Choosing an Intraocular Lens | Which IOL is Right for You?
Have you been diagnosed with a cataract? Do you need cataract surgery? Know how to choose an IOL?
Which cataract implant is best for you? An intraocular lens, or IOL, can dramatically improve your vision after cataract surgery.
In most cases once the cataract is removed, it must be replaced by a plastic implant called an intraocular lens (IOL). The intraocular lens will take over the focusing power of the cloudy cataract. The implants will be much clearer than the cataract allowing brighter and more focused vision!
Types of Intraocular Lenses
Do you have a cataract? Do you have presbyopia? Do you want monovision? What about astigmatism?
There are many choices and we understand you may have questions about the different IOL choices. Not every intraocular lens is right for you. During your cataract evaluation, we will help select the best IOL to match your vision needs and expectations.
Monofocal Intraocular Lens
This is the standard IOL. “Monofocal” means that only one type of vision can be corrected with this lens.
This lens has traditionally been used to correct a patient’s distance, or far, vision only. After successful cataract surgery, reading glasses (i.e. bifocal) will be required to allow you to read.
As of this writing, most insurance coverage includes this type of lens.
Premium IOLs
Toric implants are special intraocular lenses used to correct vision in patients with both cataract and a large amount of astigmatism. The lens replaces the cataract and then must be carefully positioned inside the eye according to your specific degree of astigmatism.
Multi-focal Implants such as ReStor and Tecnis are used for cataract patients who also want less dependence on reading glasses, that is, your distance vision is corrected and a moderate amount of intermediate and near vision is corrected as well.
Symfony IOL Corrects Presbyopia
We are proud to be one of the first ophthalmic practices in the Washington, D.C. area to offer the Symfony Extended Range IOL.
The Symfony IOL is indicated for patient with cataracts and presbyopia, that is, it is FDA-approved for correcting both distance and near vision! During your evaluation, ask us how the Symfony IOL might improve both your distance vision and presbyopia!
We look forward to educating you and helping you choose your new intraocular lens.
To schedule your Free Consultation, please call us (202.686.6700) or email us!
We look forward to meeting you.
The Doctors of Eye Associates of Washington, D.C.
Serving Washington, D.C. and Tysons Corner
Board Certified Eye Physicians and Surgeons
