When you get cataract surgery, it involves removing the natural lens in your eye. Removing the natural lens is the only way to remove the cataract formed on the lens.
It’s almost impossible to see without any kind of lens in your eye. That’s why you have it replaced during cataract surgery. You have it replaced with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens or IOL.
IOLs come in several different varieties. Some IOLs are considered premium lenses. You’re paying out of pocket when you choose a premium lens, as insurance won’t cover it.
But for many patients who opt for premium lenses, the cost is more than worth it because premium IOLs have so many benefits. Keep reading to find out some of the advantages that come with choosing a premium IOL!
Better Vision
Standard monofocal lenses are uniform lenses that are each set to see at a particular focal point. One thing that makes monofocal IOLs popular is something called monovision.
With monovision, you’ll have one lens put in your eye for seeing up close and the other eye set to see far away. Achieving monovision allows patients better vision than if they only had monofocal IOLs.
Although you can see decently at most distances, your vision won’t be very crisp, and you may still need contacts or glasses. First and foremost, premium IOLs give you better vision than standard IOLs because they offer a better range of vision.
Instead of relying on monovision, you’ll have a broader range of vision accessible at multiple focal points with a premium IOL. Many IOLs also offer much clearer vision when viewing objects up close.
There are also what feels like endless different kinds of premium IOLs available. It becomes much more manageable to choose a premium IOL that’s best for you. Make sure to choose one that fits your lifestyle and goals after cataract surgery.
Reduce Dependence on Glasses and Contacts
If you have cataracts, there’s a good chance that you also have presbyopia. Presbyopia is a common age-related eye condition that occurs when your lens loses flexibility in your forties or fifties.
Almost all premium IOLs correct both presbyopia and cataracts. When you have presbyopia, it becomes more challenging to focus on nearby objects, which is why you may need reading glasses as you get older.
Reading glasses can be frustrating to use, though, especially when you also have to wear glasses or contacts regularly for a refractive error. But premium IOLs can eliminate the need for reading glasses and may even eliminate the need for regular glasses and contacts.
Even if you still need to use reading glasses or other visual aids, you’ll be able to reduce your dependence thanks to a premium IOL providing you with a wider range of vision and better up-close focus.
Treat Astigmatism with a Toric IOL
One way that premium IOLs can lower your dependence on regular glasses and contacts is by correcting astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that you can fix by choosing a toric lens.
Toric IOLs are the only IOL specifically designed to fix astigmatism. The good news is that many premium IOLs come in a toric version. You don’t have to decide between getting a certain kind of premium IOL like a multifocal or trifocal and a toric lens.
The amount of astigmatism a toric lens can correct depends. Talk to your eye doctor to determine if a toric IOL can correct your astigmatism. They can help you figure out if it’s a good fit for you.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Premium IOLs give you better focus and more precise vision when looking at things up close. They can make it easier to read and do other fine focus tasks. They also can make it easier to be active.
It can be harder to see at multiple distances and switch between looking up close and then at something far away with monovision. Premium IOLs make the transition more seamless, giving you a more extensive range of vision, no matter what distance you’re looking at something.
Do you like to hike, golf, or participate in any kind of physical activity? You should consider getting a premium IOL. Premium IOLs are also great for more social activities.
Even if your favorite things involve being with friends and family, you can have the best vision when you’re playing cards, cooking, or just sitting and chatting with your loved ones.
Get the Most out of Cataract Surgery
If you’re getting cataract surgery, it means that your cataracts have begun to affect your quality of life. Getting them removed can restore your vision.
But when you get a premium IOL, you’re not just restoring your vision to how it was before you developed cataracts. With a premium IOL, you can give yourself some of the best eyesight you’ve ever had in your entire life!
Going through any surgery, even a minor one like cataract surgery, can be time-consuming. If you’re already going to the trouble of getting surgery, you might as well get the most out of it.
Since premium IOLs can fully correct presbyopia, you could come out of cataract surgery with better vision without cataracts and sharper, more vibrant vision. Chances are that after cataract surgery, you’ll see better. With a premium IOL, you’ll have your best possible vision as well.
Ready to find out if a premium IOL is the right choice for you? Schedule your cataract consultation at New England Eye Center in Boston, MA, to learn more about the premium IOLs we have available!
It’s time to get back to living and loving your life!
