Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses are used in various contexts, notably during cataract or clear lens extraction, as well as to address visual problems such as presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in individuals seeking to reduce their dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses from the age of 40.

Bellevue ophthalmology clinics offer a diverse range of intraocular lenses from which patients can choose the one that best suits their visual correction needs.

iol intraocular lens cataract ophthalmology

The Different Kinds of Lenses

NEW
Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (LAL®)

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL®) represents a significant advancement as the first lens exclusively customizable after phacorefractive surgery. Your vision should precisely reflect your preferences. Now, you have the opportunity to experience your initial vision before customization, ensuring a vision that is truly your own.

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Monofocal Intraocular Lens

Monofocal lenses, or standard intraocular lenses, are the most commonly prescribed for cataract treatment. They are characterized by a focal point that enhances vision at a specific distance, either for near or far vision, depending on the patient's needs. While these lenses have the advantage of reducing dependence on glasses for certain activities, it is important to note that glasses may still be necessary for distances not corrected by these lenses.

Trifocal Intraocular Lens

Trifocal lenses restore vision at three focal distances: far, intermediate, and near, reducing the need for wearing glasses for most activities. However, the rings of these lenses may slightly reduce contrasts, thereby requiring more lighting for reading, and may also cause halos at night.

Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lens (EDOF)

These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at different distances, which can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses after surgery. They can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from presbyopia, an age-related vision disorder that makes it challenging to focus on close objects.

EDOF lenses offer improved contrast and reduced halos compared to trifocal IOLs. They provide enhanced near vision capabilities, but may require the use of reading glasses more frequently than trifocal IOLs.

Phakic Intraocular Lens

Phakic intraocular lenses are specially designed to restore vision in patients with high myopia and hyperopia. This type of lens represents a remarkable solution for patients who are not eligible for laser vision correction.

Unlike monofocal and multifocal lenses, which act as substitutes for the eye's natural lens, the phakic lens is positioned directly in front of the natural lens. This characteristic makes the procedure reversible, meaning that the implant can be removed if necessary.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a vision defect resulting from a deformation of the natural shape of the cornea or the lens of the eye. This deformation causes uneven focusing of light entering the eye, leading to blurry, distorted, or warped vision. Often associated with myopia or hyperopia, astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, specific contact lenses, or surgical interventions such as phacorefractive surgery or LASIK. Symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, difficulty seeing fine details, eye fatigue, and headaches.

Toric or Non-toric?

Designed to correct astigmatism, a visual impairment resulting from an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, toric lenses differ from non-toric lenses in their design. While non-toric lenses have a uniform curvature across their entire surface, toric lenses adopt a specific shape aimed at correcting the distortion associated with astigmatism.

Moreover, toric lenses typically have a specific orientation on the eye to correct the different focal points necessary for reducing astigmatism.