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Vision Correction Options
There are some decisions that Dr. Winthrop can help you make regarding the type of lens (IOL) we will use in place of your own clouded lens.
Conventional Cataract Surgery and the need for glasses
The IOL used in conventional cataract surgery is a monofocal lens; it will have only one focal point. The focal point that is most often chosen by patients is distance/infinity vision. Thus, the majority of patients will need glasses to assist with near tasks.
Occasionally, patients who have been nearsighted their entire life will be given a monofocal IOL to retain nearsightedness (where they see fine up close with the naked eye). In this case, they will wear glasses that assist them with distance/infinity vision.
There are some patients, regardless of whether they are nearsighted or farsighted, who will wear bifocals simply for convenience.
Finally, patients who have moderate or excessive astigmatism may be required to wear glasses for all fields of vision (near, intermediate, and far.)
Premium IOL options (usually not covered by insurance)
Astigmatism Correction with Toric IOL
Many patients with astigmatism can be helped to great near or far (but not both) vision through the use of what is called a Toric IOL. Dr. Winthrop uses the Acrysof® IQ UVA Toric Intraocular lens from Alcon Laboratories, the world’s leader in ophthalmic surgical products. Many professions as well as leisure activities such as golf, biking, bird watching, and flying require or are at least improved by excellent uncorrected distance vision such as the Toric IOL offers.
Indications and safety information for the AcrySof® IQ UVA Toric IOL
Vision Correction with Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOLs can be a great way to minimize or, in some cases, eliminate dependence on glasses.
The Alcon® IQ PanOptix® multifocal lens provides a revolutionary three focal points – far, near, and intermediate – the first and only trifocal iol available in the United States. Portions of the IOL focus at distance, other portions or zones of the same lens focus at arm's length, while other portions or zones focus at near. The brain naturally takes the portion that is required for the given task and dismisses the other portion or zone. These lenses may also be referred to as "zonal" lenses. PanOptix lenses are also available in Toric.
There are several factors involved when considering whether someone is a good candidate for these lenses, including diseases of the retina (diabetic maculopathy and macular degeneration among them), diseases of the optic nerve (including severe glaucoma), and other ocular diseases.
Multifocal lenses, just like Toric lenses, are considered Premium IOLs and, as such, they are usually not reimbursed by insurance carriers; thus the patient must incur some additional expenses in the process.
Patient Brochure including indications and safety information for PanOptix Multifocal IOL