Allentown Cataract Surgery
Millions of people worldwide have had cataract surgery, with most people having to rely on glasses post-operatively to fully see clearly. The reason for this is that the intraocular lenses that were placed in the eye were monofocal lenses. The monofocal lens only has one focal point and does not change as a person’s interest changed between near and far distances.
Within the last few years, intraocular lenses have been developed which gives the patient multiple points of focus. This helps over 80% of the recipients of the lens become less dependent on glasses and contact lenses after cataract surgery!
What is an IOL?
An IOL, or intraocular lens, is a tiny, artificial lens that replaces the natural lens inside of the eye. When you have cataracts, it means that the natural lens inside of your eye is cloudy, causing vision problems. The only way to treat cataracts is to remove them completely. However, without a natural lens, your vision would be severely impacted. To restore vision after cataract removal, an IOL will be inserted into the eye to act as a replacement. There are many different types of IOLs, each with their own specific purpose. IOLs not only restore vision, but they can also improve upon lifelong refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and even age-related presbyopia. These are called premium IOLs. Premium IOLs cost more and are not typically covered by insurance, but they help patients live independently from glasses and contact lenses.
PanOptix
The PanOptix TriFocal lens is the first FDA approved lens to improve near, intermediate and distance vision after cataract surgery. TriFocal lenses have been used for many years in Europe, but just recently came to the U.S. passing FDA standards. In the past, the best option was the multifocal lens which has sections for visual fields but is mainly used to improve distance vision. The new trifocal lens has alternating rings at each field of vision to adapt naturally to the eye and provide a continuous range of vision. If you are a cataract surgery candidate who wants to achieve sharper distance vision and near vision for reading and computer use, ask your Allentown Cataract Surgeon about the PanOptix TriFocal lens implant.
Learn more about PanOptix in the video below.
TECNIS
The Tecnis Multifocal IOL has been approved for use in the U.S. since 2009. This lens is not only accommodating to near and far vision after surgery, but it actually can correct astigmatism as well. This is great news for astigmatic patients, as astigmatism is notoriously difficult to correct!
The surface of the Tecnis Multifocal IOL provides advanced image quality at all distances, under any lighting conditions, and regardless of pupil size. These IOLs are manufactured using a proprietary process that uses precisely shaped diamond tools to cut into the lens; controlled temperatures are used for ultimate precision. This process contributes to the consistent, high-quality performance of the Tecnis IOL. Nearly 9 out of 10 people who have had Tecnis Multifocal IOLs implanted in their eyes enjoy complete freedom from eyeglasses after cataract surgery.
Would you like to learn more about how premium IOLs can change your life? Let Bausch Eye Associates answer your IOL questions! Schedule your cataract consultation here at our Allentown, PA office today.
