There are many different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) to choose from to correct a cataract. In addition, many people with clear lenses are opting for lens exchange with newer options to improve near and distance vision. Lens replacement remains the most frequently performed surgery in the U.S. and is one of the safest as well. You have three options today in choosing a lens replacement solution for your vision needs.

Correcting distance vision with a monofocal IOL

A monofocal IOL is designed to provide clear distance vision. This means you will be able to see objects far away. Millions of monofocal IOLs have been successfully implanted providing cataract patients with clearer vision.  But in recent years there have been significant improvements in the quality of distance vision delivered by these lenses, particularly in low-light conditions.  The TECNIS® IOL has wavefront principles – the same technology that has dramatically improved LASIK vision results – built right into the lens. It is the only monofocal lens approved by the FDA to improve functional vision, including contrast sensitivity and night-driving. One of the most important benefits of improved vision with the TECNIS Lens is safety, as good functional vision is especially important when driving at night.

Most people in their 60s, and many in their 70s or 80s are still very active and want to drive, go out at night, and see clearly to watch TV. The TECNIS lens provides a quality of vision that can help them achieve those goals.  Dr. Brian Bearie uses the TECNIS lens in cataract patients specifically because of the improvements this lens offers older drivers, providing a meaningful safety benefit to them and those with whom they share the road.  Studies presented to FDA clinical trial reported that, in a night-driving simulator test, the TECNIS lens provided a 45-foot advantage in detection and identification of a pedestrian hazard compared to a traditional lens implant.  Many TECNIS IOL patients report that after their procedure they regain confidence to drive at night.

Importantly, this lens is generally covered within your standard insurance reimbursement.  Improved vision during the day, at night, in low light and foggy conditions, is a dramatic benefit that you can enjoy after having cataract surgery with Dr. Brian Bearie.  This is definitely NOT your mother’s cataract surgery.

Correcting distance vision and astigmatism

Astigmatism Management is a vital new area of cataract surgery. Astigmatism is a common condition where your eye is out-of-round, shaped more like a football than a basketball. Your vision is potentially affected by two types of astigmatism - corneal and lenticular - and we can correct both with new astigmatism management tools. Today’s cataract patient demands excellent vision after surgery, and wants their astigmatism and refractive error corrected at the same time. There are two ways we correct pre-existing astigmatism during cataract surgery. The most advanced method uses a new type of lens implant, called a Toric lens, which incorporates unique optics to compensate for specific deficiencies in your vision. Toric lenses greatly reduce the likelihood of needing a second procedure after cataract surgery to correct residual astigmatism. For those patients who suffer from astigmatism so pronounced that they are outside the power range of the Toric lens, we recommend a combination treatment of lens replacement and relaxing incisions that delivers both improved vision and astigmatism correction. Once we fully understand your level of astigmatism, and desire for improved distance vision and/or near vision, we will recommend the appropriate lens implant option for you.

Correcting distance and near vision with multifocal or accommodating IOLs

Previous lens replacement technologies provided only one focal point - distance - leaving people dependent upon reading glasses or bifocals after cataract surgery. Recent advances in accommodative and multifocal technology now make it possible for you to read the words on prescription bottles, magazines, newspapers and computer screens, without magnifying glasses or bifocals, while still clearly seeing objects at a distance. These lenses have the ability to consistently offer improved vision at all ranges - near through distance.

The Acrysof® ReSTOR® multifocal lens uses patented apodized diffractive technology similar to that used in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality. Twelve very small, concentric circles create a gradual tapering of layered steps from the center to the outside edge of this lens to create a smooth transition of light between the distance and near focal points. This series of tiny concentric steps work together to focus light for both near and distance vision.

The AMO ReZOOM™ IOL uses five concentric refractive zones to create multifocal vision. Zones 1, 3 and 5 are distance-dominant. Zones 2 and 4 are near-dominant. There is a transition between zones to provide balanced intermediate vision.

The Eyeonics Crystalens™ accommodating lens is designed to restore the eye’s accommodative ability, which is gradually reduced as presbyopia progresses. Crystalens has hinges on both sides of the IOL, so it can be moved more easily by the ciliary muscle, allowing the eye to focus more naturally at a greater range of distances than traditional IOLs.

ReSTOR, ReZOOM and Crystalens have demonstrated effectiveness in improving near, intermediate and distance vision in FDA clinical trials. Dr. Bearie will discuss with you which lens will be best-suited for your vision needs at your initial consultation.