cataract pillar test

Recover Clear Vision at Far and Near

In our busy, multi-tasking world, we want to — need to — see perfectly at many different distances.  We all read, use cell phones, tablet devices, desktop computers.  We read newspapers, magazines, books, and the tiny print on prescription medication bottles when necessary.  We enjoy athletic pursuits and sports, most of which benefit from exceptional vision at far distance.  When we drive, we want to see freeway signs hundreds of yards away, and our dashboard, and occasionally check email or texts on our phones.

So as good as monofocal IOLs may be, they’re not close to a perfect solution.  We still have not developed the perfect, adjustable-focus IOL to replace the natural young human lens, but multifocal IOLs add a whole set of features and benefits that are not possible with monofocal IOLs.

Multifocal IOLs work by having concentric zones of different focus, alternating far and near.  This affords very good distance and reading clarity. These lenses do need to optically split the incoming light into two points of focus, so they do cause some reduction in contrast sensitivity (fine detail detection in low light). And the concentric rings do cause a bit of halo to be perceived around point sources of light at night such as headlights, taillights and street lights.  The overwhelming majority of people that have had multifocal IOLs implanted are extremely happy with their overall visual function, and don’t mind these imperfections, which they perceive to be minor.  Whether you will be an optimal candidate for multifocal IOL care will be assessed and discussed at your comprehensive cataract and IOL consultation.

Dr. Amir Moarefi is a highly skilled lens implant surgeon. He has treated many cataract patients, as well as those seeking clear lens replacements.

Astigmatism-correcting IOLs can permanently correct astigmatism and improve distance vision in a single step.

Toric lens implants are astigmatism-correcting IOLs designed with a specific shape that counterbalances the corneal curvature imperfection that creates astigmatism in the first place. Toric IOLs refocus light rays as they pass through the lens.  The result is a near-perfect and long-lasting correction of astigmatism, along with a complete restoration of distance vision. This lens is a wonderful option for anyone over 50 who has pre-existing astigmatism.

Traditional monofocal IOLs provide good vision (correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness), but do not correct for other optical imperfections including astigmatism, presbyopia, or spherical aberration. This is a type of optical imperfection that can cause increased glare, and reduced overall quality of vision in low light and darkness. Lenses that correct for spherical aberration are called aspheric lenses. If you notice any reduction in night vision clarity before IOL care, this may be only partially corrected by standard monofocal IOLs. That’s why most IOLs these days incorporate aspheric optics.

Aspheric IOLs are monofocal lenses that correct for spherical aberration. The result is a lens that will provide better overall vision than traditional IOLs, especially at night.

Patients who choose an aspheric IOL can expect:

• Improved contrast sensitivity
• Enhanced functional vision
• Superior night driving ability

There are several acceptable options for the preferred vision target after IOL care. Some people will be happier having both eyes corrected for optimum distance vision. This affords the best balance between the two eyes, and the best depth perception. Others will prefer having one eye adjusted for optimum distance viewing and the other eye adjusted for intermediate or near range viewing. This is referred to as monovision.

With full binocular distance vision, you can expect to have dramatically enhanced distance vision with spectacular clarity and improved visibility in low light. This option will not correct for presbyopia so you will still need to wear readers to view things at close range.