might work for you.
MULTIFOCAL IOL. Dr. Wong could implant a “Multifocal” IOL. This is a newer, “deluxe” type of lens implant that provides distance vision AND restores some or all of your eye’s ability to focus. It corrects for both distance vision and other ranges, such as near or intermediate. Choosing this option will usually lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses since most insurance companies only pay for a monofocal (single focus) lens.