Lens Replacement Surgery

During the first stage of cataract surgery, your surgeon will remove the clouded lens of your eye. At that point, a refractive replacement lens, such as an intraocular lens (IOL), glasses, or contact lenses, is used to restore vision. In the majority of cases, a single- or multi-focus IOL is implanted into the eye during cataract surgery.

Single-focus Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) replace the natural lens within the lens capsule. They are inserted through a small incision and unfolded inside the eye. In the past, patients only had the choice of having single-focus lenses inserted during cataract surgery. Single-focus lenses allow patients to see clearly at one distance. They are unable to switch focus between near and far objects, so surgeons tend to implant a lens that allows patients to see objects at a distance. Patients that have single-focus lenses implanted will rely on glasses to see near objects.

Multi-focus Intraocular Lenses

Although most patients still have single-focus lenses implanted due to their cost, patients do have the option of having multi-focus intraocular lenses implanted during surgery. A growing number of cataract surgery patients are fitted with multi-focus IOL brands such as ReSTOR®, ReZoom^TM and crystalens®. These IOLs have the ability to bring objects into focus at all distances.

After cataract surgery with multi-focus implantable lenses, glasses or contact lenses are needed in only about 10 percent of the cases. Cataract eye surgery patients who are extremely nearsighted may find that they still need to use glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.

Contact a Cataract Surgeon

Decades ago, cataract patients had to wear large, thick glasses in order to see clearly. Today, patients can undergo cataract surgery and have their lens replaced with a multi-focus IOL to completely eliminate their need for glasses and contact lenses. If you have cataracts that are hindering your vision, contact a surgeon in your area to learn more about your available treatment options.

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