Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) are innovative implants used to replace the natural lens of the eye during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange procedures. Unlike standard monofocal lenses, which provide clear vision at one fixed distance, premium IOLs offer additional benefits such as improved range of vision, reduced dependence on glasses, and enhanced visual quality.
Types of Premium IOLs:
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Multifocal IOLs: These lenses feature multiple focal points, allowing for clear vision at varying distances – near, intermediate, and far. Multifocal IOLs reduce the need for reading glasses or bifocals, providing greater freedom and convenience in daily activities.
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Toric IOLs: Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, a common refractive error caused by irregular curvature of the cornea. By addressing both cataracts and astigmatism simultaneously, toric IOLs can significantly improve visual acuity and reduce reliance on corrective lenses.
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Extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs: EDOF IOLs provide a half-way option between the monofocal and multifocal IOL options. They typically aim to give better depth of focus than a monofocal without some of the limitations associated with a mutifocal lens While patients may not be totally glasses free for all distances and/or activities they offer a nice compromise.
Type of IOL | what it does | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Multifocal
(premium lens)
| Focuses light from a range
of distances onto the retina | Provide good vision at
distance, intermediate and near | May notice glare/halos around lights
and it may become more challenging to
read in poorly lit environments |
Extended depth of focus
(premium lens)
| These lenses
provide good
intermediate to
distance vision
| Provides excellent vision
for most tasks other than
prolonged activity at near | Likely to require glasses
for reading small print or
craft work |
Toric
(premium lens)
| Focuses light from one
fixed distance onto the
retina and corrects any astigmatism | Provides excellent vision
without glasses for distant targets | Intermediate and near
distances will be out of
focus without glasses |
Monofocal
(standard lens)
| Focuses light from
one fixed distance
onto the retina | Can provide clear distance
vision for those without
pre-existing astigmatism | Patients with astigmatism will
still require glasses for all distances.
Intermediate and near distances
will be out of focus without glasses
|
Type of IOL | Distance Vision | Intermediate vision | Near vision | Aberrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Multifocal
(premium lens)
| Good | Good | Good | Moderate. May notice glare/halos
around lights and it may become
more challenging to read in poorly
lit environments |
Extended depth of focus
(premium lens)
| Good | Good | Will usually require reading
glasses for most near tasks | Minimal |
Toric
(premium lens)
| Excellent | Less good than at distance.
May require varifocals | Requires reading glasses/varifocals | Minimal |
Monofocal
(standard lens)
| May need glasses prescription
to optimise distance vision depending
on pre-existing astigmatism | Less good than at
distance. May require varifocals | Requires reading
glasses/varifocals | Minimal |
The Benefits of Premium IOLs:
-
Expanded Range of Vision: Premium IOLs provide a broader range of clear vision compared to standard monofocal lenses, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses in various situations.
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Reduced Dependence on Glasses: With premium IOLs, many patients experience decreased reliance on corrective eyewear for activities such as reading, driving, and using digital devices.
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Enhanced Visual Quality: Premium IOLs are designed to optimise visual quality and contrast sensitivity, resulting in sharper, more vivid vision for improved clarity and comfort.
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Astigmatism control Monofocal lenses lack the ability of reducing your astigmatism, often resulting in a glasses prescription for all distances. Astigmatism correcting IOLs (toric) give patients the best quality unaided vision.
Comprehensive Preoperative Evaluation and Customised Care:
Before undergoing cataract surgery with premium IOLs, you will undergo a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to assess your eye health and visual requirements. I will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right IOL for your needs to postoperative care and follow-up appointments, ensuring optimal outcomes and satisfaction. I pride myself that I am one of the only surgeons in the South West to offer the full range of IOL options and many patients select me for their cataract surgery for this reason.
The Benefits of Premium IOLs:
Before undergoing cataract surgery with premium IOLs, you will undergo a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to assess your eye health and visual requirements. I will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right IOL for your needs to postoperative care and follow-up appointments, ensuring
optimal outcomes and satisfaction. I pride myself that I am one of the only surgeons in the South West to offer the full range of IOL options and many patients select me for their cataract surgery for this reason.