How Do I Choose An IOL?

Having cataract surgery? Not sure which IOL is best for you?

You may be feeling overwhelmed trying to decide which one to choose. It comes down to your individual needs and how much you’re willing to spend out of pocket.

Keep reading to learn more about how to choose an IOL!

What Is An IOL?

An intraocular lens (or IOL) is an artificial lens created to replace the natural lens in your eye. There are different types to choose from. Some provide only distance vision while others deliver near, intermediate, and distance vision.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens in your eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This will allow you to see more clearly.

Different Types

There are a few different types of IOLs to choose from and your eye doctor can help you decide which one is best. You’ll be asked a series of questions to help you make a decision on which IOL is best suited to your vision and lifestyle needs.

Some questions that your eye doctor may ask you are:

Do you like to drive? Do you prefer driving during the day or at night? If you like driving, you may want to consider a lens for distance sight.

Do you like to read but don’t want the hassle of reading glasses? You may want to think about a lens to correct for close-up vision.

Do you still want to wear glasses after cataract surgery, or are you looking to reduce how much you wear glasses? With a premium lens option, you can reduce your dependence on glasses.

What can you afford? Premium lenses are not covered by insurance.

Many patients like the idea of investing in themselves. This means going with an option that meets all your vision needs and reducing the need for glasses.

Here are some options to choose from:

Monofocal IOL

The monofocal IOL is the most basic option and is the only one that is covered by most insurance providers. But this option only allows for your vision to be corrected for one distance, either close up or distance vision. You’ll need to decide which one you prefer or need more.

This can be a good option for you if you need glasses to see objects. This can include tasks like seeing signs while driving, especially at a distance; and don’t mind having to use glasses to read or work on up close projects.

Because your insurance covers this type of IOL, you won’t have to worry about any extra costs.

Accommodating IOL

An accommodating IOL is another type of intraocular lens for you to choose from if you need to have cataract surgery. With this lens, you’ll be able to focus on more than one distance and may be able to reduce your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.

Accommodating IOLs work in a way that’s like how your natural lens operates.

Multifocal IOL

Multifocal IOLs are a lot like wearing bifocals or progressive lenses. You can see things that are close to you and far away, but it might take your brain a few months to adjust to what it’s seeing.

Multifocal lenses correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Presbyopia occurs when you have difficulty seeing things right in front of you due to your lens losing flexibility with age.

With a multifocal IOL, you will no longer need your reading glasses. If you have astigmatism, you’ll need a toric IOL.

There are many options to choose from when you’re deciding which IOL is best suited to your vision needs.

Schedule a cataract screening today at Mid Ohio Eye in Columbus, OH, to discuss these options further!