Premium Intraocular Lenses

What is a Premium Intraocular Lens (IOL)?

A premium intraocular lens (IOL) is a newer type of IOL used in cataract patients that allows them to see objects clearly both in the distance and up close without using glasses.

Previously, monofocal lenses were used in cataract surgery: with the new artificial lens implanted during surgery, the patient could see distant objects, but still needed glasses or contact lenses to see near objects or to read.

Premium IOLs now offer more benefits than the monofocal lenses used before.

A cataract is a condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision or glare. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, and it is recommended according to the severity of the disease and its impact on the patient’s daily activities. During the operation, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens placed in the same lens capsule that held 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 at various distances after cataract surgery. Multifocal lenses work much like bifocal spectacles, with multiple focal zones that let the patient see well both at distance and near. In certain cases, a different lens is used in each eye to give better vision at intermediate distances.
• Toric lenses: Toric intraocular lenses are a type of premium lens used to treat astigmatism (blurred vision).
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) lenses: The Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) IOL is a newer type of lens that gives clear vision at intermediate and far distances. EDoF lenses represent advanced IOL technology: they combine the advantages of monofocal and multifocal IOLs, providing the perfect balance between freedom from glasses and fewer side effects. A toric version is also available, allowing precise astigmatism correction.

Why are Multifocal and Toric lenses recommended?

Multifocal IOLs are recommended after a thorough preoperative diagnostic evaluation. You will be asked about your visual expectations and lifestyle — both work and leisure activities — including how important each is to you and how much time you spend on each. Key considerations when selecting patients for multifocal IOLs include:

• Keen to be spectacle-independent
• Willing to accept a small compromise in distance acuity
• Near tasks primarily involve reading
• Not heavily dependent on computer work
• Moderate to high hyperopia or moderate to high myopia
• Realistic expectations

Multifocal IOLs may not be suitable for patients who:

• Insist on the clearest, sharpest possible vision (monofocals are recommended instead)
• Depend on night vision and intermediate vision
• Have low myopia
• Drive public service vehicles, or work as commercial pilots or truck drivers

A toric IOL will be recommended in the following cases:

• Keen to be spectacle-independent, with improved distance vision
• Astigmatism of 0.75 D or greater
• No pre-existing ocular problems
• No previous refractive surgery
• An 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, letting you see objects clearly from far to intermediate distances — roughly arm’s length. EDoF IOLs enable you to carry out a broad range of activities without visual aids, including sport, socialising, cleaning, cooking, shopping and other typical home and garden tasks, as well as working at the computer, watching TV and driving a car. Daily tasks become easier and more enjoyable. Most activities can be managed without prescription glasses, although reading glasses may still be needed for fine print and precision work.

What makes EDoF lenses special?

EDoF lenses offer greater freedom from glasses while at the same time reducing the visual side effects typically associated with multifocal IOLs. Some patients are more sensitive than others to these light phenomena, which are mostly 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 consistent, reliable visual performance that EDoF lenses provide also gives patients an added sense of comfort and safety.

EDoF lenses are an excellent fit for people who wish to maintain an active lifestyle as they get older, and for anyone looking for an IOL that combines greater freedom from glasses for most daily activities with high visual comfort day and night. Ask your ophthalmologist whether an EDoF IOL might be right for you.