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Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) are used during Cataract Surgery and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in which an ophthalmologist will surgically replace the eye’s natural lens with an artificial IOL to treat eye conditions such as cataracts, nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism.

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Which IOL is best to Improve my vision?

A comprehensive consultation at Herzig Eye Institute is the first step towards determining which IOL can help you achieve your best possible vision. During your in-person consultation, highly trained technicians will conduct several advanced diagnostic measurements which will then be used by our doctors to determine your candidacy for a refractive lens exchange (RLE) or cataract procedure.

What are the different types of IOLs?

Your eyes are unique. The team at Herzig Eye Institute specializes in helping determine which of the many IOLs will help you achieve your vision goals following your procedure. Here is a breakdown of the various categories of IOLs. A comprehensive consultation is essential to determine which IOLs may be suitable for you.

These IOLs are designed to provide high quality vision at one focal point – either distance or near. May be combined with monovision to reduce a patient’s dependence on reading glasses. There is less risk of halos and glare post-operatively with monofocal IOLs. They are typically recommended for patients with pre-existing ocular conditions and/or patients that prioritize visual quality over spectacle independence.

These IOLs are designed to provide high quality distance and intermediate vision. Can be combined with mini-monovision to help reduce a patient’s dependence on reading glasses. There is a minimal risk of halos and glare. Monofocal+ IOLs are an option for previous laser vision correction patients, and those with mild ocular conditions (e.g., mild AMD, glaucoma)

These IOLs are designed to provide an extended range of clear vision at various distances (far, intermediate, near) reducing the need for glasses after surgery. These IOLs create a continuous range of focus, compared to multifocal IOLs which have specific focal points. There is typically less glare and halos compared to multifocal IOLs. EDOF IOLs are an option for previous laser vision correction patients.

Multifocal IOLs are designed to provide patients with high-quality vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, who are looking to reduce their dependency on glasses. These lenses tend to provide the best quality near vision, with a higher risk of glare, halos, and contrast loss. Multifocal IOLs are not suitable for those with ocular conditions, abnormalities, or previous laser vision correction patients.

These lenses can be adjusted after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE) to fine-tune the focus of the lens. This process allows for customization for each eye based on the patient’s individual visual needs and preferences. LALs provide the most accurate post-operative outcomes for most patients, including those who’ve previously had laser vision correction, or have irregular corneas (e.g., keratoconus or corneal scars). Patients must wear UV-filtering glasses after surgery until the light adjustment period is complete and the lens power is locked in.

Helps reduce dependency on reading glasses. A patient’s dominant eye is corrected for distance, while the non-dominant eye is corrected for up-close viewing. Patients may be asked to do a contact lens trial before surgery to test their tolerance for monovision.

A toric IOL provides the added benefit of correcting a patient’s pre-existing astigmatism. All IOLs have a toric lens option to correct for astigmatism. Correcting pre-existing astigmatism is important for patients who want to be less dependent on glasses following cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange (RLE).

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Frequently Asked Questions

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens used during a refractive lens exchange (RLE) or cataract procedure. It is designed to replace a patient’s natural lens to improve vision, often for patients that become presbyopic or develop cataracts as they age. An intraocular collamer lens (ICL), also known as an implantable contact lens, is designed to rest in front of the eye’s natural lens, just behind the iris. ICLs are reversible, meaning they can be removed later in life when a patient requires cataract surgery to remove their eye’s natural lens which has become cloudy.

The lens is placed within the eye to stay in place permanently, and the surgical procedure to implant the IOL is done in a very precise manner. However, there are some situations where changing the lens could be possible, but they are relatively rare and come with additional risks and challenges.

No, you should not feel the intraocular lens (IOL) once it is inserted during cataract surgery. The IOL is placed in the lens capsule (the natural “bag” that holds the lens inside your eye) and is designed to stay in place permanently. It’s made of materials like silicone or acrylic, which are biocompatible and designed to integrate seamlessly with the eye.

Some patients will develop a secondary cataract (also known as posterior capsule opacification) following their refractive lens exchange or cataract procedure. This is when the natural lens capsule behind the artificial intraocular lens becomes cloudy. A YAG laser capsulotomy is a quick and painless laser procedure that helps restore a patient’s vision by removing the secondary cataract. YAG procedures are covered by OHIP and are performed by a cataract surgeon at Herzig Eye Institute.

It depends on a patient’s individual anatomy, lifestyle, vision goals, and several other factors. During your cataract consultation, your surgeon will review these factors when determining your candidacy for cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. You will be provided with a recommendation on which intraocular lens will provide you with your best possible vision.

Traditional cataract surgery is covered by OHIP. The coverage for this procedure includes a standard monofocal intraocular lens. Patients who want to reduce their dependence on glasses following cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange should consider refractive cataract surgery, which combines advanced technologies (including premium IOLs) that are not covered by OHIP. The fees for refractive cataract surgery at Herzig Eye Institute start at $2,105 per eye.

When combined with advanced diagnostics and exceptional surgical skill, the advanced IOLs that are used at Herzig Eye Institute provide additional precision and can help reduce or eliminate a patient’s dependence on glasses following cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange.

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