In cataract surgery, the eye's natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. Choosing the right type of lens for cataract surgery is crucial. Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes the eye's natural lens, which has become cloudy due to cataracts, and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). There are several types of IOLs (intraocular lenses), and doctors help choose the best option for you based on various factors. IOLs are made from different materials, including plastic, silicone, and acrylic. They also come in various shapes and types. The most common type is the spherical lens, which has one power for distance vision and another for near vision.
Some common lenses for cataract surgery include:
Monofocal IOL
This lens is suitable for either near or distance vision, but not for both. If you choose this type of IOL, you may need to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery. It is the most common type of IOL and works well for individuals who have had cataract surgery and don’t mind wearing glasses or contact lenses for certain activities.
Multifocal IOL
This lens is suitable for both near and distance vision, so you don't need to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery. Multifocal IOLs come in various designs, and doctors help choose the best one for you. They work best for people who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery.
Toric Lenses
This type of lens is used to correct astigmatism, which occurs when the eye is not completely round. This means that light does not focus evenly on the back of the eye, causing blurry vision. A toric lens is cylindrical in shape and helps to correct this issue. Typically, toric lenses are implanted in one eye at a time during cataract surgery.
