What Are Intraocular Lenses and Who Is a Candidate for Them?
- Posted on: Feb 8 2021
Cataracts are one of the most common diseases throughout the US, affecting over 24 million people. As a result, cataract surgery has become a common procedure, with thousands of patients undergoing it every day. And while thick glasses used to be mandatory after such a surgical procedure, these days, intraocular lenses are becoming the norm. But what are intraocular lenses? And more importantly, what makes someone eligible for getting them?
What Are Intraocular Lenses?
Intraocular lenses are medical devices that get implanted inside the eye to replace the natural lens which is removed during cataract surgery. As such, they can also improve eyesight by fixing common eye problems such as astigmatism and presbyopia. Additionally, IOLs are also used for a special type of vision correcting surgery called refractive lens exchange.
What Are the Types of Intraocular Lenses?
Depending on their main purpose, IOLs come in a range of different types, each specializing in a specific condition.
Toric IOLs are premium contact lenses that correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Their main purpose is to remove the blurriness that people with astigmatism experience when looking at an object.
Symfony IOLs are used to deal with presbyopia, which is a common condition among people over the age of 50. People that choose this type of IOLs won’t need reading glasses ever again.
Multifocal IOLs are another type of intraocular lenses that focus on improving up-close, intermediate, and distance vision. Not only that but they also increase the driving capabilities and night vision of people dealing with cataracts. These are ideal for patients that have difficulty reading or seeing objects closely.
Multifocal/restor IOLs can fix a variety of eye problems, allowing patients to see both near and far after their surgery. They also correct distortions and improve the quality of vision of most patients.
Am I a Candidate for Intraocular Lenses?
Generally speaking, if you are a candidate for cataract removal, then you are also a candidate for intraocular lenses. However, before undergoing the procedure, your eye doctor should conduct a detailed examination. He will then be able to determine if you are eligible for intraocular lenses.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that some patients react differently to IOLs, depending on their condition. For instance, if you have severe dry eye syndrome, your satisfaction with IOLs may decrease. As such, you should have realistic expectations from the outcome of an IOL surgery.
Where Can I Get Intraocular Lenses?
If you are interested in intraocular lenses and all they can offer, then look no further than the Jacksonville Eye Center. With a team of qualified and experienced professionals, we provide the highest quality eye services in the area. Not only do we rely on our team, but we also use cutting edge equipment and technology to help our patients. From cataract surgery to intraocular lenses, we take care of it all so you can enjoy your eyesight again. Give us a call and relax knowing that your eyesight is in the hands of professionals?