Why consider optional services and Lens Implants? 

Many patients do achieve good distance vision receiving standard implants but not all.  Standard "spherical" lenses are mono focal and provide only one vision, usually distance.  The lenses do not correct astigmatism.  Reading glasses are required.
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In general, upgraded services and implants are selected to reduce your need for glasses.

Astigmatism Correction

One of the primary reasons for continued  distance eyeglass needs after cataract surgery is astigmatism, the eye is not round.  Astigmatic eyes are shaped like a football and correction may be required to reduce or eliminate distance glasses.  Some patients already know they have astigmatism from past eyeglass prescriptions.  Others will find out during the preoperative surgery measurements.  
We can reduce the astigmatism two ways:

1. Limbal Relaxing Incision (LRI) - A precise, computer planned incision is made on the eye to "round it out".   (small corrections)
2. Toric Lenses-  The implant is ordered with your astigmatic correction built in.  (moderate to large corrections)

You will still need reading glasses.

Most of our astigmatism corrected patients use inexpensive over the counter reading glasses.  We will only offer astigmatism correction if it will benefit you. 

Lenses we use:           Tecnis Toric Lens         AcrySof IQ Toric Lens

Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses can provide an enhanced range of vision with up to a 90% reduction in the need for distance and reading glasses. They do have unique requirements and optical side effects to consider.

• Must be implanted in both eyes for the system to work.  No retinal or macular problems.  No lazy eye.
• Up to 70% of patients will see halos at night ( prohibited for use in pilots and commercial truck drivers )
• The vision may appear "waxy" and this is not corrected by glasses.  Most will see  20/25 to 20/30 distance and near.
• Intermediate vision (computer) may be limited.
• Cannot be used if moderate or high astigmatism.

Many people are able to overlook the optical side effects for the reduced need of glasses.  Do not choose this lens if you are a perfectionist,  you will not tolerate the halos.

There may be additional limits and considerations specific to you.  We will discuss them after the preoperative lens measurements are reviewed.

Lenses we use:

Tecnis Multifocal Lens

​ReSTOR Lens

Enhanced Depth of Focus Lenses (New!)

This lens provides an enhanced range of vision similar to a multifocal with a reduction in night halos.  It has been available in Europe for several years with good reviews and approved for US in July of 2016.  The lens also has unique requirements and optical side effects to consider.

• Must be implanted in both eyes for the system to work.  No retinal or macular problems.  No lazy eye.
• Significantly reduced night halos compared to multifocal according to the manufacturer.
• Vision may have less contrast but most will see 20/20 to 20/25 distance.
• Intermediate vision (computer) is usually good.
• May have reduced near vision compared to multifocal, most will see 20/30 to 20/40 near.
• Available with astigmatic correction

There may be additional limits and considerations specific to you.  We will discuss them after the preoperative lens measurements are reviewed.

Lenses we use:

Symfony Lens

​SymfonyToric Lens