Jump to Section
When the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, it must be replaced with an intraocular lens. There are several types of intraocular lenses (IOLs), and our knowledgeable eye doctors can help you explore your best options during a consultation.
Standard IOLS
A single focus, or monofocal intraocular lens, is considered the traditional lens and has been used in cataract surgery for many decades. This lens will treat most of your prescription if it is used with our traditional manual surgery option, but you will still need glasses to some degree for distance and reading. If the standard lens is coupled with our laser cataract surgery option then it will treat all of your prescription for distance, as the laser corrects for astigmatism, thus mainly necessitating readers.
Premium IOLs
At Nielsen Eye Center, we pride ourselves on offering our patients the most modern and state-of-the-art premium lenses available. If you have cataracts, having cataract surgery is usually seen as medically necessary because it restores vision loss and prevents further vision loss from occurring.
Most health insurance plans typically cover the cost of cataract surgery. However, insurance typically only covers the cost of the procedure and a standard IOL. Premium options can come at a higher cost but can offer many additional benefits over traditional IOLs. There are several different varieties of premium lenses to choose from, and they each have unique reasons that make them worth thinking about.
Real patients. Real reviews.
Real patients. Real reviews.
YOUR VISION IS OUR MISSION
I will say that the actual procedures on both my eyes went extremely well and Dr. Nielsen was outstanding including my follow ups the day following the procedures. My eye sight has improved a lot and I can now read my cell phone and computer without glasses
Real patients. Real reviews.
YOUR VISION IS OUR MISSION
Friendly staff, easy to schedule. I have visited Dr. Nielsen and his crew for years for maintaining my senior eye health.
Real patients. Real reviews.
YOUR VISION IS OUR MISSION
Had a great experience. My whole family goes here.❤️
Diffractive Multifocal Lens
Multifocal lenses have alternating refractive powers. Multifocal IOLs include rings that extend out from the center of the lens. These rings switch between near and far focal points, allowing the eye to automatically switch from close-up vision to far away. As you adjust to the multifocal lens, your brain will be re-trained to look through the correct ring. Having this capability allows you to focus better when you look at objects in front of you and reduces the need for reading glasses – if not eliminating the need. Choosing a multifocal lens can also reduce visual aberrations that are more likely to occur with some intraocular lenses, which leads to fewer vision problems after having cataract surgery.
Trifocal Lens
Patients who choose this IOL have outstanding distance vision, and they can see clearly when they look at things at an intermediate distance and up close. The trifocal lens provides sharp, vibrant, and vividly clear sight, so you’ll finally see the world as you were meant to see it.
EDOF Lens
The extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL uses technology that works around an elongated focal point. Using an extended focal point provides you with the freedom from reading glasses you’ve been waiting for. They also produce superb distance vision without losing any of your intermediate vision. Intermediate vision is essential if you’re performing tasks like texting on your phone or sending emails on your computer.
Toric Lens
Toric lenses are the only lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive error that happens when the eye is closer to the shape of a football rather than round like a basketball. If you have astigmatism, your vision will be blurry or distorted. Toric IOLs offset the shape of the eye by specially aligning the lens when it’s implanted during cataract surgery. Although a toric lens may not correct every kind of astigmatism, it can correct prescriptions up to 4 diopters.
Monovision
With a monofocal lens, you may be able to see adequately when you look at things at intermediate distances – but if you want clear, up-close vision, you will likely need to use reading glasses or prescription glasses to achieve it. Some patients choose to combine their monofocal lenses, creating another option known as monovision. Monovision provides more opportunities for seeing than a monofocal lens would.
Monovision works by having one monofocal lens placed in one eye designed for looking at things up close, and a second monofocal lens in the other eye for seeing things far away. Your vision will adjust accordingly despite the different refractive adjustments.
Featured Videos
Video libraryHow to Choose the IOL That’s Right for You
For many cataract surgery patients, a monofocal lens is a good choice. But if you want to get the most out of cataract surgery and can afford it, a premium IOL is undoubtedly worth considering.
If you’re not sure how to choose the right premium IOL, ask yourself these questions:
- What can you afford with a comfortable budget?
- Is your astigmatism mild or moderate, and do you want to correct it?
- Do you mind using reading glasses after you’ve had cataract surgery?
- What are your daily activities?
- Do these activities need up-close vision, or do you need to be able to see clearly at a distance?
It can seem overwhelming trying to select an IOL for your needs, but our eye doctors can help. During a consultation, you’ll discuss your needs from an IOL and select which one fits best.
Request an IOL Consultation
To learn more about cataract surgery and the different IOLs available, contact the Nielsen Eye Center. We offer many locations around the Boston area – contact us today through our online form.
CATARACT SELF-TEST
LASIK SELF-TEST
OUR PROVIDERS
Our team of eye doctors includes some of the foremost experts in laser vision correction and eye surgery in the greater Boston area. We look forward to helping you maintain healthy and clear vision for years to come. Learn more about our leading providers and the high level of service you can expect at the Nielsen Eye Center.
MEET OUR TEAM
DISCOVER OUR CONVENIENT
LOCATIONS NEAR BOSTON, MA
Schedule your appointment today at one of our four convenient offices situated on the South Shore. Serving the greater Boston area, our locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwell, and Norwood are here to provide exceptional eye care tailored to your needs.
Ready to Experience Clearer Vision?
Discover the life-changing benefits of LASIK at Nielsen Eye Center. Our experienced surgeons are ready to guide you through your journey to clearer vision.
Schedule Your Consultation
