4 Tips To Follow When Choosing An IOLin Boston, MA
If you’re about to get cataract surgery, congratulations! Cataract surgery can completely restore vision slowly lost because of cataracts. Having your cataracts removed can feel like having a whole new view of the world. But before having cataract surgery, you have to decide what kind of artificial lens you want.
During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is removed. This is then replaced with an intraocular lens or IOL. IOLs come in several varieties, so before your surgery, you’ll have to choose what kind of IOL you want based on recommendations from your eye surgeon.
Not sure how to go about choosing the right IOL? Never fear! Here are some tips for choosing the best IOL for your needs:
Determine How Much You Want to Spend
When it comes to IOLs, the price can be a consideration. Cataract surgery is usually covered by insurance, but only one kind of IOL is covered. This is a monofocal IOL.
Monofocal IOLs are the most basic IOL. If you wear glasses now, you will probably need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. Monofocals only correct for one distance unless the monovision technique is used,
With monovision, they correct for both up close and distance vision. Monovision is achieved when surgeons put one monofocal lens for seeing up close in one eye and one lens for seeing at a distance in the other.
If you’re willing to spend some money out of pocket, you have the option of a premium lens implant. These come in several varieties.
One of the more popular types is the multifocal lens. A multifocal lens allows the user to see much better up close and corrects presbyopia. You also don’t need to wear glasses after cataract surgery in most instances.
For some, the price of a premium lens is worth the benefits of clearer vision, But it also shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision.
Decide if You Want to Rely on Reading Glasses
If you’re okay with having to wear reading glasses, monofocal IOLs may be right for you. If you’d like to do away with your reading glasses, a premium lens may be a better option.
Multifocal lenses allow the user to see much better up close. Monofocals allow the user to see well, but they may need reading glasses to see some things.
If You Have Astigmatism, Consider a Toric IOL
Another kind of premium lens is a toric IOL. This is the only IOL designed to correct for astigmatism. If you have minor astigmatism, a toric lens may correct it entirely.
Talk to your eye doctor about how much a toric lens can correct. It may be a good option if you wish to improve your vision even further with cataract surgery.
Consider The Lifestyle You Want After Cataract Surgery
When choosing an IOL, another thing to consider is what kind of lifestyle you have and what kind of lifestyle you want after cataract surgery. If you are very active, do you want to wear glasses after cataract surgery?
Are you looking for an option that will allow you to see effortlessly? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself before making any decisions about an IOL.
It’s important to discuss questions that you may have about IOLs with your doctor as well. They will make a recommendation for what IOL they believe will be best for you.
To learn more about cataract surgery and different IOLs, contact The Nielsen Eye Center in the greater Boston area today to schedule an appointment! You can talk to one of our experienced specialists about cataract surgery and what kind of IOL may be right for you.
Call us at (877) 373-2020 or (617) 471-5665 and ask to speak with a Patient Advocate.
