During cataract surgery, the lens of the eye is removed and the devices that are implanted to replace it are called Intraocular lenses (IOLs). Before intraocular lenses have been introduced, thick glasses or special contact lenses are recommended to wear. There are different kinds of IOLs to choose from. The best choice of IOLs depends on your preference and visual needs.
The cataract surgeon during preoperative exam and consultation will help you to choose an intraocular lens based on your needs. The single vision IOLs are the ones that are covered by health insurance while the premium IOLs are not because they have a different and advanced feature. These are the following premium IOLs:
Aspheric IOLs match the shape and optical quality of the lens which provides a sharper vision to individuals who have large pupils.
Toric IOLs are lenses that correct astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. Before cataract surgery, markings are placed temporarily in the cornea to label the curved meridian of the eye.
Accommodating IOLs expands the scope of clear vision but it does not provide the same magnification level that multifocal IOL has.
Multifocal IOLs have extra magnification in different parts that expand the scope of your vision even without the use of glasses or contact lenses. If you are interested in this type of IOL, laser cataract surgery is often recommended because it gives an exact alignment of the lens. During preoperative exam and consultation, you will be informed if you are a candidate for multifocal IOLs.
Monovision is a technique that corrects the refractive error. The one eye that is fully corrected can make you view distant objects clearly while the other eye is mildly nearsighted. It is commonly used to decrease the dependency of a person on glasses after cataract surgery.
Each Eye Has a Different Type of IOLs
Each eye has a different visual need and it can be addressed after cataract surgery by using a different type of IOL in each. The best combination of premium IOLs is addressed during the preoperative exam and consultation based on the surgeon’s evaluation.
How Much Are Premium IOLs?
Choosing premium IOL will cost you as a personal expense in cataract surgery because it is not included in vision insurance. It could range from $1500 to $3000 per eye but it still depends on the type of IOL you choose and if you undergo advanced laser cataract surgery. It is important to ask about the cost of surgery to avoid financial problems afterward.
