Do you suffer from cataracts? Cataracts are common among older people, affecting more than half of people aged 80 or older. While there is no cure for cataracts, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery to restore your vision. Let’s take a look at the various cataract surgery lens types available, so that you can make an informed decision about the kind that’s right for you.

First, it’s important to understand what cataracts are. In a person with cataracts, lenses of the eyes develop clumps of protein that cause clouded vision. In cataract surgery, the doctor replaces the cloudy natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore the patient’s sight. If the patient had visual problems aside from the cataract, there are different cataract lens options that can be used during cataract lens replacement to improve the vision further. These premium lenses are chosen based on the type of visual issue the patient has.

• Monofocal lenses correct vision for near or distant purposes. The patient gets to decide which is more important, perhaps choosing to correct distant vision and wear glasses for near work, or vice versa.
• Multifocal lenses are an improvement over traditional monofocal lenses. Also called presbyopia-correcting lenses, they provide better vision across all distances by working as “built-in bifocals.” In some cases, patients may still need glasses for extremely close work or small details.
• Toric lens implants are used for astigmatism. When a patient has astigmatism, the cornea or lens are curved abnormally, and this can cause distorted or blurred vision. Toric lenses mold to the shape of the eye and help correct this refractive error.
• Edof stands for Extended Depth of Focus. Edof lenses are like multifocal lenses, in that they offer a continuous range of vision for distance, intermediate, and near sight. As with multifocal lenses, some patients with Edof lenses may need eyeglasses for detailed work.

The best way to know which kind of IOL is right for you is to have a consultation with an experienced eye surgeon who can assess your vision and offer you advice. Whenever you need an eye exam, trust Boulder Eye Surgeons to care for your eyes. Having served Boulder, Colorado and the surrounding area since 1997, Boulder Eye Surgeons utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive medical and surgical eye care. We’re committed to enhancing quality of life through exceptional patient care, and our doctors and staff members are second to none. Request an appointment with our community-oriented practice to learn how we work to understand your needs and exceed your expectations, call us at (303) 943-1483, or contact us through our website.