When the natural cataract-affected lens is removed from the eye, your doctor will then replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are many options when it comes to IOLs, ranging from basic to vision disorder correcting. You and your doctor will discuss beforehand which IOL will be best for you and your lifestyle.
Different Types of IOLs
Monofocal lenses
The monofocal lens is the most commonly used IOL today. It has equal power in all regions of the lens and can provide high quality distance vision. Monofocal lenses provide sharp vision at only one distance, and do not correct pre-existing vision disorders such as astigmatism.
Toric lenses
Toric lenses have power in one region of the lens to correct astigmatism, as well as maintain distance vision. Due to the difference in lens power in different areas, the correction of astigmatism with a toric lens requires that the lens be positioned in a specific way.
Multifocal lenses
Multifocal intraocular lenses are one of the latest advancements in lens technology. These lenses are powerful and are able to give patients great vision at a variety of distances. This lens was created to help patients see clearly at all distances. While promising, multifocal lenses are not suitable for everyone. They can sometimes cause significantly more glare than monofocal or toric lenses. Multifocal lenses cannot correct astigmatism.