Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

How many different IOLs are there on the market?

Many! There are now over 60 companies making Intraocular Lenses worldwide. The leaders in the market include Johnson & Johnson, Bausch Healthcare, Alcon, Ophtec, Lenstec, and RxSight, to name just a few. 

Since Assil Gaur Eye Institute is one of the most advanced ophthalmological practices in the nation and a leader in cataract surgery, we support many different IOLs to achieve the very best vision correction across our entire patient population.

How do I choose the right IOL? 

Selecting the right Intraocular lens (IOL) for your specific needs is a crucial decision, and we understand it can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. But at Assil Gaur Eye Institute, you never need to worry about making the wrong decision, as we are by your side during your entire journey. You will have the best choice based on your needs, lifestyle, insurance, potential complications, etc.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and the best premium IOL lens for you will depend on your specific needs and lifestyle. As your ophthalmologists, we are the best resource to guide you to the right type of lens. We are familiar with your eye health and all the available options for clear vision.

Our cataract patients trust our expertise and never hesitate to ask questions; we are here to help you make the best decision for your vision.

Do different types of IOLs correct different types of vision problems? 

Different types of Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are designed to address various vision problems. Some provide vision at a single focus, usually distance vision. Others have multiple zones of vision correction to help you see at both distance and near. Some are designed to work with your eyes’ muscles to allow focusing at multiple distances. At the same time, others are made especially for people with astigmatism. 

For the rest of this article, we will explain the different IOL options available at AGEI and how they correct our patient’s vision.

Monofocal IOL Lens 

Monofocal lens is the most common IOL and has been used for decades. Monofocal lenses provide the best possible vision at just one distance, near, medium, or far distances. Monofocal lenses are usually covered by insurance and Medicare.

Monofocal lenses have only one focal point and help you see clearly at one specific range, such as near, medium, or far distances. Sometimes, one eye is adjusted for close viewing and the other for distance, a technique known as monovision. This allows you to see well at various ranges once your brain gets used to switching between eyes.

People who don't mind wearing reading glasses might prefer these lenses. They can be especially helpful for those with eye conditions like keratoconus or macular degeneration.

The Monofocal IOL lens that AGEI supports includes Tecnis Monofocal Lens^TM, Bausch + Lomb Envista IOL^TM, and Artisan Aphakic IOL^TM.

Multifocal IOL lens

Multifocal IOLs let you see objects clearly at different distances, similar to bifocal or trifocal glasses. They're helpful for everyday activities like reading or computer work and can reduce the need for glasses (presbyopia-correcting). Multifocal IOLs can eliminate the need for eyeglasses.

They usually require an adjustment period because the brain must learn to select the correct vision information for near or distant objects.

However, Multifocal IOL lenses might cause glare or halos around lights at night. If you drive a lot at night, you might prefer monofocal IOLs with a single focus point.

The Multifocal IOL lenses Assil Gaur Eye Institute supports include the state-of-the-art Bausch + Lomb enVista® Envy™, Odyssey IOL by Johnson & Johnson,  Tecnis Multifocal IOL^TM, Tecnis Eyhance IOL^TM, Alcon Vivity IOL^TM, Lenstec SBL-3^TM, Tecnis Synergy IOL^TM, and Tecnis Odyssey IOL^TM.

Toric IOL Lens

Toric contact lenses are made specifically for people who need astigmatism correction, a condition where the cornea's shape causes blurry vision. Unlike regular contact lenses, toric lenses correct astigmatism problems, allowing you to see clearly and comfortably.

The Toric IOL lenses Assil Gaur Eye Institute supports include AcrySof PanOptix Toric IOL^TM, Tecnis Toric^TMII, enVista Toric^TM, Tecnis Eyhance Toric^TM, Synergy Toric^TM, Tecnis Odyssey^TM, and Vivity Toric^TM.

Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) lens

Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses are different from multifocal lenses. Instead of having several focus areas, they have one continuous range of vision, helping you see far away (distance vision) and at middle distances (intermediate vision) when using a computer. However, you might still need to wear glasses for near-vision (close-up) activities like reading (presbyopia-correcting).

The EDOF premium lens that AGEI supports includes IC-Apthera IOL^TM, PanOptix Trifocal Lens^TM, and Tecnis Symfony OptiBlue IOL^TM.

Accommodative IOL lens 

Accommodative lenses work like the eye's natural lens, allowing it to change focus between near and far objects. This mimics how a young eye functions, and the goal is to let you see clearly at different distances without needing glasses for most activities (presbyopia-correcting).

The Accommodative IOL lens that AGEI supports includes the Crystalens IOL^TM.

Light-adjustable lenses (LALs)? 

Light-adjustable premium lenses are a fresh invention in eye care. Unlike other lens options, these can be precisely adjusted by our eye doctor after your lens replacement surgery.

How? Through a few easy, painless UV light treatments spaced over several days. This process tailors your lens to your specific needs, helping you see almost exactly how you want. But, since these are a kind of single-focus lens, you'll still need glasses for reading or driving.

The LAL premium lens that AGEI supports includes the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens^TM. 

The Assil Gaur Eye Institute Cataract Surgery Advantage

The Assil Gaur Eye Institute has assembled a team of top ophthalmology specialists from around the country who are experts in cataract surgery and IOL implant surgery. We offer patients the highest quality of specialist eye care in the United States.

In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our eye surgeons have managed to keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, much like how family-run medical practices used to be.

Our life-long commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology is evident in our work developing new surgical techniques and advances in cataract, glaucoma, and refractive surgery. We lecture internationally and have taught state-of-the-art surgical skills to over 10,000 ophthalmologists worldwide. In addition, we have participated in dozens of FDA clinical trials, either as the lead investigators or as members of a multi-center team, testing new ophthalmological devices and surgical techniques.

Los Angeles' leading LASIK, glaucoma, corneal, and cataract surgeons are available in one practice. State-of-the-art treatments for all eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular disease, eye nevus birthmark removal, dry eye, and diabetic eye conditions.

We remain laser-focused on our founding mission of providing exceptional health care in a compassionate and caring environment. We are driven to advance the field of ophthalmology and give back to our community.

Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Intraocular lens FAQs

Can IOL implants help with farsightedness?

Yes, IOLs can fix nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

What are IOLs made of?

Most IOLs are made of acrylic, silicone, or other plastics. They are also coated with a special material that helps protect the eye from harmful UV rays.

Is a phakic lens an IOL? 

No, a phakic lens is not an IOL. While both are medical implants placed inside the eye to improve vision, they serve different purposes and are used in different types of patients.

 

An Intraocular Lens (IOL) is typically used to replace the eye's natural lens during cataract eye surgery or to correct significant refractive errors in a procedure known as refractive lens exchange. A phakic lens, on the other hand, is inserted into the eye without removing the natural lens.

Can an IOL move out of position after surgery? 

Although relatively rare, an Intraocular lens (IOL) can move out of position after surgery. This is known as lens dislocation or lens subluxation.

 

Sources

1. Kolb H, Fernandez E, Nelson R, editors. Webvision: The Organization of the Retina and Visual System [Internet]. Salt Lake City (UT): University of Utah Health Sciences Center; 1995

2. Boyd K (16 November 2016). "IOL Implants: Lens Replacement and Cataract Surgery". American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved 2 June 2010