Cataract Surgery Lens Options
The development of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the early 1980s represented a breakthrough in cataract surgery. In Yuma, Arizona, the Aiello Eye Institute offers a range of IOLs for cataract patients, including the latest innovations in premium lenses, to provide the best possible vision improvements.
The success rate of cataract surgery in the United States is about 98%. However, a diagnosis of cataracts is not necessarily an indication for surgical intervention. To find out if you are a good candidate for surgery, request an appointment or call (928) 782-1980 to speak with one of our eye care professionals.
What happens during cataract surgery?
At Aiello Eye Institute, cataract surgery can be performed with or without the aid of a laser. Although laser cataract surgery has several advantages, it's not appropriate for every patient. During your initial appointment with Dr. Aiello, he'll review your options with you and guide you to an appropriate choice based on your specific concerns, existing medical conditions, and other factors that could affect surgery.
Cataract surgery consists of removing the cloudy cataract lens and replacing it with a new synthetic lens. In some cases patients are good candidates for multifocal or astigmatism correcting lenses, which are designed for various functions and made out of different materials. The cataract is removed using ultrasound, which efficiently breaks the lens up and liquefies it, allowing it to be aspirated out of the eye. Once this is done, a new lens called an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed. After the cataract is removed, the structure that contains it is kept, namely the lens capsule. A cataract is like a pea in a pod and the capsule is like the pod. The pea is removed and the pod is left behind. The lens implant usually fits nicely into the capsule and oftentimes allows for vastly improved uncorrected visual acuity.
Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
During cataract surgery, Dr. Aiello replaces your natural, clouded lens with an IOL made of either plastic, silicone, or acrylic. Choosing the type of IOL for your surgery is largely a matter of cost and whether you want to avoid wearing glasses. There are 2 general categories of IOLs available for cataract surgery patients:
- Monofocal: These are the standard lenses that restore vision for one distance. Even though some patients regain 20/20 vision with a standard IOL, most of the men and women who undergo cataract surgery still need glasses with corrective lenses to see well at all distances. Some patients prefer clear vision for reading and other up-close objects and choose to wear glasses or contact lenses for distance vision. Others want to see distances clearly and use corrective lenses for closer vision.
- Multifocal: As its name implies, these advanced IOLs provide patients with an alternative to wearing glasses by restoring a patient's full field of clear vision following cataract surgery.
Whether you choose monofocal or multifocal lenses, Dr. Aiello uses specific measurements to select the best implant selection for your needs and make sure it fits perfectly. Patients typically need to assess these factors before choosing:
- Cost: Because the multifocal lenses are considered premium, they cost more than standard IOLs.
- Lifestyle: Some patients are comfortable wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Insurance: Standard IOLs are usually covered by Medicare and private vision insurance plans.
The multifocal lenses offered at the Aiello Eye Institute include:
TECNIS® Multifocal Lens
Designed to give patients the best possible vision, the TECNIS® Multifocal Lens provides high-quality vision at any distance, even in low light. This lens is ideal for those who live an active lifestyle and or those who suffer from presbyopia. Of the patients that have elected to have the TECNIS® Multifocal Lens, 9 out of 10 do not require glasses and 94% said they would do it again.
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL
If you are seeking freedom from glasses or bifocals then the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL may be the best choice for you. AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL gives you the chance to improve image quality and restore a full range of vision.
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL uses innovative technology called apodization diffractive technology which helps distribute light appropriately to different focal points, resulting in improved image quality and fewer visual disturbances. Most patients who elect to have the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL find they can drive a car, play tennis, and work on the computer day or night without glasses. Four out of Five AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL lens recipients report never wearing glasses after having the lens placed in both eyes.
Astigmatic Correcting Implants
Dr. Aiello currently recommends the Alcon AcrySof® IQ Toric lens for correction of astigmatism in eligible patients. Unlike a standard lens, the Alcon AcrySof® IQ Toric lens can eliminate the distortion caused by astigmatism (in most cases). In Dr. Aiello's experience, more than 90% of patients who receive this implant will achieve 20/40 or better uncorrected distance vision. Additionally, most people who receive this lens find they do not need glasses for distance, but may still use-over-the counter reading glasses.
What happens after surgery?
Cataract surgery is most often done under local anesthesia with mild sedation, so it is typically an outpatient procedure – meaning patients will come into a facility for the procedure and go home the same day. Patients need someone to drive them home and help them around the house in the hours after surgery.
To learn more about cataract surgery, please view our FAQ page.
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