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The Distinction Between Standard and Premium IOLs

Cataracts, a clouding of the natural lens, is one of the commonest causes of age-related visual difficulties. When cataract surgery is performed, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. At Akler Eye Center, we offer premium intraocular lenses that not only address cataracts but also tackle other vision problems like inability to read up close without reading glasses (presbyopia).

Standard IOLs

In lens-based surgery (cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange), the natural eye lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. This lens takes over the role of the natural lens, bending incoming light rays to focus and create a clear image. Standard lenses are monofocal, meaning they enhance vision at a single distance only, typically improving distance vision. Standard lenses do not correct astigmatism, which is a common visual condition. While these lenses effectively treat cataracts and the vision is improved, patients with standard IOLs still require glasses to improve near and intermediate vision and to correct any astigmatism they had prior to the cataract surgery.

Premium IOLs

Premium lenses come in two broad categories: those that correct astigmatism, and those that provide a range of vision from distance to intermediate and near. Astigmatism is a common visual condition where the cornea is not perfectly round or spherical, and glasses or contact lenses are used to sharpen the vision. With cataract surgery, the astigmatism can be corrected with toric intraocular lenses. Lenses that correct presbyopia which means the inability to read without glasses are available in both toric and nontoric versions. See the information below for more details.

Some of the premium IOL options available at our center include:

• Clareon® Toric IOL:  If you have cataracts and astigmatism, a toric intraocular lens implant (IOL) could be a suitable option for you. This IOL is specifically designed to correct astigmatism and restore clear vision. After cataract surgery with an toric IOL, you may experience improved distance vision and reduced reliance on glasses.
• Clareon ®  Vivity lens: The Vivity lens is an extended-depth-of-focus lens that provides clear distance and intermediate vision with less chance of haloing and glare than traditional multifocal lenses.
• Clareon ® Panoptix lens: The Panoptix lens is the first trifocal lens approved by the FDA and is designed to correct distance, intermediate and near vision. In the right candidates this lens offers a full range of vision correction.
• Tecnis  Symfony® IOL: This lens provides continuous high-quality vision at distance and intermediate ranges, reducing the dependency on readers for near vision. This lens retains contrast sensitivity when compared to other multifocal lenses

Premium IOLs offer patients clearer vision and the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses, making them the preferred choice for many of our patients seeking lens-based cataract or refractive surgery.

Schedule an Appointment

If cataracts are affecting your vision, and you're curious about lens-based refractive surgery and the distinctions between standard and premium IOLs, the skilled staff and doctor at Akler Eye Center are here to assist you. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to discover how premium IOLs can restore your full range of vision. Your visual clarity and quality of life are our top priorities.

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