Do you experience blurry vision, glare and halos at night? If these symptoms are familiar to you, you may require treatment for cataracts. The natural lens of the human eye can cloud as we age, resulting in cloudy vision and a greater dependence on glasses. Fortunately, an intraocular lens (IOL) implant from your Newark eye doctor can restore clear vision and even reduce the need for corrective eyewear.
What Are Intraocular Lenses?
An IOL is an artificial lens that is surgically implanted inside the eye during cataract surgery. IOLs replace the eye’s natural lens when it becomes clouded. Most IOLs are made from silicone or acrylic, and coated to provide UV protection. Before surgery your eye care specialist will measure your eye’s length and corneal curvature – both are used to calculate the power of the IOL.
What Are the Different Types of Intraocular Lenses?
Understanding the various types of IOLs available (along with the surgical procedure itself) is an important part of the process. We’ve compiled the top questions to ask before selecting a cataract surgeon to help you.
- Monofocal IOLs – Provide sharp vision at one fixed distance, usually optimized for distance vision. Toric IOLs – Correct astigmatism by compensating for an irregularly-shaped cornea.
- Extended Depth of Focus IOLs – Offer a continuous range of vision, improving focus over an extended distance (compared with monofocal lenses).
- Light Adjustable Lenses – These premium lenses allow for post-surgery adjustments to customize and refine vision.
This variety of lens options allows for a tailored solution that’s based on a patient’s visual and lifestyle needs. For example, monofocal IOLs can suit those who are comfortable wearing glasses for either near or distance vision. In contrast, extended range IOLs are effective for people wanting a broader range of vision and less dependence on glasses.
Why Are Intraocular Lenses Necessary?
In a healthy eye, light enters through the cornea and passes through the pupil to reach the flexible, clear natural lens, which focuses light onto the retina for sharp vision. As you focus on objects at varying distances, the lens changes shape to enable clear vision up close and far away. However, cataracts can cloud and stiffen the lens, leading to blurred vision.
These issues are prevalent among older adults, brought on by medical conditions, age-related changes, genetics and even environmental factors. Thankfully, using intraocular lens implantation during cataract or refractive lens exchange surgery can help resolve this condition.
There are two options for this process – traditional cataract surgery or laser-assisted cataract surgery. During treatment, your eye surgeon will make a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The natural lens will be broken up and removed (called phacoemulsification) before the IOL is inserted and positioned into place. An intraocular lens is used in cataract surgery to replace the refractive power of the cloudy natural lens.
Newark’s Intraocular Lens and Cataract Surgery Specialists
For expert cataract treatment and vision correction surgery, speak with Eye Care of Delaware. Our team can advise you on IOLs and the other eye care options available at our Newark office. Call (302) 454-8800 or request an appointment today.
