Cataracts result naturally as a part of the aging process. Beginning at age 50, your ophthalmologist will monitor your cataracts and advise when the time is right for surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) that will enable you to see more clearly.
In this Q&A, Kira Manusis, MD, Co-Director, Cataract Services, at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE), explains some of the options available to patients that may reduce dependence on glasses after surgery.
What is a cataract?
A cataract develops over time and causes your eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, making it hard to see clearly. If you experience poor night vision, see halos around lights, or notice that your vision is not as sharp as you would like, it is time to schedule an eye exam.
If surgery is needed, your ophthalmologist will meet with you and discuss your eye health and lifestyle needs to prepare you for the upcoming surgery. Your natural lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Your physician will explain the IOL options available and help you decide which lens is best suited for your visual needs.
What happens during cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a routine outpatient procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. There are several procedures for cataract removal. Your doctor will recommend the best surgical option for your cataract. Each eye is operated on separately, a few weeks apart, and most patients recover quickly.
Kira Manusis, MD
What are the different types of intraocular lens options (IOLs) available? What are the benefits of choosing premium lenses?
An intraocular lens is a permanent replacement for your natural lens. Our ability to see can be broken into three main zones: far distance, intermediate, and near. Some intraocular lenses can correct for only one of these distances while others can correct for multiple distances. At NYEE, we offer patients standard intraocular lenses and premium lens that not only correct for different visual zones, but can also permanently correct astigmatism. After a thorough examination and evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the various lens options based on your eye health and your personal lifestyle needs and wants. Here are four options:
Monofocal lens implants: This basic lens provides great quality vision and allows you to see clearly at one distance, either near or far. If you choose to see distance, you will need to wear eyeglasses for close up activities such as reading or working on an iPad. This lens is typically covered by insurance.
Premium Lens Options:
Multifocal lens implants: These lenses allow vision correction at multiple distances. Patients who want to reduce dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses may benefit from this type of a lens. There are many multifocal lenses to choose from. Each lens has its advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed with your surgeon. Premium lenses are not covered by insurance, and patients need to weigh the cost vs. value when choosing a lens. People with an active lifestyle can benefit from these glasses-free options.
Extended depth-of-field implants: An extended depth-of-field lens is a type of lens that enables clear distance and intermediate vision. For most patients, this advanced lens technology reduces your dependence on glasses for most activities except reading small print.
Toric lens: These implants can permanently correct astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery. The toric lens implant corrects the irregularity in the curvature of the cornea. Patients with astigmatism can achieve good distance vision with significantly less dependence on glasses.
What else should I discuss with my doctor?
During your exam, you and your doctor can discuss your eye health, consider your lifestyle needs, answer any questions, and help you decide which lens will provide optimal vision. When considering which type of lens to choose, you should consider the following lifestyle preferences:
- What do you spend most of your time doing at work? At home?
- What are your hobbies?
- How important is distance vision to you? (Driving, golf, skiing, theatre)
- How important is mid-range vision to you? (Computers, cooking, grocery shopping,)
- How important is near vision to you? (Reading, smartphones, sewing, crafts, puzzles)
- After surgery, will you mind wearing glasses for distance, mid-range, or near vision?