Lens Implant Choice

Question: I am having cataract surgery and want to know what factors aside from cost I should consider in deciding whether to get the older type of lens implants as compared to the newer "premium" lens implants such as multifocal lens implants that are now readily available?
Answer: Advanced technology "premium" Lens Implants really address two types of vision correction problems after Cataract Surgery. First, for patients who have preexisting astigmatism correction in their eyeglass prescription, astigmatism correcting toric lens implants allow for the correction of astigmatism and thus clear vision at distance without dependence on glasses for distance vision for the vast majority of patients. Multifocal Lens Implants or Accommodating Lens Implants address the near and intermediate distance focusing vision problem called presbyopia. After Cataract Surgery virtually everyone has to wear some type of intermediate and/or near vision correcting eyeglass prescription unless they solve the near vision focusing problem-presbyopia-by some other means. Multifocal Lens Implants or Accommodating Lens Implants allow most patients to be much less dependent or even independent of eyeglasses for seeing arm's length and near. This can give patients who have had Cataract Surgery a level of freedom, convenience and independence that is quite desirable. If however, wearing eyeglasses after Cataract Surgery does not pose any barriers or disturbance to you then the conventional Monofocal Lens Implants may be a good enough solution. the best course of action here is to discuss your personal vision correction needs, goals and objectives with your Cataract Surgeon and then he or she can tell you what might be possible in your case. Not every Lens Implant type is right for every patient.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.