How will an IOL affect my vision?

IOLs come in different focusing powers, just as contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses do. Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) will perform a special preoperative evaluation of your eye to determine the proper power of the lens implant. The length of your eye and the curvature of your cornea are measured with special instruments. Your ophthalmologist then uses these measurements to calculate the correct focusing power of the IOL.

The natural lens of your eye has the ability to change shape in order to focus at varying distances. The IOL, which cannot change shape, can be calculated to see clearly up close, at mid-range, or at long range. In most cases, you will wear thin glasses to allow you to see all distances in focus. There are newer IOLs, which allow for different focusing powers within the same lens. With these multifocal or accommodative IOLs, it is possible to see more clearly at various distances than monofocal or fixed-focus lenses.

You should discuss these possibilities with your eye surgeon, and together, you will decide which lens is right for you.

In most cases you should notice significant improvement in vision after cataract surgery.

Prior to undergoing cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will perform a variety of tests and examinations, the goal of which are to determine the shape and condition of your eye before surgery.  The corneal shape, length of the eyeball, health of the macula, and the presence or absence of other ophthalmic diseases will help guide your ophthalmologist to recommend a specific lens implant for you.  Your goals with respect to visual function after cataract surgery are usually a significant part of this conversation.  Some people choose to continue wearing glasses after cataract surgery, while others seek the maximum degree of spectacle freedom possible.  Once your goals have been articulated and your ocular condition established, your ophthalmologist will team with you to choose the lens that best addresses your needs and interests.  We are able to target distance, near and intermediate vision with our lens implants.  Indeed, for some people, we are able to use lenses which improve function in all of these circumstances.  It is important to recognize that no lens implant is perfect and that our goal should try to be improvement in visual function rather than the attainment of perfection of vision.  When the ophthalmologist and the patient are able to align their expectations, both parties are usually much happier with the outcomes.