Multifocal IOLs
Artificial Intra-Ocular 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 IOLs that allow patients to see at all distances – near, far and many distances in between. Our surgeons here at Santa Monica Eye Group have 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 better sight without relying on glasses. Nearly 90% of patients are able to function comfortably without glasses at all distances, with excellent patient satisfaction reported. There is a small chance that minor residual correction with glasses or laser correction will be required after this type of lens implantation.
Accommodating IOLs
Dr. Stelzner has been using this special lens since 2007 with 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 trifocal glasses), the Crystalens is designed to use the eye muscles of accommodation to flex the lens in order to focus at varying distances. This lens requires daily frequent eye muscle exercise by looking back and forth both at the near and the distance. For the first week, we do not recommend you use your operated eye for near vision. Nearly 90% of patients are able to function comfortably without glasses at all distances, with excellent patient satisfaction reported. There is a small chance that minor residual correction with glasses or laser correction will be required after this type of lens implantation.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with astigmatism. Traditionally, surgical correction of astigmatism required making a series of small incisions (called LRIs) around the cornea to make it more spherical instead of football-shaped. Implanting toric IOLs improves vision due to astigmatism without the need for these extra incisions and also allows patients to enjoy a faster, more comfortable recovery.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (310) 829-5475.
