Love playing tennis? This excellent game is for everyone, no matter what age you may be! But with age, you may have started to notice that your eyes are getting worse.
If you’re 40 years old or more, your risk increases for developing age-related conditions like cataracts and presbyopia. If you have presbyopia, you may have a lot of difficulty playing any sport, especially tennis.
It affects your ability to focus on nearby objects. When you have cataracts, the only solution is to have cataract surgery. The good news about that, though, is that you can also treat presbyopia during cataract surgery in many cases.
For patients that choose a premium intraocular lens (IOL), many premium lenses can also treat presbyopia! Are you searching for a way to keep your active lifestyle? A premium IOL may be the answer you’re looking for!
Keep reading to find out why choosing a premium IOL will help improve your tennis game!
IOLs and Presbyopia
When you have cataract surgery, the procedure involves removing the natural lens of the eye. When you remove the natural lens, this also removes the cataract that formed on the lens.
The lens is then replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, or IOL. An IOL acts like your natural lens once did, but it has the advantage of being better suited to help you see. It also allows you to see clearly again after cataract surgery!
Because many patients with cataracts also have presbyopia, IOLs are often designed to correct presbyopia. Standard IOLs, called monofocal lenses, will improve your vision, but you’ll still need glasses after cataract surgery.
Monofocal IOLs are the only IOL that insurance will fully cover. Monofocal IOLs are made up of a uniform lens that can help you see either up close or at a distance.
The most common way to use monofocals is called monovision when one lens in one eye is set to see up close, and the other lens is set to see at a distance.
Monovision can help you see reasonably well at most distances, but patients often don’t have a wide range of vision and still require reading glasses. For that reason, premium IOLs in Boston are a popular option, especially for patients that have a more active lifestyle.
The Advantages of Premium IOLs
Before you think about choosing a premium IOL, you need to realize that they are an out-of-pocket expense. Most insurance plans will not cover these lenses.
If it is something that you can afford, the extra cost comes with achieving better vision. Whether you swim laps every morning, like to play tennis, or want to enjoy reducing your dependence on glasses after cataract surgery, premium lenses are worth considering.
Premium IOLs have distinct advantages and can change your life for the better! At New England Eye Center, we offer patients the following premium IOLs in Boston:
Tecnis Multifocal Lens
Multifocal IOLs have alternating rings that switch between a close focal point and a distant one. Your eyes automatically look through the right part of the lens, depending on how close the object you’re looking at is.
The design can help you focus better up close and see well at a distance, ideal for playing a game like tennis.
Alcon PanOptix Trifocal Lens
Like a multifocal, a trifocal lens is divided into sections of alternating focal points. But instead of only seeing up close and far away, there’s also a section set to see at an intermediate distance.
Having the ability to see well at intermediate distances ensures you’ll always have good vision. This will be the case no matter what you’re seeing. When you’re trying to hit a tennis ball coming right at you, you need to be able to see at any distance. It also makes it much easier to see when you’re working on the computer or if you’re watching TV at home.
Tecnis Symfony Lens
The Tecnis Symfony is an extended range of vision IOL. With this lens, you’ll see within a whole field of vision. That means that you won’t have to worry about only being able to see at specific focal points. The Symfony lens is great for active people who like to socialize. That’s why it’s perfect for tennis players both on and off the court.
Alcon ReSTOR Lens
The Alcon ReSTOR is another kind of multifocal lens that can reduce post-surgical visual disturbances. Patients who opt for the ReSTOR lens have a very high chance of seeing well without the potential for lens imperfections that can come with choosing other lenses.
You’ll have optimal vision for playing tennis, enjoying a round of golf, or walking around your neighborhood.
Crystalens
The Crystalens is an accommodative lens. With an accommodative lens, the IOL will change shape to enhance your vision when you focus your eyes on something. Having a lens that accommodates like the Crystalens is a good choice for tennis players as it allows you to keep your eye on the ball!
Toric Lens
Toric lenses are the only ones for people with astigmatism. If you have mild astigmatism, you can perfect your vision and improve your game!
Choosing the Right IOL for You
With so many different kinds of premium IOLs, it can be hard to pick one! The good news is, all of them can help you see better in different ways. It’s hard to go wrong!
If you’re unsure about where to start, assess your individual needs and your lifestyle. Are you more active and play tennis often? The extended range that the Tecnis Symfony offers may be a better choice. If you prefer to spend more time in front of screens or work on your computer frequently, the enhanced intermediate vision of the trifocal lens may suit you better.
A necessary part of choosing an IOL before cataract surgery is to talk to your eye doctor. They can discuss what they offer and their recommendation for you based on your unique visual needs. Make sure to ask any questions you may have about IOLs to ensure you understand each option.
Ready to take your tennis game to a new level? Schedule your cataract screening at New England Eye Center in Boston, MA, today! There’s no reason to continue living with the frustrating symptoms that come with having cataracts!
