Lens Implant Options at Swedberg Eye Care

There are three main types of IOLs — Monofocal, Toric and Multifocal.

Successful cataract surgery requires that the replacement intraocular lens (IOL) is a precise fit. Each eye is defined by specific dimensions, including length, corneal curvature and other variables. These elements must be accurately measured and the eye must have a healthy cornea and tear film in order to provide the sharpest vision possible post-surgery.

At your preoperative appointment we will take measurements and assist you with determining which lens implant will work best for you.

How do I decide which implant to have? Which type of implant is best for you depends on your vision, lifestyle, eye anatomy, surgeon’s recommendations, expectations and budget. Your surgeon or the surgical coordinator will help you choose the type of IOL to best match these factors.

Choose an intraocular lens that meets your needs. All surgeons have their preferences in terms of what lens they’re most comfortable with. But you now have the basic information necessary and you can find more online through more research as to which lens would best meet your needs and only you know what your needs are. For example, somebody who doesn’t drive at night much a multifocal lens could be a very good option for but if you’re an airline pilot that’s probably not going to be a great choice since a multifocal is known for creating haloes.

All IOLs improve how well you can see with glasses after surgery; the specific type determines how well you will see without glasses.

Monofocal IOLs are the only IOLs covered and paid for by Medicare and insurance.

Toric IOLs that can further reduce dependence on glasses after surgery are not considered a medical necessity and, therefore, are not covered by medical, vision, or other insurances.

If you select a toric lens implant, your insurance will still provide coverage for the surgery, however, you are responsible for the cost of the IOL itself and additional testing. Which type of implant is best for you depends on your vision, lifestyle, eye anatomy, surgeon’s recommendations, expectations and budget.

Due to current technology limitations of multifocal lenses Dr. Swedberg does not offer them at this time.

If your desire is to pursue a multifocal lens implant we have a wide range of referral sources in the community that offer this service.

Types of Vision Correction After Cataract Surgery

Standard Correction

The monofocal IOL is a fixed-focus implant. One distance is corrected.

IF you DO NOT have a significant amount of astigmatism, this IOL provides clear vision without glasses at one fixed distance—either far away OR near, but NOT BOTH.
If your lens prescription is set for far (driving, watching TV, etc.), you will need glasses to see near.
If your lens prescription is set for near (reading, close tasks, etc.) or intermediate (computer work, etc.), you will need glasses to see far.
If you DO have significant astigmatism, you will need glasses/bifocals to see clearly at ALL distances even with this implant
Monofocal lenses are covered by medical insurance — subject to deductibles and co-insurance.

Astigmatism Correction

The toric IOL works at one fixed distance like the standard lens but provides additional clarity caused by astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the cornea that changes how light enters the eye).

Toric IOLs have a small risk of rotating out of alignment within the first week after surgery. If this occurs, another surgical procedure may be required to reposition the lens.
Toric lenses are NOT covered by Medicare and insurance—there is an additional cost for each eye/lens over and above the normal cataract surgery fee.

Monovision

One eye corrected at near the other corrected at distance. Each eye takes turns focusing.

Can be done with standard and toric lenses to achieve optimal outcome
If you have successfully used contact lenses for “monovision” (one lens prescription for near and the other for distance), cataract surgery can be done to achieve similar results.

No matter what the IOL prescription, there may still be a need to wear glasses to fine-tune vision even at the targeted distance.