Are you experiencing blurry or foggy vision? These are often common signs of having cataracts. The only way to treat cataracts is by having cataract surgery. Keep reading to learn how to see clearly at all ranges after cataract surgery.
What are Cataracts?
Current estimates indicate that by the age of 75, more than half of all Americans will have their vision affected by cataracts. When left untreated, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Most people develop a cataract in their 40s but are not usually affected by them until their 50s or later.
Cataracts occur when proteins within the eye start to break down and form clumps on the naturally clear lens. As these clumps build up, they cause your vision to become cloudy, as if they were looking through a dirty window.
Unlike other age-related eye conditions, vision impairment caused by cataracts can be reversed entirely with cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the natural lens of the eye affected by cataracts is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
While the primary goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cataracts, it can also be an opportunity to correct your vision. With the proper IOL, cataract surgery can mean clear vision at all ranges.
In the past, the only IOL option was a monofocal lens. While a monofocal lens effectively treats cataracts, it can only restore vision at a single range. Opting for a monofocal lens means you will still need visual aids like glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery.
Multifocal IOLs
Today, multifocal IOL options are available that can not only remove cataracts but also restore vision at multiple ranges. Here are some of the multifocal IOLs we offer our cataract surgery patients:
1. Clareon PanOptix IOL
The Clareon PanOptix IOL is a toric trifocal IOL that allows you to see clearly at all distances, including up close, far away, or distances in between. The Clareon PanOptix IOL uses technology to reduce incidences of glare and halos, allowing you to see clearly no matter what, especially if it’s a dim environment or a bright place.
The PanOptix IOL also comes in a toric model, meaning it can correct astigmatism.
2. Clareon Vivity IOL
The Clareon Vivity IOL is a premium IOL that provides you with a continuous range of vision, thanks to its use of proprietary X-WAVE technology, which stretches and shifts light, rather than splitting it. The Clareon Vivity IOL is an extended depth of focus non-diffractive lens, meaning you can see clearly at various distances without needing to depend on visual aids like glasses and contact lenses.
It also comes in a toric model, making it an excellent choice for patients with astigmatism.
3. Apthera IOL
The Apthera IOL is an intraocular lens that provides patients with a seamless range of vision, enhancing daily living by improving the ability to see up close and at an intermediate range. The Apthera IOL is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of time on the computer working, using your smartphone, or reading.
It also comes in a toric model, giving patients with astigmatism the ability to improve their vision during cataract surgery.
Toric IOLs
Some patients with cataracts also have astigmatism. Astigmatism causes the cornea to be misshapen, affecting your ability to see clearly.
Toric IOLs are the only IOLs specifically designed for patients with astigmatism. They allow clear vision at all ranges and offer astigmatic correction.
Most Toric IOLs also come in multifocal models, including Vivity, Apthera, and the PanOptix IOL. Many toric IOLs offer crisp, clear vision at all ranges if you have astigmatism, cataracts, and presbyopia.
Because multifocal lenses are premium IOLs, they are not covered by insurance and require an out-of-pocket expense. However, the one-time cost of these advanced IOLs is often far less than you would pay for years of visual aids.
Are you ready to see clearly at all ranges after cataract surgery? Request your appointment at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare in Buffalo, NY, to learn more, and call us at 1-800-309-2020 now!
