The standard IOL has been used for decades. Advances in IOL technology has created a premium lens, which can correct near, medium and far vision and can also correct astigmatism.
However, every person has his specific visual needs and concerns. In fact, each type of IOL has different sets of benefits. An experienced eye doctor should be able to help in IOL selection.
1. Standard IOL
– Monofocal IOL
Monofocal IOL had been used for decades. It provides clear distant vision. Near glasses for reading will still be required.
2. Premium IOL
a. Multifocal IOL
Multifocal IOL is also called premium presblyopia IOL. It can focus near and distant object at the same time. It allows spectacle-free life after surgery.
b. Toric Monofocal IOL
Toric Monofocal IOL is advisable for patients with significant astigmatism (generally 1 dioptre or more). This IOL gives quality distant vision. Quality of near vision will also be improved as astigmatism is corrected. However, near glasses will be needed for reading.
* A patient with significant astigmatism who opts for Monofocal IOL with no Astigmatism / Toric correction will need ‘tailor-made’ distant & near glasses after cataract surgery. It is not a good choice of IOL.
c. Toric Multifocal IOL
A patient with significant astigmatism who wants a spectacle-free life should opt for this premium IOL. This ‘3 in 1’ IOL corrects astigmatism, distant & near vision.
Selection of IOL depends on patients’ choices and need. Nevertheless the outcome of the cataract surgery is very much depending on selection of IOL power, the surgeon’s clinical experience and surgical skill. It requires experiened surgeons with extra surgical skill to perform cataract surgery with predictable good visual outcome.
Complications during cataract surgery and astigmatism induced by cataract surgery would compromise the quality of vision post-operation.