Did you know annually there are 3 million cataract surgeries performed in the United States?
Why Cataract Surgery is Needed?
Cataract causes blurry vision and compromises vision in bright lights. Your ophthalmologist may suggest cataract surgery in two scenarios.
- If the cataract makes it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities.
- When a cataract interferes with the treatment of another eye problem like age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
What are IOLs?
IOLs are intraocular lens. These lenses improve the vision by focusing light on the back of your eye. The good news is, that it requires no care and becomes a part of the eye.
Before your surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform a painless ultrasound test to measure the size and shape of your eye. This will help in determining the right type of lens implant (intraocular lens, or IOL).
There are options when it comes to which type of intraocular lens (IOL) or a combination of lenses should be placed in your eyes:-
Monofocal – Monofocal IOLs are for near focus, mid-distance focus, and distant focus. Only one out of three can be selected and after surgery, the focus cannot be changed.
Multifocal – Multifocal IOLs are designed to provide the focus of both distance and near objects, in contrast to monofocal intraocular lenses which have only one focal point and correct distance vision.
Who may be good candidates for multifocal IOLs?
Several factors are considered when choosing a lens depending upon your two needs i.e professional and lifestyle.
Professional needs: If you’re into sports that involve shooting and require excellent distance vision in both eyes then multifocal IOL may not be best for you.
Lifestyle needs: If you want to be glass-free under all environmental circumstances then multifocal IOL is best suited for you.
The choice has to be based on your needs, what is most important to you and the compromise you are willing to tolerate for one visual distance versus another.
IOLs to consider for the treatment of Presbyopia?
There are two best options available:
- Combination of IOLs – The combination of the multifocal lens in one eye and monofocal in another provides an excellent middle ground treatment. However, the distance vision is somewhat compromised in the multifocal eye.
- Monovision Treatment – It involves the use of two monofocal lenses with different focusing distances; one eye is for near vision and the other for distance.
Are you wondering about the cost?
Well, the cost is one of the most important factors to consider before your surgery. Be aware of what is covered in your insurance and what is not. Monofocal IOLs are usually covered by insurance but multifocal IOLs are considered premium and involve added fees.
The cost of surgery is determined per eye, if you’re considering multifocal IOL in both eyes it will be an expensive choice, whereas if you’re considering monovision treatment with standard monofocal IOLs it won’t be that costly.
It is advised to discuss the cost of the premium IOL and the standard monofocal IOL before the surgery. Multifocal intraocular lenses are a good choice for many. However, it is important to explore all of the aspects before consenting to the procedure. The decision should be made only after consulting with a board-certified ophthalmologist, who explains the options in detail.
Once you agree to the surgery, you can be sure that you have made an informed choice. If you’re struggling to find the right ophthalmologist in New York City or Long Island, we have locations in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, or Brooklyn. You have landed at the right place. With the experts’ help at New York Ophthalmology, you can find the best IOLs suited for you!
Need a consultation? Feel free to download the form or call 866-599-8774 and we will be happy to schedule a consultation at one of our 5 locations.
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