The Three Advantages of Premium IOLs for Cataract Surgery

You’ve taken a big first step to clear your blurry vision by considering cataract surgery. Not only will this procedure remove the cloudy impediment in your eye, but it also lets you choose a brand-new lens implant to restore your vision. Basic intraocular lenses (or IOLs) that your insurance covers can effectively help you see better, but they typically require wearing bifocal glasses after surgery. Yet what if your eyesight went even further with a premium lens?

Premium IOLs have three main advantages over standard lenses:

1) Premium IOLs address multiple vision concerns

Basic IOLs, also called monofocal lenses, are primarily used to improve vision at one chosen distance, typically far away. As a result, patients who choose a basic monofocal lens may need to continue wearing bifocal glasses or contact lenses to see near, far, and everything in between.

With a premium lens, your vision may be corrected for multiple distances, meaning that bifocal eyewear may not be necessary. Choosing a toric extended range lens also takes care of your astigmatism if it is significant, giving you a truly clear visual experience.

According to Dr. Kashyap Kansupada, a CEENTA cataract surgeon who practices at our Belmont and Huntersville locations, premium lenses have been a game-changer for patients. “The latest Odyssey lens implant has markedly increased the number of cataract patients who no longer need glasses: approximately 93% are spectacle-free after surgery.”

2) Premium IOLs may be safer than bifocal glasses

Bifocal and trifocal glasses have been used for decades to take care of distance and near vision issues without the need to switch between glasses. However, they do come with inherent risks.

Multiple studies including those conducted by the American Academy of Optometry have shown a connection between bifocal and trifocal glasses wearers and increased falls and pelvic fractures while walking or using the steps. The blur that is created by the bifocal segment while looking down can reduce stepping accuracy in older adults.

An extended range lens implant, however, does not distort your vision between near and far distances. As a result, your depth perception and stepping accuracy will not be affected.

3) Premium IOLs allow you to resume — or even improve — your lifestyle

A basic monofocal lens implant can bring your vision to where you previously were while wearing spectacles, but a premium lens implant can bring you to where you’ve always wanted to go. Your previous hobbies that were impacted by cataracts can be resumed while new ones can be explored with well-rounded, continuous vision.

For example, a patient who previously loved pottery before cataracts can now pick up the clay again while also feeling comfortable driving at night even with oncoming headlights thanks to their new long-distance vision. Someone who could previously spot the bull's eye for archery can now seamlessly find joy in reading without glasses. Regardless of your leisure activities, you have a new world of opportunities right in front of you.

Dr. Kansupada has also witnessed how successful premium lenses can be for patients. “I’ve been so satisfied with extended range lens implants that I had these placed in both my mother and father-in-law's eyes. Both now enjoy spectacle-free vision. This was especially important for my mother with dementia where she doesn’t have to keep track of her glasses to read or watch TV.”

Choosing the right lens for cataract surgery can seem daunting, but CEENTA’s team of board-certified cataract surgeons can guide you towards what you need to see the world. To discover how premium intraocular lenses can be right for you, schedule your appointment with Dr. Kansupada at our Belmont or Huntersville locations online or through myCEENTAchart.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.