In traditional cataract surgery, patients were implanted with single-focus intraocular lenses that could only correct for either distance or near vision. This resulted in patients needing glasses most of the time.
In contrast, premium intraocular lens (IOL) implants have advanced features that go far beyond those found in basic, single-focus IOLs. Technically advanced IOLs now provide new alternatives for correcting myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia. These premium IOLs replace the natural lenses in Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS) procedures and enable patients to have a full range of clear vision after surgery without dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Premium IOLs may also be used to achieve monovision, and they may be used in combination (one type in the non-dominant eye and another in the dominant eye), tailored to an individual patient’s unique vision correction needs.
After you complete a comprehensive eye exam and advanced diagnostic tests with Dr. Herschel, he will work with you personally to determine the best IOL choices for your vision and eye conditions to help you achieve your best possible vision.
Toric IOLs
Toric intraocular lenses are used to treat a wide range of nearsightedness and farsightedness in patients with astigmatism.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal intraocular lenses are used for patients (including patients with astigmatism), who want to restore their full range of vision in both eyes, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses. Multifocal IOLs contain concentric rings of different magnifications that enable a wide range of clear vision. The rings help the brain select the right focus automatically. Some period of adjustment is common, and patients adapt at different rates. After this period of adjustment, multifocal IOL patients can see objects clearly at many distances, without glasses or contact lenses.
The rings of multifocal IOLs can create a glare or a halo effect around lights. Over time, the brain can adjust to this effect and minimize its existence. Although multifocal IOLs are a great option for many people, they are not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Herschel will work with you personally to determine whether a multifocal IOL is your best option to achieve your vision correction goals.
Aspheric IOLs
Aspheric intraocular lenses are used to treat a wide range of nearsightedness and farsightedness in patients with spherical aberrations. The natural lens of the eye works together with the cornea as a part of a lens system to focus light precisely at a single point on the retina. As part of the normal aging process, the lens increases in size and rigidity, causing the natural lens curvature to no longer match the corneal curvature. This is spherical aberration, and, beginning in the mid-40s, it results in blurry vision, especially at night. Night symptoms include streaking, glare, starbursts, and halos from light sources like streetlights and car headlights. Aspherical IOLs correct spherical aberrations as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness, resulting in clearer, crisper daytime and nighttime vision and better contrast sensitivity.
Although the aspheric IOL is a great option for many people, it is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Herschel will work with you personally to determine whether an aspheric IOL is your best option to achieve your vision correction goals.
