Multifocal IOL

Artificial IntraOcular Lenses (IOLs) are implanted in the eye to replace natural lenses for patients with cataracts, presbyopia or severe refractive errors that have been damaged by cloudy cataracts. Until recently, IOLs were only available to correct distance vision. These monofocal lenses helped improve distance vision after cataract surgery, but patients still needed glasses or contact lenses for near vision activities like reading and playing cards. Now, advancements in technology have produced multifocal IOLsthat allow patients to see clearly at all distances–near, far and many distances in between. Our surgeons here at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group has been using Multifocal lenses successfully since 2007. Multifocal IOLs such as the ReStor® lens and Tecnis Multifocal IOL preserve distance vision and correct presbyopia so cataract surgery patients — and patients seeking treatment for presbyopia alone — can enjoy clear sight without relying on glasses. There is a small chance for a minor residual correction with the glasses or laser correction after this type of lens implantation.

Accommodating IOL. (Insert Eyemaginations video Cataracts: accommodative IOL). Dr. Stelzner has been using this special lens for over two years with a great success. The accommodating IOL, called the Crystalens, provides a full range of focus like the multifocal IOLs. Unlike the multifocal lenses that are designed with different zones of power (as in bifocal glasses), the Crystalens is designed to use the eye muscles of accommodation to flex the lens in order to focus at varying distances. There is a small chance for a minor residual correction with the glasses or laser correction after this type of lens implantation.