Cataract surgery is currently the only way to repair cataracts. And, while it may seem scary to have to undergo surgery on your eye, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world and is safe and effective. The recovery period is generally short and many people report improved vision. When deciding to have cataract surgery, one of the important choices you will make will be choosing standard or premium artificial lens replacements. To help you understand the differences and which is right for you, we’ve outlined the different options below, allowing you to make an informed choice.
Understanding Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
During cataract surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the cornea to access the cataract. Once accessible, the surgeon will break up the protein deposits and the lens with an ultrasonic tool or laser, making it easy to remove the cataract-clouded lens from the eye. Once the cataracts have been removed along with the lens, the surgeon will replace the lens with an artificial one.
Artificial lenses for cataracts are called intraocular lenses (IOL). An intraocular lens is needed because there is no efficient way to separate the cataracts from the eye’s natural lens where the cataracts formed. Artificial lenses feature advanced technology, and may even provide vision correction for certain patients, depending on the type chosen.
Patients can choose from a variety of IOLs with different focusing powers and vision improvements, depending on their needs. The different types of IOLs include, monofocal, multifocal, extended depth-of-focus, accommodative, and toric.
Types of IOL Lens Options Offered at OCLI Vision
The cataract surgeons at OCLI Vision are able to provide many different types of IOLs to ensure patients can achieve better vision after cataract surgery. The options include both standard and premium options, such as:
Monofocal Lens (Standard Option)
These are the most common lenses used in cataract surgery, providing one focusing distance. Patients can opt for up close, medium range, or distance vision depending on their preference. Generally, patients will choose distance vision and then use a pair of glasses or contacts to work or read when needed. Most monofocal lenses are covered by insurance and Medicare.
Multifocal Lenses
Similar to bifocals or progressive lenses, a multifocal lens has multiple focus zones, including near, intermediate, and distance. These IOLs are designed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. However, with multifocal lenses, there may be an adjustment period as the patient gets used to the different focus points.
Toric Lenses (Astigmatism Correction)
If you have cataracts and an astigmatism, a toric lens can help correct the refractive error. An astigmatism occurs when there is an uneven curve in the cornea or lens, causing blurry vision. Toric lenses come in monofocal or premium versions, and are shaped differently to account for the curvature of the cornea. Unfortunately, insurance may not provide coverage for toric IOLs as they tend to be more expensive and are considered premium IOLs.
Accommodating Lenses
One of the newest IOLs on the market, accommodating IOLs mimic the eye’s natural focusing ability, helping patients see both near and far without needing glasses. The lens was created to move and change shape with the eye to help the patient focus. Some patients report fewer halos or glares with accommodating IOLs.
Standard vs. Premium IOL Cataract Lenses: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Visual Performance
| Type of IOL | Visual Performance |
| Monofocal | Provides for one focus distance: close up, intermediate, or distance |
| Multifocal | Multiple focus zones, including: close up, intermediate, and distance |
| Toric | Available in monofocal, extended depth of focus, and trifocal forms |
| Accommodating | Provides improved vision at most distances |
Insurance Coverage and Cost
| Type of IOL | Insurance Coverage |
| Monofocal | Generally covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare |
| Multifocal | Most likely considered an elective, upgraded lens and will not be covered. |
| Toric | Most likely considered an elective, upgraded lens and will not be covered. |
| Accommodating | Most likely considered an elective, upgraded lens and will not be covered. |
Need for Glasses Post-Surgery
| Type of IOL | Need for Glasses Post-surgery |
| Monofocal | Will need glasses to allow for focus at the other distances not covered by the lens. |
| Multifocal | A few patients may require glasses, but multifocal lenses should allow most patients to see clearly at different distances. |
| Toric | Some patients may require glasses to see close up even though the toric lens can correct for astigmatism. |
| Accomodating | Most patients will not require glasses due to the enhanced focus at most distances provided by the lens. |
Lifestyle Compatibility
| Type of IOL | Lifestyle Compatibility |
| Monofocal | Great for those looking to have insurance cover most of their cataract surgery cost and do not mind wearing glasses or contact lenses for reading or working. These IOLs still provide improved vision compared to cataract-covered eyes and are a great choice for most patients. |
| Multifocal | For individuals that prefer balanced vision for a variety of tasks, these IOLs may be the better choice. It may also depend on any pre-existing conditions or eye glasses prescription whether multifocal IOLs are the right choice. Some people will have trouble adjusting to the different visual focus fields of the lens. |
| Toric | Patients with an astigmatism can benefit from toric lenses. |
| Accomodating | Accommodating IOLs are perfect for all patients. Currently, there is only one FDA-approved accommodating IOL in use in the US, making the cost high and insurance coverage low. |
Ready to See the Difference?
The ophthalmologists at OCLI Vision are renowned for their expertise when it comes to IOLs and cataract surgery. Using state-of-the-art technology and the latest in surgical advancements, OCLI Vision’s eye surgeons deliver exceptional results and patient-first care. The team takes the time to help each patient find the perfect lens for their budget, lifestyle, and vision goals.
If you are ready to start seeing clearly after suffering from cataracts, contact the OCLI Vision team today to schedule a consultation.
