LASIK Facts

Let’s just imagine that you are having your routine check up with your ophthalmologist and he was able to diagnose you of having cataract that explains why you are having night vision problems, faded colors and sensitivity to bright lights. Then, you ask for his advice on what you are going to do.

Your doctor told you to have a cataract surgery in order to remove the cataract. You know what it is and so you agree on the doctor’s recommendation. But afterwards your doctor questioned you of choosing what type of intraocular lens (IOL) you’re going to use. Now you have problems choosing because you don’t know what the different types of IOL are and what benefits you can get from them. So your doctor explains it for you.

Standard IOL

This type of IOL has proven itself effective and safe for the past 20 years. However, it has one limitation because it will only provide one power per eye, which means that patient, can either see near or far objects and not both.

You can choose from two alternatives. The first option uses an IOL for distance vision and so you need glasses for near activities. While the second choice uses an IOL that provides one eye with a distance vision and the other eye with a near vision. It is also known as “monovision.

Multifocal IOL

Multifocal IOLs offered distance and either intermediate or near vision in a single eye. The ReZoom IOL provides the intermediate and distance vision while the ReStore IOL provide the near and distance vision. It has rings of differing power, which allows you to see various areas of space. However, one complication include halo or glare around lights especially while driving at night.

Accommodative IOL

This type of IOL has no rings of differing power, but it can move forward and backward in the eye to cause change in its power. The shifting is not felt by the patient. It is for intermediate and distance vision only and don’t have any glare or halo issue.