The result of cataract surgery is you no longer have cataracts, and you have clear vision again. But how does it work?
Why does cataract surgery fix your eyesight after cataracts have begun to take it away? Keep reading to learn more about cataract surgery and why you should consider premium IOLs when you get it.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the proteins in the natural lenses in your eyes begin to break down. As the proteins come apart, they clump together, which creates cloudiness in the lens.
The lens adjusts to focus light that enters your eye so that you can switch between close-up and far vision. To have clear eyesight, light has to be able to pass through the lens uninhibited.
Cataracts gradually make your lens opaque, which causes vision loss over time. Since cataracts are part of your lens, they cannot get removed from it.
That’s why the entire lens has to get removed and replaced. Your natural lenses get replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL.
IOL Options
There is a variety of IOLs to choose from, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Your eye doctor will help you figure out which one is best for your lifestyle and goals after cataract surgery.
The following are some IOL options you may discuss:
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal or standard IOLs are the most basic type of IOL. Medicare and insurance plans usually cover the costs of monofocal IOLs.
The drawback to a standard IOL is that you have to rely on glasses for certain vision distances. Monofocal IOLs only focus vision at one distance.
Most people correct their distance vision with an IOL. That means they need reading glasses for up-close vision tasks.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs are a premium IOL option. They can provide you with a full range of vision.
Multifocals include zones of different prescription strengths incorporated into the IOL. These zones mean they function like bifocal glasses but inside your eye instead of in front of it.
Accommodating IOLs
Accommodating IOLs provide similar results to multifocal IOLs, but operate differently. These IOLs use the same muscles as your natural lens to flex and adjust in the same way.
This accommodation gives you smooth sight as you transition from near to far or vice versa.
Toric Model IOLs
Toric IOLs are IOLs that can correct astigmatism as well as replace your natural lens. Astigmatism is an uneven cornea that causes light to come into focus on multiple points around your retina.
Every individual’s astigmatism is unique because of the distinct shape of your cornea. Toric IOLs can correct your vision despite your misshapen cornea.
The Benefit of Premium IOLs
The main appeal of premium IOLs is pretty apparent. They give you an excellent chance of not needing glasses. Relying on glasses can be a burden, especially if you’ve never had to deal with them before.
Investing in premium IOLs is not a guarantee that you will be completely free from glasses. But you can expect to be less reliant on them than you would be with monofocal IOLs.
It’s up to you to decide how you want to live after cataract surgery, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. Schedule a cataract screening at Westlake Eye Specialists in Austin, TX, to get more information!
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