During cataract surgery, artificial lenses are implanted in the eye to replace the cloudy natural lenses. These artificial lenses, known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), were once only able to correct distance vision, leaving patients dependent on eyeglasses or contact lenses for near vision. Many cataract patients, in addition to suffering from either nearsightedness or farsightedness, also suffer from presbyopia, natural changes to the eyes that occur as we age.
Before premium lenses, patients were unable to see clearly at both near and far distances without the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Early lens implants were monofocal, meaning that they had only one focal point and could not adjust to varying distances.
New advances in technology have allowed for the development of multifocal IOLs, which let patients see clearly at all distances, and can even correct astigmatism as well. Premium lens implants are ideal for cataract patients who are also suffering from presbyopia and want a replacement lens that provides a full range of clear vision.
There are several different types of premium lens implants available for cataract patients. Your doctor will work with you to decide which lens is best for your individual eyes to help you enjoy long-lasting, clear vision at near, intermediate and far distances. To speak with one of our doctors and discuss your options for cataract replacement lenses, please call us today to schedule a consultation.
Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
While the bulk of the cost of a LASIK procedure or premium intraocular lens during cataract surgery are not usually covered by health insurance plans, there a few ways for the patient to reduce the effective cost. A Flexible Spending Accunt (FSA) is a tool set up by the federal government that allows people to set aside money for medical expenses without paying income tax on it. For a procedure like custom wavefront LASIK that may cost a few thousand dollars, the benefits of an FSA can mean hundreds of dollars in savings. Call to discuss the details of this option with Tia at 831 372-1500. She will walk you through this process as you prepare for your procedure.
Crystalens HD™
The Crystalens HD is an accommodating intraocular lens that provides continuous vision for distances near, far and everything in between. This lens is the most advanced intraocular lens currently available and is ideal for nearly every cataract patient. Patients using this lens can enjoy a full range of vision with only minimal side effects, making it ideal for those struggling from cataracts and presbyopia. This lens mimics the behavior of a normal human lens, with minimized incidences of halos and glares in night vision.
Crystalens is the only FDA-approved accommodating lens and continues to offer patients many advantages, including those offered with the fourth-generation Crystalens HD lens. Cataract surgery with the Crystalens HD lens takes about 20 minutes to perform and provides patients with clear distance vision within a day or two. Intermediate and near vision may be blurry, but will gradually improve over the next two weeks, during which time glasses or contacts may be needed. After the recovery period, 100 percent of patients had good near and intermediate vision, and also had 20/20 or better distance vision.
ReSTOR® 3.0
In December 2008, the latest IOL by AcrySof was approved for use in the US. The ReSTOR® 3.0 lens allows cataract replacement with +3.0 diopters add power at near, intermediate and distance vision. Acrysof lenses have been the number one choice for cataract patients with presbyopia since they were introduced in 2005. This lens allows patients to enjoy improved comfort and vision for reading, computer work and distance vision with the same safety and reliability as previous AcrySof lenses.
With the ReSTOR 3.0 lens, over 95 percent of patients were satisfied with their vision after surgery, and up to four times as many patients were able to enjoy 20/20 vision at all three distances than with the previous ReSTOR +4.0 D lens. Clinical results included a three-month follow-up exam showing that many patients would choose to have this lens implanted again.
Alcon Toric
Alcon Toric IOLs are used as a replacement lens in cataract surgery for patients with astigmatism. In addition to replacing the cloudy lens affected by cataracts, Toric IOLs correct astigmatism as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness. This lens also features an advanced aspheric option that improves image quality and increases contrast sensitivity. The Toric IOLs are a light yellow color that helps filter out blue light without affecting the color or quality of the patient’s vision.
Although Toric IOLs are not accommodating and may still require eyeglasses or contacts to be worn, they offer many advantages to patients with astigmatism. Most patients report a high level of satisfaction with the Toric IOL lens, as it is the only lens to effectively treat astigmatism in cataract patients.