With the new intraocular lenses (IOLs) available today, many people enjoy the best vision they have ever experienced. In fact, many patients frequently comment after surgery that they wish they had done it sooner! Advanced technology lenses can improve your vision up close, far away and in the middle and may reduce your dependence on glasses. As you and your doctor decide which type of IOL is right for your visual needs and lifestyle, there are several factors to consider.

Imagine not needing to rely on corrective glasses anymore! Multifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs are designed to help you see near, far and in between with as minimal glasses or contact lens use as possible. Studies show 80-90 percent of patients who have this type of lens do not have to wear glasses post-procedure, with the remaining 10-20 percent needing glasses for distance vision.

Astigmatism is a very common vision condition that causes blurred vision due to the irregular shape of the cornea. Depending on how the cornea is shaped, a toric IOL can be used to correct astigmatism.

Toric lenses are generally used for higher levels of astigmatism, since lower levels can often be corrected with incisions made in the cornea, changing the shape of the eye. These are called limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) and can be made by hand with a blade or with a laser. Depending on the degree of astigmatism, your surgeon may recommend a toric IOL, LRI or both.

Monofocal lenses offer vision at one distance only (far, intermediate or near). The doctor will help decide whether it’s most important for a patient to see up close, mid-range or at a distance without glasses. If the patient chooses the distance option, glasses will likely still be required for reading and computer work.