Understanding the Different Types of Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses are a type of tiny artificial lens placed in the eye during cataract surgery as a replacement for the natural lens inside the eye. These lenses work in the same way as natural lenses by bending or refracting light rays that enter the eye. As such, they play a vital role in ensuring clear vision.

Benefits of Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses are generally implanted in patients who have experienced significant vision loss due to cataracts. These lenses are extremely beneficial in that they provide crystal-clear vision while removing the cloudiness caused by cataracts.

Intraocular lenses also work well for improving refraction errors caused by nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as adjusting astigmatism.

Types of Intraocular Lenses

Several types of intraocular lenses exist. Each type is designed to address a specific issue that a person may be experiencing.

Monofocal

This type of lens can be used to provide patients with relief from one problem with their vision. For example, monofocal lenses can be used to treat individuals who experience farsightedness or nearsightedness. After treatment, patients will still need to use eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct the remaining condition.

Toric

This type of intraocular lens is used to help individuals who have astigmatism. This specific type of lens can effectively improve farsightedness, intermediate vision, and nearsightedness.

Presbyopic-Correcting

This type of intraocular lens is designed to correct two or more problems with your vision. The type of presbyopic-correcting lenses that will be used will depend on the specific conditions that are being treated. Examples include:

• Multifocal intraocular lenses help correct both near and farsightedness.
• Accommodative intraocular lenses improve focus at different distances by moving or changing the shape of the eye’s natural lens.
• Extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses improve both farsightedness and nearsightedness simultaneously to improve re-focus effects between both distances.

It is best to discuss your specific vision needs with your doctor to determine which lens will provide the best results for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Our team at Longwood Eye & LASIK Center provides comprehensive vision care for patients throughout Gardner, Greenfield, West Springfield, and Fitchburg, MA. We strive to maintain the highest medical and surgical standards to ensure our patients are able to achieve the best possible results. To explore intraocular lenses and determine which will work best for your specific needs, contact our office by calling 800-676-5050 to schedule an appointment.