What Are Premium IOLs?
Premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses positioned within the eye during cataract surgery. IOLs replace a clouded natural lens (cataract) to improve your eyesight, along with a range of other vision problems. They function just like the natural lens of your eye and can also address refractive conditions, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), and astigmatism (irregular corneal shape). In the past, monofocal or standard IOLs offered the only option for cataract surgery and lens replacement. Thanks to advancements in technology, premium lenses can make it possible to enjoy clearer vision at a range of distances, often without having to wear eyeglasses. At Rothchild Eye Institute, we are pleased to offer both standard and premium IOLs to meet the diverse needs of our patients. To explore your intraocular lens options, please contact our Delray Beach, FL practice and speak with our team today.
Reviews
What are the benefits of Premium Lenses?
Premium intraocular lenses may improve your eyesight. A few of the main benefits of deciding on a premium OIL include:
- Minimized need for glasses
- Reduced need for contacts
- A decrease in blurry vision
- Sharper vision at all distances
- Help with refractive errors (astigmatism)
- Decreased use of reading glasses
Premium intraocular lenses can also be an ideal choice for those with an active lifestyle. Including patients who enjoy contact sports or activities like biking, skiing, and more. The reduced need for glasses and contacts makes maintaining an active lifestyle more manageable.
Who Is A Candidate For Premium Lenses?
Ideal candidates for premium intraocular lenses are usually in need of cataract surgery and also have a refractive error such as farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related vision loss). Many patients may choose premium lenses as an alternative to glasses and contacts. Aside from cataracts, your ophthalmologist will perform an exam to ensure the eyes are in good ocular health. During your consultation, our team will discuss the various premiums lens options to help you determine which is best for your budget and lifestyle.
What Are the Different Types of IOLs?
Our board-certified ophthalmologists have a vast amount of experience performing traditional and FEMTO laser-assisted cataract surgery. During the planning phase of your procedure, we will explain the various intraocular lens options and cataract surgery methods and help you select the one that best meets your vision requirements, lifestyle needs, and budget. The IOL options offered at Rothchild Eye Institute include:
- Multifocal IOLs: As premium lenses, multifocal IOLs can help improve your full-range vision and allow for sharper focus in near, intermediate, and distance focal zones. Our multifocal lens options include TECNIS® Multifocal, ReSTOR®, and PanOptix® IOLs. Multifocal lenses can reduce astigmatism and minimize your dependency on eyeglasses.
- Accommodative IOLs: Accommodation is a natural process through which the eye muscles bend the lens to enhance its optical abilities. Accommodative IOLs replicate this effect, flexing with your eye and increasing your ability to see clearly at varying distances. Our cataract specialists are skilled at placing Crystalens IOLs, which can address both clouded lenses and presbyopia.
- Extended Range IOLs: As a relatively new option, extended depths of focus IOLs enhance near and intermediate visual acuity in patients with presbyopia while maintaining distance vision. These premium lens options include TECNIS Symfony™ and ALCON Extended Range IOLs.
- Toric IOLs: Though they are monofocal lenses, toric IOLs still offer a premium solution for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia. They also function to address astigmatism. TECNIS Toric, TECNIS Symfony® Toric, and PanOptix Toric are premium toric lens options available from our Delray Beach, FL team. With toric IOLS, you may still need to wear glasses for certain tasks.
- Standard IOLs: As a basic lens replacement option, standard IOLs are monofocal implants that correct for a singular focal point (generally distance). Though your vision will be clear, you will still likely need to wear glasses for performing normal daily activities.
TYPES OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES
How Are IOLs Placed?
Intraocular lenses are surgically implanted within the eye by one of our board-certified ophthalmologists. To begin, we will numb the eye and make a small incision on the side of the cornea to remove the damaged lens. Then, your ophthalmologist will begin to break down your natural lens bit by bit. Patients should not feel any pain during this, though they may experience slight pressure. The selected intraocular lens will then be carefully inserted into the capsule of the eye to replace the natural lens, and the small incision will be left to heal naturally. At Rothchild Eye Institute, the IOL procedure generally takes around 15 minutes to complete.
What Can I Expect After IOL Placement?
Lens replacement recovery typically lasts for about four weeks. Your vision may be blurry or distorted immediately after having intraocular lenses placed. Your eyes may also feel sore or dry and could be sensitive to light. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and promote healing. It may take some time to become accustomed to your new intraocular lenses. Our vision team will provide you with post-operative instructions to follow and discuss what to expect as your eyes heal and your vision stabilizes.
Intraocular Lenses FAQ
Can I still get premium lenses if I have an astigmatism?
Yes, individuals with an astigmatism can still under an IOL procedure. There are special lenses that are designed for visual correction but can also reduce your astigmatism.
Will I need glasses after my IOL procedure?
Intraocular lens placement can help minimize your dependence on glasses. But you may still find a need to wear glasses for certain activities. Premium IOLs can help lower the need for corrective eyewear. During your consultation, our Delray Beach ophthalmologists can review your options and help you choose the best IOL for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Are premium IOLs covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for IOLs in Delray Beach, FL, may vary according to plan and provider. There may be some out-of-pocket costs for intraocular lens placement based on your unique treatment needs. Before scheduling your IOL surgery, our team can review your insurance plan and inform you of any estimated personal expenses.
Will my vision continue to change over time?
Lens replacement surgery should stabilize your vision. So, no, patients' vision should not continue to change over time once a premium lens has been placed. Premium IOLs generally do not degrade or change over the years.
Can I get IOLs if I have previously had eye surgery?
Yes, many patients who have had previous eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can still be candidates for IOLs. During your consultation, our ophthalmologists will carefully assess your eye health and history to determine the most suitable IOL type and approach for your specific situation.
Are there different types of IOLs to address near and distance vision?
Absolutely, there are various IOL types designed to correct both near and distance vision. Multifocal and accommodative IOLs, for instance, can help provide a broader range of vision without needing multiple pairs of glasses. Your ophthalmologist can discuss the different types of IOLs and help you select the one that best meets your visual needs.
Clearer Vision After Cataracts
Cataract surgery and the placement of intraocular lenses can bring dramatic changes to your vision and general well-being. We know that exploring your options for IOLs can be overwhelming and are here to help guide you in the process. If you are in need of cataract care, please contact Rothchild Eye Institute in Delray Beach, FL and schedule a consultation with our experienced ophthalmologists. Our practice proudly accepts several insurance plans, Medicare, and flexible CareCredit® financing plans.
Related Procedures
Related Posts
When Can I Wear Contacts After Cataract Surgery?
Explore the timeline and considerations for wearing contact lenses after cataract removal surgery, including recommended lens types.
ReadHow to Choose the Right Premium IOLs After Cataract Surgery
Premium IOLs can help with vision correction if you have a refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Read about premium lenses here.
Read