What Is An IOL?
February 15, 2024
Cataracts are a part of the natural aging process that occurs within the eyes. They can cause numerous symptoms, including blurry and cloudy vision.
However, cataracts allow you an opportunity to improve your vision and gain greater visual freedom through cataract surgery with an IOL. While many people know about LASIK, other options exist to help reduce your dependence on visual aids, especially if you’re living with conditions like cataracts.
One of these options is known as an IOL or an intraocular lens. Keep reading to learn what an IOL is!
What Is An Intraocular Lens?
An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens implanted in the eye as part of cataract surgery or to treat other vision problems. During cataract surgery, the eye's cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear, plastic IOL.
The IOL is folded and inserted through a small incision in the eye. Once implanted inside the eye, the IOL unfolds to provide focusing power.
IOLs typically provide better focus and clearer vision after cataract surgery. Advancements in IOL technology also allow some models to correct astigmatism and nearsightedness.
Some types of IOLs can even allow you to experience greater visual freedom and reduced dependency on visual aids.
How Does An IOL Work?
An intraocular lens (IOL) is designed to focus light and mimic the eye's natural lens once a cataract is removed. When a cataract prevents light from properly focusing on the retina, an IOL takes the place of the natural lens to correctly redirect light after its removal during cataract surgery.
There are many different types of IOLs available. At SIEHT, your eye doctor will work with you to determine which option may be best to accomplish your vision goals based on your budget and lifestyle.
What Is A Cataract?
A cataract occurs when the natural eye lens gets clouded. This cloudy lens keeps light from passing through the eye properly, which results in poor vision.
Cataracts typically occur with age, although some people develop them earlier in life. Once most people reach forty years old, changes occur inside the eye.
The lens becomes harder and cloudier. Cataracts can also form because of eye injuries or eye diseases.
Cataracts are common, and there is no way to prevent them. Cataract surgery is often the best voice for a long-term solution.
Are you experiencing changes in your vision?
What Are the Symptoms Of Cataracts?
While an eye exam is the best way to know if you have cataracts, you should also be on the lookout for the following signs, especially if you are over the age of forty:
- Colors appearing faded
- Halos around lights
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Increased glare
- You have to change your eye prescription frequently
- Difficulties seeing at night
If you notice some of these types, it’s a good idea to set up an appointment with the eye care professionals at SIEHT.
What IOL Options Are There?
There are many IOL options available. The best IOL for you will be based on your vision, goals, lifestyle, and hobbies.
During your cataract evaluation at SIEHT, your eye doctor will help you narrow down your choices so you can be confident.
Toric IOLs
Astigmatism is blurry vision caused by a cornea that is shaped more like a football and not spherical, like a basketball. If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL may be the best choice for you.
Toric IOLs can help to correct astigmatism and provide the best vision outcome for some people with astigmatism. Your eye doctor will tell you if the amount of astigmatism you have would mean that you would benefit from a toric IOL.
Multifocal IOL
Age-related farsightedness, or presbyopia, is an eye condition that many people older than forty deal with. With this issue, it’s difficult to see up close without reading glasses.
At SIEHT, we provide multifocal lens options, including AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal Lens, to allow you to have a much fuller range of vision and reduce your dependency on visual aids.
During your cataract evaluation, your eye doctor will assess your vision issues to determine which type of multifocal lens is right for you.
Monofocal IOL (Standard)
Along with the more specialized options for specific vision issues, you can also choose a monofocal replacement lenses, known as standard lenses. Monofocal IOLs provide clear vision at one range, whether distance or near.
This is an ideal choice for those who are looking for the most budget-friendly option and do not
mind relying on glasses after the procedure.
Do I Need An IOL?
Once your natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, it must be replaced with an artificial IOL in order for you to see clearly after cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the eye’s cloudy natural lens causing the cataract is removed.
If it were not replaced with an artificial IOL lens, you would not be able to see very well after the procedure, and you would require exceedingly thick glasses or contact lenses to see. The plastic IOL is a safe and effective way to restore focusing power inside the eye once the natural lens has been surgically removed.
After the implantation of the replacement lens, patients typically experience significantly improved vision compared to vision with the cataract beforehand.
Do you want to learn more about your IOL choices? Schedule a cataract evaluation at SIEHT in Fredericksburg or Stafford, VA, today!