When you have cataract surgery, you will have to choose between two categories of lenses. You can choose to have a standard lens or upgrade to a premium lens.
With a premium lens, you will be free of your cataract and achieve more freedom from glasses. Keep reading to learn more about premium lenses and what kind of premium lens you should choose!
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. It occurs as the proteins in the lens break down, which is a natural part of the aging process.
Cataracts develop slowly over time, meaning it can be several years before an individual with a cataract experiences any bothersome symptoms. The most common symptom is hazy or foggy vision.
Other symptoms of cataracts include:
- A need for additional light when reading or performing other activities up-close
- Difficulty driving at night
- Halos or glare around lights
- Faded or yellowed colors
- Frequent prescription changes
Why Is Cataract Surgery Necessary?
The only way to treat a cataract and restore clear vision is through cataract surgery. Everyone who lives long enough will eventually develop cataracts, as it is a natural part of aging.
Since there is such a high prevalence of cataracts, it is one of the most performed surgeries in the United States. During the procedure, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, called an intraocular lens, or IOL.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually takes less than a half-hour to complete. The recovery period is short, with most patients can resume normal activities and enjoy their improved vision within a few days to weeks after the procedure.
What Premium Lenses Are Available?
The standard lenses used for cataract surgery are monofocal. A monofocal lens allows the patient to see clearly at a one, single distance.
Because of this, most people who choose standard lenses still have to rely on glasses to do certain activities. Premium lenses are a better option for those who want to significantly decrease their dependence on glasses.
PanOptix
One type of premium lens offered at EnVue Eye and Laser Center is the PanOptix trifocal IOL. This lens is the first and only trifocal lens approved by the FDA.
The PanOptix trifocal lens allows you to see near, far, and between, reducing your reliance on glasses.
Vivity
The Alcon Vivity lens is another excellent option. The Vivity lens delivers an extended vision range and has X-WAVE technology.
With this lens, you will have excellent distance vision with improved intermediate and near vision and limited visual disruptions like glare and haloes around lights. This lens also helps you to see in both bright and dim light.
Symfony
Another option is the Symfony extended depth of focus lens. This lens uses a single elongated focal point instead of several points, which allows for improved depth of focus.
The Symfony lens allows you to have clear distance vision and improved intermediate and near vision.
TECHNIS Multifocal
The TECHNIS Multifocal lens provides a full range of improved vision at near, distance, and intermediate. The TECHNIS Multifocal lens has multiple focal points enabling you to see well at a variety of distances in varying light conditions.
TECHNIS Eyehance
The TECHNIS Eyehance lens is another premium lens option that will enable you to see both near and far.
This may be the lens for you if you want to benefit from improved intermediate vision while performing tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and using a computer. The Eyehance lens also limits visual disturbances you may experience, like glare or haloes.
If you are considering a premium lens for cataract surgery, talk to your eye doctor about your options. They can help you determine which lens best fits your vision goals and lifestyle.
Do you want to learn more about premium lens options? Schedule an appointment at EnVue Eye and Laser Center in Oxon Hill, MD, today!
