How to Choose the Right Cataract Lens for Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right cataract lens needs careful consideration. Firstly—and probably most importantly—did you actually know that you have a choice? Many people don’t… They simply get told that their cataract is ripe for removal and that an operation needs to be scheduled.

There are a few different reasons for this. But the most common is that many cataract surgeons don’t have the training and/or equipment to perform the more advanced procedure that’s needed to implant what’s known as premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). But unless you know about the best cataract lens options available, how on earth can you make an informed decision?

Addressing this is a whole new subject on its own, so we’ll leave that to one side for now and concentrate on the issue at hand—that of premium lens comparison.

Understanding Premium Lenses and Deciding Which is Best for You

The main difference between a premium lens and a monofocal lens is that the former gives the ability to focus on different distances without the need for eyeglasses. Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at (usually) far distance, and you wear eyeglasses for reading and close-up work. 

Premium IOLs can only be fitted during laser-assisted cataract surgery. This gives the intricate accuracy necessary to fix the lens in exactly the right position. 

They come in many different guises, with more being trialled, tested, and brought to market all the time. They fall into the following categories:

•  Multi-focal IOLs: As the name implies, these have different prescriptions built into the lens, allowing clear vision at near, far, and also mid-distance, in some cases. These are called bifocal lenses (two) or trifocal lenses (three).
• EDOF IOLs: This stands for “extended depth of focus” and uses very clever technology that elongates the focus, allowing unaided clear vision at mid and far distances.
• Toric IOLs: These have a built-in element that corrects astigmatism. This can be added to various other types of IOLs. 
• Accommodative IOLs: Another type that can correct vision at all distances. It uses the natural movement of the eye and surrounding muscles to do so.
• LAL IOLs: Light-adjustable lenses are one of the newest to the market and are the only ones that can have the prescription changed while in the eye. This customization is done over a few post-op visits to correct any refractive errors. Once achieved, the prescription is locked in and can’t be changed anymore. These lenses give clear focus for distance vision and, if needed, astigmatism correction.

OK, so these are the different categories. Within each of these are many different types, made by various suppliers. To decide which would work best for you, you’ll need to define how dependent you’d like to be on additional focus support (AKA, eyeglasses or contact lenses).

Lifestyle, Expectations, and the Art of the Possible

Your lifestyle is probably the most important thing to consider. Say, for example, you’re super active and would love a life free from any visual support aids, then you might explore those that can potentially give you focus at every distance.

But maybe you spend a lot of time doing close-up work or using a digital screen. If so, you could be quite happy with using eyeglasses for distance vision, so might opt for the more traditional monofocal lens with the prescription set to near. You’d then wear glasses to support looking further away.

These are just a couple of examples. You will need to discuss options with your surgeon, because not every type of lens is suitable for all. Plus, there are also potential refractive issues with premium lenses, such as light sensitivity, flashes, halos, etc.—all of which usually settle down after a period of adjustment. 

If you want to compare, say a trifocal vs. monofocal IOL, then the big differences would be:

• A monofocal lens will require eyeglasses for focused vision (usually close-up). This is because they only have a single built-in prescription.
• A trifocal lens offers a good chance of a life free from wearing eyeglasses.

However (yes, there’s always a however…). All premium lenses cost more than monofocal ones. And, unfortunately, the cost isn’t covered by Medicare or most insurance policies. Happily though, they will generally pay for the cost of a traditional cataract procedure and a monofocal lens, leaving you to fund the difference.

While, ultimately, you’ll have (almost) the final say as to which lens you’d prefer, be aware that not all types are suitable for everyone. Certain eye and other health conditions can play a part in what lens a surgeon can implant. And, if you do want a premium lens, you may have to travel to an ophthalmologist who has the right training, experience, and equipment to perform the operation.

You are the only person who knows what your best-case post-op vision scenario would be. Communicate this with your eye doctor who, even if they don’t perform laser-assisted surgery for IOL implants, will be able to talk it through with you and advise on potential surgeons who can.

You can also check out countrywide options at https://www.bestcataractsurgeonreviews.com/, as well as read real patient reviews all in one easy-to-access location.