Premium Intraocular Lenses

What is Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL)?

A premium intraocular lens (IOL) is a new type of IOL used in cataract patients that enables the patients to view both far distance and near distance objects without using glasses.

Earlier, monofocal lenses were used in cataract surgery where a patient was able to see the far distance objects with the new artificial lens implanted during surgery and they required additional glasses or lens to enable them to see the near distance objects or for reading.

Now the premium IOLs offer more benefits than monofocal lenses used earlier.

A cataract is a condition which causes clouding of the natural lens of the eye, resulting in blurring or glaring of vision. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts and is recommended based on the severity of the disease and the impact on the daily activities of the patient. During the surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens in the same lens capsule as the natural lens.

What are the types of Premium IOLs?

The most common types of premium IOLs are:

Multifocal lenses: A multifocal lens provides excellent vision after cataract surgery at various distances. Multifocal lenses work much like bifocal eyeglasses that have multiple focal zones, enabling the patient to see distance as well as near vision. In certain cases, these lenses are different in each eye to enable better vision at intermediate distances.
Toric lens: Toric intraocular lenses are a type of premium lens that can be used to treat astigmatism (blurred vision).
Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) lenses: A new type of lens, the so-called Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) IOL, lets you see clearly at intermediate and far distances. EDoF lenses represent advanced IOL technology. They combine the advantages of both monofocal and multifocal IOLs, providing the perfect balance between freedom from glasses and fewer side effects. Additionally, the toric version allows for precise astigmatism correction.

Why are Multifocal and Toric lens recommended?

Multifocal IOL lens are recommended after a thorough preoperative diagnostic evaluation. You will be questioned on your visual expectations and lifestyle – both work and leisure activities – and the importance given to both and amount of time spent on each. Key considerations for patient selection for multifocal IOLs include:

Keen on being spectacle-independent
Willing to accept a small sacrifice in distance acuity
Near tasks primarily involve reading
Not heavily dependent on working on the computer
Moderate to high hyperopia or moderate to high myopia
Has realistic expectations

Multifocal IOL may be contraindicated in the following:

Insists on the clearest, sharpest vision (monofocals are recommended)
Dependent on night vision and intermediate vision
Low myopes
Drivers of public service vehicles, commercial pilots and truck drivers

Toric IOL will be recommended in the following cases:

Keen on being spectacle-independent with improved distance vision
Astigmatism greater than or equal to 0.75 D
No pre-existing ocular problems
Not undergone any previous refractive surgery
Intact capsular bag

What is the function of Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) lenses?

Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) lenses provide sharp vision over a wide range, allowing you to see objects clearly at different distances from far to intermediate: approximately at arm’s length. EDoF IOLs enable you to perform a broad spectrum of activities without visual aid, including sports, socializing, cleaning, cooking, shopping and other typical home and garden tasks, also working on the computer, watching TV or driving a car. Daily tasks become easier and more enjoyable. Most activities can be fulfilled without needing to wear prescription glasses, however, reading glasses may be necessary for fine print and precision work.

What makes EDoF lenses special?

EDoF lenses offer increased freedom from glasses while, at the same time, reducing visual side effects typically associated with multifocal IOLs. Some patients are more, others less sensitive to these light phenomena, most of which may be experienced as halos or glare around light sources, especially at night.

Patients with EDoF lenses generally enjoy good night vision, which is particularly important for driving after sunset, for example. The undisturbed and reliable visual performance that EDoF lenses provide also gives patients a feeling of added comfort and safety.

EDoF lenses offer an excellent fit for individuals wishing to maintain an active lifestyle at an older age, as well as those interested in an IOL that perfectly combines greater freedom from glasses for most daily activities with high vision comfort day and night. Consult your Ophthalmologist to see if an EDoF IOL might also be right for you.

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