Restoring Vision for the New Year

Resolutions may be a little different this year, we’re talking all things restoring vision from cataracts using unique IOLs,  Synergy and Eyehance. These are used for restoring distance and near vision after cataract surgery. The end of the year might be the best time to schedule your surgery so you can begin 2022 with clear vision, mentally and physically!

If you think you might be adding this to your calendar in the near future, take our self assessment here.

Did you know more than 25 million Americans have cataracts? Each year nearly 4 million Americans undergo cataract surgery. Cataracts occur when the natural lens in the eye becomes cloudy. The natural lens is clear and made up of water and proteins. As you age, the normal proteins start to break down, causing the lens to get cloudy. Cataracts usually develop over a period of years and can cause total blindness if left untreated, making it important to restore vision early in the development of cataracts.

During cataract surgery, the natural clouded lens is replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are different types of IOLs with many different benefits.

Most IOLs are made of silicone, acrylic, or other plastic compositions. They are also coated with a special material to help protect your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Multifocal IOLs

These IOLs restore more of a range of vision, including both distance and near focus at the same time. They offer more freedom from glasses. However, you may still require glasses and good lighting for near work.

Examples: Alcon Acrysof Panoptix Trifocal, Tecnis Synergy Multifocal

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs correct astigmatism (a refractive error caused by corneal curvature). There are multifocal and monofocal toric options available. For patients with astigmatism this IOL will help decrease the need for glasses.

Examples: Alcon Acrysof IQ Toric, Tecnis Symfony Toric

High Definition Package

This package includes an IOL with an increased depth of focus, restoring clear distance vision and some medium range vision. This package also includes astigmatism management. You will likely still require glasses for near work.

Examples: Tecnis Eyhance

Monofocal IOLs

The most common type of IOL used for cataract surgery is a monofocal, or standard IOL. It has one focusing distance (distance, OR medium range, OR near). Most people have them set for distance vision and wear eyeglasses for near work. This lens does not correct astigmatism.

Examples: Alcon Acrysof IQ Monofocal

We offer a wide variety of premium intraocular lens options. An IOL will replace the cataract-affected lens after the cataract is removed. An IOL will allow you to see clearly again, and can even correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Talk to us to find out which vision-restoring IOL is best for you.