At Aiello Eye Institute in Yuma, Arizona, our team takes time to explain your cataract lens options, answer your questions, and help you understand which technology may best fit your eyes, lifestyle, and vision goals.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
During surgery, the cloudy lens of the eye (cataract) is removed and replaced with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens helps focus light within the eye and becomes a permanent part of your vision. Depending on the type of IOL you choose, it may enable you to see distances more clearly, potentially allowing you to see better than you ever could before.
Understanding Your Cataract Lens Options
Modern cataract lens technology can provide vision at one or multiple distances, and certain lenses can also address astigmatism. Your cataract surgery may be planned around three primary vision needs:
Driving, watching television, enjoying outdoor activities, and seeing objects farther away.
Using a computer, viewing a dashboard, cooking, or seeing objects at approximately arm’s length.
Reading books, looking at your phone, working on crafts, or seeing small objects up close.
A monofocal (basic) lens provides focusing power primarily at one selected distance.
Monofocal lenses may be appropriate for patients who:
Basic monofocal IOLs are covered by medical insurance, although individual benefits and coverage vary.
A toric IOL is specifically designed to reduce astigmatism while replacing the cataract.
For the right candidate, correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery may reduce the need for glasses afterward to compensate for it.
For patients interested in reducing their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, advanced IOL technology can provide vision at multiple distances.
Depending on the specific lens technology, these lenses can be designed to provide combinations of:
A monofocal (basic) lens provides focusing power primarily at one selected distance.
Monofocal lenses may be appropriate for patients who:
Basic monofocal IOLs are covered by medical insurance, although individual benefits and coverage vary.
A toric IOL is specifically designed to reduce astigmatism while replacing the cataract.
For the right candidate, correcting astigmatism during cataract surgery may reduce the need for glasses afterward to compensate for it.
For patients interested in reducing their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, advanced IOL technology can provide vision at multiple distances.
Depending on the specific lens technology, these lenses can be designed to provide combinations of:
Choose The Right Lens For Your Lifestyle
If cataracts are making driving, reading, working, or enjoying everyday activities more difficult, schedule a cataract evaluation at Aiello Eye Institute in Yuma, AZ. We’ll evaluate your vision, discuss your cataract surgery options, and help you understand which intraocular lens technologies may fit your needs.
FAQ: Cataract Lenses
An intraocular lens, or IOL, is the artificial lens placed inside your eye after your cloudy natural lens is removed during cataract surgery.
A monofocal IOL is generally designed to focus vision at one primary distance. Multifocal and other advanced lens technologies are designed to provide vision across multiple distances.
You may be able to have their astigmatism addressed during cataract surgery using a toric IOL or other surgical techniques. Your surgeon can determine whether this is appropriate for you based on your eye exam.
The amount you rely on glasses after cataract surgery depends partly on the IOL selected and your individual eyes. No cataract lens can guarantee complete freedom from glasses.
Medical insurance typically covers medically necessary cataract surgery and a standard monofocal lens according to the patient’s benefits. Advanced technology used to address astigmatism or provide a broader range of vision may require additional out-of-pocket payment.
Your cataract surgeon will evaluate your eye health and measurements and discuss how you use your vision throughout the day. Together, you can determine which available lens option best aligns with your medical needs and visual goals.
275 W. 28th St. Ste #2
Yuma, AZ 85364
11551 S. Fortuna Rd. Ste E
Yuma, AZ 85367
