How to Choose an Intraocular Lens Implant to Fit Your Lifestyle
- Posted on: Jan 4 2024
Intraocular lens implants (IOLs) replace your natural eye lens during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. These artificial devices function like your given lens, adjusting focus to direct light onto the retina, but IOLs can also correct refractive errors. IOLs can address one or multiple vision problems, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. The right one for your needs depends on your vision prescription, lifestyle, and desire for visual freedom from glasses or contact lenses. Pamel Vision and Laser Group offers monofocal and multifocal lens implants, and our board-certified ophthalmologist can help you decide which option best fits with your lifestyle.
Benefits of Monofocal Lens Implants
Monofocal IOLs are the standard lens implant used for cataract surgery. They are focused for a single focal point so you may have sharp near or distance vision but not both. Most patients choose to have excellent distance vision with a monofocal lens so they can drive, recognize faces from far away, and watch TV without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Monofocal lenses are a cost-effective option for cataract surgery patients because they are covered by insurance, though you are still responsible for your co-pay and other costs. People with hyperopia who struggle to see faraway objects clearly may not need to use their glasses with a monofocal lens focused for distance vision. You may still need corrective eyewear for close-up tasks. Patients with monofocal lenses may have better eyesight in low lighting circumstances than those with multifocal IOLs.
Monofocal IOLs could be a good fit for someone with nearsightedness who enjoys spending time outdoors or driving, or someone with farsightedness who likes to read, sew, or do other detailed tasks. However, monofocal lenses will not correct for astigmatism or presbyopia, and you will likely still need to wear glasses or contact lenses in some situations.
Monofocal lenses can also be used for monovision, which focuses one eye for near vision and the other for distance. The monovision approach reduces your dependence on corrective eyewear, allowing you to drive and read without wearing glasses. This method may decrease your depth perception and near vision, and cause glare or haloes around lights at nighttime. Some patients may have trouble adapting to monovision.
Benefits of Multifocal Lens Implants
Multifocal IOLs are advanced or premium lens implants that correct your eyesight at multiple focal points, so you can see clearly at all distances. These lenses are ideal for people with an active lifestyle who enjoy reading, traveling, golfing, and other activities that require switching from near to intermediate and distance vision.
Unlike monofocal lenses, multifocal lenses can correct for astigmatism and presbyopia in addition to nearsightedness and farsightedness. Most people with multifocal IOLs have little to no need for corrective eyewear. These premium options can offer complete visual freedom, so you don’t need to remember your “readers” when you leave the house or deal with the hassles of contact lenses. These lens implants are often preferable to monovision with monofocals because they offer more flexibility and don’t limit your near vision, depth perception, or night vision.
Multifocal IOLs offer more convenience and a better quality of life. You can enjoy excellent vision after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange with these advanced lens implants.
While there is an added cost and a small risk of halos or glare around lights, most patients are satisfied with multifocal IOLs and do not require corrective eyewear after the procedure.
Discuss your intraocular lens implant options with Dr. Gregory J. Pamel during your consultation at Pamel Vision & Laser Group in Astoria, and New York, New York. Schedule a consultation by calling (212) 355-2215 or complete our online contact form.
Posted in: Cataract Surgery, Intraocular Lens Implants
