Cataract Surgery

While some cataract conditions do not require the need for surgery, others that are more serious causing a significant loss of vision may need to be surgically removed. During this procedure the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an implant that is called and "intraocular lens" or "IOL".

In the past the most commonly used lenses were monofocal lenses that could only be selected for a singular vision distance with a choice of near of either far, intermediate or near. As a result most individuals required the use of glasses or bifocals for reading or other tasks or activities that required a different vision distance than was capable of the implanted lens. Today, there are a variety of IOLs available that can accommodate multiple vision demands. 

Multifocal IOLs Lens Replacements 

Multifocal  IOLs are the preferred choice today when it comes to replacing the lens during cataract surgery, due to their capability of correcting various vision problems. There are three primary types of multifocal IOLs including "Multifocal refractive IOLs" that are capable of improving multiple vision needs including near, far, and intermediate vision, due to the multiple optical zones on the lens.

The second type of multifocal lens is an "apodized diffractive multifocal IOL" that has multiple focal points that are capable of bending the incoming light to the eye which increases the ability to see clearly under various lighting conditions. 

 Accommodative IOLs 

The latest type of IOL to be approved by the FDA is the accommodative IOL. The ciliary muscle in the eye is what allows the natural lens to change shape in order to focus and this natural functioning process of the eye is called accommodation.

The accommodative IOL is capable of using this muscle to recreate the natural process by which the eye focuses. There are also other types of IOLs and your eye doctor can discuss the available options if you are considering surgery for the removal of cataracts.