Cataracts are the result of the natural clouding and hardening of the eye lens and affect more than 24.4 million Americans ages 40 and older. By age 75, approximately half of all Americans have cataracts.
The team at the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI) performs thousands of cataract surgeries each year. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve your vision.
What you may not realize is that there are a variety of premium lens implants available that can enhance the outcome of your cataract surgery and decrease your dependence on glasses or contacts depending on your specific situation.
Premium Lenses for Cataract Surgery
Unlike standard IOLs used in most cataract surgeries, which allow for clear vision at only a single distance, premium IOLs are designed to provide near, intermediate, and distance vision without glasses or contacts. Some premium IOLs can even correct for astigmatism.
Depending on your needs, your physician may recommend a multifocal IOL, an accommodative IOL, or a toric IOL.
What Is a Multifocal IOL?
Multifocal IOLs have different zones built into the lens that are calibrated to different distances. The portion of the lens through which you look will provide the ability to focus on an object at near, intermediate, or far distances.
What Is an Accommodative IOL?
Accommodative IOLs are designed to work in conjunction with the eye muscles to replicate the body’s natural focusing process. The lens moves forward when your muscles tighten to look at closer objects and then moves back when your eye relaxes to view more distant objects.
What Is a Toric IOL?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an uneven curve in your cornea (the transparent layer that covers the front portion of the eye). Due to the uneven surface, the eye is unable to focus light rays to a single point, resulting in vision that is out of focus at any distance. Toric IOLs are designed specifically to address astigmatism, helping to provide clearer vision. In fact, there are toric versions of both multifocal and accommodative IOLs. This means you have a number of options to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia (the inability to focus on items up close), and astigmatism all in one premium lens.
Wavefront Technology
In addition to having a variety of technically advanced IOLs from which to choose, patients at DMEI can also choose to have their surgeon use the latest in laser technology to achieve the most accurate fit and focus. Lasers allow for precise alignment of these lenses and determine the precise focusing power needed for your eyes, which is important for providing you with the best visual outcome.
“Once the cataract is removed, our laser wavefront technology system measures the eye for the new intraocular lens in the operating room to ensure the most accurate choice,” said David Jackson, MD, clinical associate professor at DMEI. “Next, a premium synthetic replacement lens is individually fitted to the precise visual needs of each patient.”
Cost of Premium Lenses for Cataract Surgery
Medicare and private health insurance will pay up to the amount they typically pay for standard cataract surgery. Any charges related to premium cataract surgery, such as the use of a laser, advanced diagnostics, or a premium IOL, will be above this amount, and thus an out-of-pocket expense.
Choosing the Best Lenses for You
Depending on your current vision needs, our surgeons can discuss with you the different packages we have available. Together, we can decide which package is best for you based on your circumstances.
Our premium cataract surgery options provide optimal visual results when compared to standard cataract surgery. If you’ve been experiencing vision issues from cataracts, we would love to meet with you and discuss your options.
