Lenses
Lens Implants
Cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye, which occurs in everyone at some point in their lives. When this clouding interferes with the quality of vision and begins to affect your daily activities, cataract removal is indicated.
When the cataract is removed we are removing the lens of your eye. We always replace the cloudy lens with a new lens implant known as an intraocular lens (IOL). There are now more choices in lens implant options, and these new IOLs can greatly decrease dependency on the need for glasses after surgery. In some cases, the premium IOL will eliminate the need for glasses all together.
Following surgery with a traditional IOL, patients often still need to use their reading glasses, bifocals, trifocals, or progressives lenses to be able to read objects at close range. This is because traditional IOLs implanted during cataract surgery typically only correct for distance vision. There are a variety of IOLs that can be used in cataract surgery, and they each have their own set of advantages. No single IOL works best for everyone, and only your ophthalmologist can determine the most appropriate IOL for your visual needs. The most effective lens depends on each patient’s individual preferences and goals for their vision.
Premium Lens Implants
Vivity IOL
Tecnis Multifocal™
Crystalens®
Alcon® Toric
If you would like more information about lens implants, click on the photo of the lens and it will take you to the manufacturer’s website
*The images above are magnified images of lens replacements
AcrySof® IQ Vivity™
The AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision IOL is a type of IOL used to focus images clearly onto the back of your eye (retina) to allow clear vision after the cataract removal. The AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision IOL provides clear distance vision (e.g., for watching children playing in the backyard). In addition, the AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision IOL allows for better intermediate (working on a computer, applying makeup or shaving) and some near (reading, knitting) vision compared to what a monofocal IOL would provide. The AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ IOL is not a multifocal IOL, as it uses a new Wavefront-Shaping technology to provide the broader range of vision. There is a chance you may still need glasses for distance, intermediate, and/or near vision. You will get the full benefit of the AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ Extended Vision IOL when it is implanted in both eyes. Please discuss with your eye doctor whether this is the right IOL for you.
Tecnis Symfony®
Dr. Allaman was the first surgeon in the Monterey Bay area to implement the Tecnis Symfony® IOL into his repertoire of lens choices. The Symfony is the first lens of its kind to combine two unique technologies for outstanding visual performance. This is done by elongating the focus of the eye to provide continuous, high-quality vision and by correcting chromatic aberration (color distortion) to provide sharp vision in all lighting conditions. Monofocal IOLS are used to restore vision in one area of focus – usually distance. Glasses may still be needed for near and intermediate distance activities. Extended Depth of Focus IOL, such as the Tecnis Symfony IOL, provides continuous range of high-quality vision – from near to far and points in between – and may reduce the frequency of wearing glasses. The Tecnis Symfony improves your vision for low-light activities as well, such as taking a walk at dusk, going to the movies, or even driving at night. The Symfony IOL is available in both a Non-Toric version and a Toric version for patients with astigmatism.
Alcon Toric®
Toric IOLs are specifically designed for patients with astigmatism. In the past, patients with astigmatism would need eyeglasses or contact lenses even after cataract surgery in order to see clearly for distance vision. Toric IOLs, such as Alcon Toric, correct cataracts and astigmatism with just one lens, providing a more convenient and affordable solution to your vision needs. This unique lens allows us to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism, thus reducing the need for eyeglass correction for best distance vision after surgery. Although you may have less dependence on glasses or contacts for distance vision, you may still need glasses for near vision after surgery. If you have a history of astigmatism Dr. Allaman may recommend this new surgical product. 97% of patients say they would choose to have the Alcon Toric again.
Dr. Allaman and his staff will be happy to discuss any of the new lens implant products available.
AcrySof Restor® & Tecnis Multifocal®
In the past, intraocular lenses were only able to correct distance vision, often leaving patients with the need for reading glasses. Multifocal IOLs offer patients a decrease in dependency from glasses after cataract surgery by improving vision at all distances. These lenses can change focus to accommodate your vision needs. Up to 80 percent of patients do not need to rely on glasses after multifocal IOL implantation. The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL utilizes diffraction optics to provide excellent visual acuity at near and distance. The Tecnis Multifocal lens has multifocal zones that provide a range of visual correction and thus provide good vision over varying distances.
Crystalens®
Many people experience a loss of near vision with age and often need to rely on glasses after cataract surgery. Accommodative IOLs such as Crystalens replace the eye’s natural lens and mimics its accommodation capabilities, allowing you to see clearly across a wide range of distances. The Bausch and Lomb Crystalens has the ability to accommodate or alter shapes, thus allowing your eye to focus on both distance or near objects. Like the natural lens, it is a lens implant that uses the eye muscle to flex and accommodate in order to focus on objects in the environment at all distances. Crystalens dynamically adjusts to your visual needs. Many patients will have greater freedom from glasses after surgery, but you may still need reading glasses for small print or other near vision tasks.
Alcon Toric®
Toric IOLs are specifically designed for patients with astigmatism. In the past, patients with astigmatism would need eyeglasses or contact lenses even after cataract surgery in order to see clearly for distance vision. Toric IOLs, such as Alcon Toric, correct cataracts and astigmatism with just one lens, providing a more convenient and affordable solution to your vision needs. This unique lens allows us to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism, thus reducing the need for eyeglass correction for best distance vision after surgery. Although you may have less dependence on glasses or contacts for distance vision, you may still need glasses for near vision after surgery. If you have a history of astigmatism Dr. Allaman may recommend this new surgical product. 97% of patients say they would choose to have the Alcon Toric again.
Dr. Allaman and his staff will be happy to discuss any of the new lens implant products available.
*Not everyone is a candidate for the above-mentioned premium IOLs. We cannot guarantee that you will not have to wear glasses for some activities. In addition, there is an extra charge for premium IOLs that is not covered by insurance or Medicare, however we do work with CareCredit to help finance a premium IOL of your choice. Click on the button below to explore this option.*
Financing options available
Please contact our office directly at (831) 476-1298 to schedule an appointment, or for more information about our services click here.