If you have cataracts, chances are the last thing you want to do is have cataract surgery. Needing eye surgery on your eyes is no one’s idea of fun. But what if we told you that after cataract surgery, you could experience the best vision of your life? Well, it is possible! Premium IOLs (intraocular lenses) can make that happen.
What Is an IOL?
Inside of your eye, behind the iris and pupil, there is a clear lens. The lens is responsible for focusing light onto the retina so you can see. When you have cataracts, it means that the lens inside of your eye has become cloudy. This occurs when the proteins that make up most of the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing the lens to opacify. To correct cataracts, this lens needs to be completely removed. When the lens is removed, it needs to be replaced to restore your vision so you can see properly. This is where IOLs come in!
IOLs are designed to mimic the natural lens. They are completely clear and have the ability to move and flex inside of your eye, just like the natural lens. What makes IOLs special, however, is that they can hold specific refractive powers, much like your glasses and contact lenses. When implanted into the eye, these IOLs provide focusing power that your natural lens did not have, allowing you to experience clear and sharp vision.
Types of IOLs
There are many different types of IOLs to correct different vision problems. There are IOLs that correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even presbyopia. Here at Family Eye Physicians, we carry IOLs that correct a wide range of issues.
Examples of IOLs
AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® 2.5 & 3.0
These IOLs are designed to provide patients with a full range of vision without compromising distance vision. The goal of the ReSTOR® range of IOLs is to reduce dependency on glasses, especially while driving, playing or watching live sports, as well as attending movie theatres and live performances. This IOL is great for people with nearsightedness and can help with farsightedness as well.
TECNIS® Multifocal IOL
This IOL was made to provide sharp vision for patients with nearsightedness and farsightedness. The TECNIS™ Multifocal IOL provides advanced image quality at all distances. It also works great regardless of lighting and the patient’s pupil size!
TECNIS® Symfony IOL
The TECNIS® Symfony IOL is a revolutionary presbyopia-correcting IOL. Presbyopia makes it difficult for patients to see up close, such as when reading or doing detail work. The Symfony IOL changes that! For patients who are dependent on reading glasses to get through the day, the Symfony IOL can reduce or eliminate dependence without sacrificing intermediate and distance vision.
If you would like to learn more about the premium IOL options here at Family Eye Physicians, contact our Chicago office to schedule your cataract surgery consultation!
