Intraocular Lens (IOLs) – How to Replace The Eye’s Natural Lens

People have an intraocular lens implanted into their eyes as part of the treatment process for Myopia or cataracts. These artificial, tiny lenses replace the eye’s natural lens after the cataract surgery removes the cloudy one. There are a few different kinds of these intraocular lenses available.

Why Use an Intraocular Lens

Your eye’s lens refracts or bends the light rays that enter your eye. This helps you get a clear and sharp field of vision. However, people who have cataracts experience a clouding of this lens. This cloudiness makes your sight unfocused, blurry less colourful and hazy. Surgery removes this cloudy lens and replaces it with the clear artificial one.

These intraocular lenses come in different focusing powers, and this is similar to different strength prescription eyeglasses or contacts. When you visit your ophthalmologist, they’ll measure the curve of your cornea along with the length of your eye to determine how much focusing power your intraocular lens will need.

Different Types of Intraocular Lenses

While most intraocular lenses are made out of acrylic or silicone with a coating to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, it’s important that you find the correct type to maximise your results.

• Accommodative IOLs – These particular intraocular lens change shape or move inside of your eye. This allows you to focus at different distances quickly and easily.
• Monofocal IOLs –The Monofocal IOLs are one of the most common types of lens used to replace the eye’s natural lens after cataract surgery. They come with one focusing distance, and it works for focusing on up close, medium, or at a distance.
• Multifocal IOLs – You get both near and distance focus at the same time with these IOLs. Each lens has a different zone set at a different power. It helps to train your brain to automatically pick the correct focus.
• Phakic IOLs – People with high degrees of Myopia (short-sightedness) or high degrees of Hypermetropia (long-sightedness) benefit the most from these IOLs.
• Toric IOLs –Toric IOLs are meant for people who have astigmatism. This means that you have an uneven curve to your lens or cornea. These IOLs work to correct this error.

The entire process of implanting the intraocular lens into your eye lasts between 15 and 20 minutes per eye, and you can get both eyes done on the same day.

If you’re considering getting an intraocular lens implanted, contact us today. Our professional staff are ready and willing to set up a consultation for you and get you on your way to better eyesight.