Lens Implant

What is a lens implant? 

A lens implant is an artificial lens that replaces your natural eye lens. Also known as an intraocular lens (IOL), this type of lens implant is an important part of cataract removal surgery. Cataract surgery removes your foggy eye lens and gives you a clear new lens (your lens implant) to see through. 

What are the different types of lens implants? 

The three main categories for lens implants include: 

Monofocal lenses

Monofocal lenses correct your vision using one prescription. They can treat either myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Monofocal lenses don’t treat astigmatism (curvature irregularities in your eye lens or cornea). Astigmatism causes vision blurriness at near, intermediate, and far distances. It often occurs alongside myopia or hyperopia. 

Most people who choose monofocal IOLs get correction for their distance vision. While monofocal lenses can work for people who only have one vision issue, there are very few people who experience a single refractive error.

About 80% of adults have presbyopia (age-related near vision impairment) by age 55. So, virtually everyone who gets monofocal lenses has to wear reading glasses. 

Multifocal lenses 

Multifocal lenses correct your near, middle-distance, and long-distance focus, all within one lens. With this type of IOL, your brain learns to use the new lenses (neuroadaptation) at every distance, giving you optimal eyesight at all distances without glasses or contact lenses. 

Toric lenses

Toric lenses are made specifically for people with astigmatism. They come in both monofocal (astigmatism correction at one distance) and multifocal (astigmatism correction at all distances) versions. 

Multifocal and toric lenses are called premium IOLs. Northwest Eye Specialists specializes in premium IOLs and offers a wide range of advanced lenses to meet the needs of all patients. 

How do I choose the right lens implants for my cataract surgery?

Lens implant choice is highly individual and based on your lifestyle, goals for surgery, and vision needs. Northwest Eye Specialists guides you in choosing the category of IOL that will serve you best long-term. 

The state-of-the-art Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA)™ system uses advanced wavefront analysis to gather precise eye measurements and perfectly focus the eye during surgery. Surgeons use this information to make the most optimal decisions for lens type and power during your cataract removal. 

Thanks to premium lens implants, your cataract surgery can leave you seeing better than ever before. Call Northwest Eye Specialists or book your appointment through online scheduling today.