What are Intraocular Lenses Made Of?
If you have made the decision to have cataract surgery, you will probably be aware that your procedure will also involve replacing the natural lens of your affected eye. The lens plays a vital role in your vision. It bends the light rays that enter the eye, helping it to create the images that we see. However, when you have cataracts, clumps of protein in the lens cause the light to become blocked, making it much more difficult to see clearly. Instead, patients often report their vision as hazy or dimmed.
When you have your cataracts surgically removed, the natural lens of the eye will need to be removed. Ordinarily this would prevent you from being able to see, but instead you will be fitted with an artificial lens. These are commonly referred to as intraocular lenses or IOLs. Your IOL will ensure that your eye works the way that it should, allowing you to see clearly.
Types of replacement lenses
Thanks to advances in ocular technology, there are now a wide range of premium intraocular lenses available to choose from when you have cataract surgery. Premium lenses are considered superior to standard (single-vision) IOLs, because of their advanced features.
Some of the premium lenses currently available in the U.S. include:
Aspheric IOLs
The natural lens of the eye is an aspheric shape. However, many traditional IOLs have a spheric shape, which can induce minor optical imperfections, which can affect the quality of the vision they provide. Premium aspheric IOLs are widely considered to be much closer to the natural curvature of the lens, producing better quality of sight, particularly in low-light.
Toric IOLs
Many people in the U.S. also have a visual condition called astigmatism. Astigmatism is characterized by a defect in the curvature of the eye that prevents the light from meeting at a common focus, which distorts how we see the image. Many patients with the condition wear prescription eyeglasses to correct it. However, toric IOLs can also correct astigmatism. This is because they have different powers in different medians of the lens, which reduces the distortion.
What are IOLs made from?
Most IOLs are created from silicone or acrylic. They are then coated with a special material that help to protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. It is important to ensure that you choose the best IOL for your individual needs. Dr. Ahdoot will be happy to discuss your options with you at your consultation appointment, and make a suggestion based on your personal ocular requirements.
If you would like to find out more about cataract surgery or the replacement lenses used at Progressive Ophthalmology, Dr. Ahdoot and his knowledgeable and professional team would be happy to advise you. For quality and personal ophthalmology care, please do not hesitate to make an appointment at our comfortable office today at 718-565-2020.
