Do you need to have cataract surgery? Has your doctor mentioned that you need to pick out an IOL?
IOLs are an important part of cataract surgery, but what is an IOL? Keep reading to learn more about what IOLs are!
What does IOL stand for?
IOL stands for Intraocular Lens. It is an artificial implant that is used to replace your natural lens in your eye.
Why are IOLs necessary?
Each of your eyes has a lens. It’s made up of a clear protein and water that goes behind the pupil. The lens in your eye helps light focus on the retina and sends it to the brain.
As we age, the proteins change and our eye’s lens starts to become cloudy. When this occurs, it is called a cataract. Cataracts can make things look blurry or give them a yellow tint.
One of the leading causes of blindness is cataracts, especially for older adults. The only way to treat cataracts is with cataract surgery.
What is an IOL?
An IOL or intraocular lens is an artificial lens. They are often made of clear plastic or silicone and are smaller than a dime.
Are there different types of IOLs?
Yes, there are four main types of IOLs. They include the following:
Monofocal IOL:
Monofocal IOLs are the most common type of IOL. Your natural lens can adjust to help you focus your eye, but this artificial lens only lets you see one distance.
If your IOL lets you see objects far away, then you’ll need glasses to see things that are close to you.
Accommodating IOL:
Accommodating IOLs are more flexible and act more like your natural lens. They can focus on more than one distance.
An accommodating IOL is a premium lens, meaning you won’t need glasses with them.
Multifocal IOL:
Multifocal IOLs are a little like bifocal glasses or progressive lenses. You will be able to see things at different distances.
It can take a few months for your brain to adjust to these, so looking at different distances seems normal.
Toric IOL:
Toric IOLs are the only IOL created for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs if the cornea or lens is irregularly shaped. This IOL reduces the effects of astigmatism, so you don’t need to wear glasses post-surgery.
Trifocal IOL:
The trifocal IOL was recently FDA approved and available at Chicago Cornea Consultants™. The trifocal IOL is a premium IOL that allows for vision at near, far, and intermediate distances.
This is the first IOL of its kind! Before the trifocal IOL, the only option was seeing near and far. The trifocal IOL is best for patients who are looking to see well with no gaps in vision and use digital devices.
How do I choose the right IOL?
When deciding on the right IOL, it is important to talk to your doctor about your preferences. You want to select an IOL that works for your lifestyle and hobbies.
Selecting the right IOL will let you like your life the way you did before cataracts. Your doctor will work with you to pick the IOL that lets you do this.
Any IOL will take time to adjust to, but once you do, it will significantly improve your quality of life.
Are you ready to book your cataract surgery? Now that you know what an IOL is, it will make the process less daunting during surgery. Schedule a cataract screening at Chicago Cornea Consultants™ in Chicago, IL now!
