Types of Lenses You Can Choose for Your Cataract Surgery

If your eye doctor has recommended cataract surgery, you will have to make another decision regarding the treatment, i.e., choosing the type of lens that will be implanted in your eyes. The type of lens you choose will determine how well you will be able to see after the cataract surgery. As the artificial lens, also known as the Intraocular lens (IOLs) will replace the cloudy lens, it is important that you consider the pros and cons of each type of lens and discuss everything with your doctor before making the decision.

Different Types of Cataract Lenses

The different types of cataract lenses available are given below:

• Monofocal Lenses

These lenses are designed to improve the vision at a certain distance. It means you can either get them to provide clear vision for distant objects or nearby objects. If you have only one refractive error, then these lenses will be suitable for you. However, if you have trouble seeing both nearby and distant objects, you can only use this lens for the correction of one condition. For the other, you will require eyeglasses.

• Multifocal Lenses

This type of cataract lens is built like bifocal and trifocal eyeglasses to provide clear vision for both near and far objects. It also helps in the correction of intermediate vision.

• Accommodative Lenses

It is another type of lens that can correct vision at all distances. The key difference is in the working principle. These lenses use the natural movement of the eye muscles to change the focus and provide clear vision.

• Toric Lenses

This is a slightly new yet useful type of lens. Toric lenses can help to correct astigmatism along with cataracts.

Now that you know the types of lenses, let’s understand which type will be the best option for cataract surgery.

Which is the best cataract lens for you?

When it comes to the medical field, there is no right answer but the most suitable one. The doctor will discuss the following aspects to help you choose the best cataract lens specifically for you.

• Lifestyle- The kind of lifestyle you live will play a major role in the decision. If you have an active lifestyle, you will prefer correcting distant vision. However, if you read or work on the computer, you may prefer correcting nearby vision.

• Pre-existing Eye Conditions- Some eye diseases like glaucoma, corneal disorders, age-related macular degeneration, etc. can eliminate options like multifocal lenses as your vision will again be at risk even after cataract surgery.

• Cost- The type of lenses we discussed above comes under the category of "Premium Lenses" as they treat cataracts as well as other eye conditions like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Due to this reason, they also cost more. And the cost of a premium cataract lens is not covered by insurance companies either.

Make An Informed Decision

Make sure you are choosing a highly experienced doctor for your cataract surgery. By consulting a specialist, it will be easy for you to list down your needs and requirements and choose the right type of lens that fits your lifestyle and budget.

I am a healthcare worker who loves to write about the health and fitness in free time.