Intraocular Lens Implants
Today, if you have a cataract removed, you will have a choice in what type of lens best suits your vision needs and lifestyle. Due to the exciting changes in lens technology, you will have a choice of:
- Monofocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants: These implants offer excellent distance vision following cataract removal.
- Presbyopia-Correcting / Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants: These implants offer excellent distance vision and correct presbyopia, the age-related inability to clearly see arms length or close objects.
- Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implants: These implants are able to correct astigmatism, the most common vision problem that is usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
While the variety of options available today may seem overwhelming, your highly experienced cataract surgeon and dedicated eye care team will help you understand your options and decide what’s best for you. This decision will be based upon your specific vision needs and lifestyle.
It’s very important to understand that just because a particular lens has been very effective in someone else, it doesn’t mean that it is the best lens for you. The anatomy of your eye, your overall health, and your lifestyle needs are unique. Therefore, our team will help you choose the lens that will produce optimum results for you.
This is a brief overview of the exciting lens options available to you today. If you decide to select one of these options, our staff will explain any additional fees related to the lens implant for which you may be responsible. Medicare and most insurances cover the cost of the cataract surgery, including a monofocal lens, the surgical facility fee, and the surgeon's fee for the surgery. However, they do not cover the increased the cost of the presbyopia-correcting or toric intraocular lenses and their implantation.
In most cases, this additional cost is the responsibility of the patient. If you and your surgeon decide that one of these value-added lenses is right for you, our staff will review the overall cost and affordable payment options. Since the basic surgery cost for cataract patients is usually covered by insurance, the lifetime benefit of improved vision and reduced reliance on glasses and contact lenses may offset the incremental cost of these enhanced lenses.