Helping our patients from Laguna Hills and surrounding areas choose the best IOL implant

In years past, cataract surgery required the patient to wear special contact lenses or thick eyeglasses for optimal vision. Today, we are able to harness the power of modern technology to provide far more user-friendly vision correction following the removal of cataracts, which usually includes the immediate placement of an appropriate IOL, or intraocular lens.

Part of providing the highest level of service is helping our patients from Laguna Hills and other nearby communities gain clear vision with the most suitable IOL implant. This implanted lens determines the level of vision when eyeglasses are not worn. In some cases, eyeglasses are still a necessary complement to a prescribed IOL. During your consultation for cataract surgery, we will determine your IOL prescription, and discuss the available options, including premium lenses.

There are multiple types of intraocular lenses used after cataract surgery, including:

Monofocal lens

Used for more than twenty years, the monofocal lens is designed for one of the three areas of vision – near, intermediate, or far. Many people have their new lenses set for distance, and wear reading glasses when necessary. Conversely, someone who performs a good deal of up-close work may wish for a near prescription, and wear eyeglasses for distance vision.

Monofocal lenses may also be used to create “monovision,” by using a near lens in one eye and a distance lens in the other. This strategy expects the brain to adapt, translating data from both eyes to provide clear overall vision. We work with you to determine which option is most appropriate to meet your unique needs.

Multifocal lenses

These innovative lenses are intended to work without eyeglasses, containing, instead, focal zones within the lens itself. The elimination of eyeglasses may be achieved by some, but is not a guarantee. As light enters the eye, it focuses through one of the several zones, facilitating clear near and distance vision. With a certain type of multifocal lens called an accommodative lens, the muscles in the eye are able to create the natural forward and backward movement for changes in focus. Reading and other up-close tasks may be easier for some people, and is best achieved by IOL placement in both eyes. Within about twelve weeks of treating the second eye, the brain should be able to decipher information properly from both eyes for clear vision.

Toric lenses

This type of IOL is used after cataract surgery to correct astigmatism. This condition of the eye tends to produce blurred vision at both near and far distances, due to the shape of the cornea.

Just as important as removing cataracts is the process of choosing the most suitable lens implant. We thoroughly discuss the various options, and recommend IOLs based on your needs.

Contact the Orange County Eye Institute for your eye examination.

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