As people age they lose their ability to focus on objects that are close. This is a result of an eye condition known as Presbyopia. By the time most adult reach their mid-forties they require glasses to read newspapers, menus and so much more. Later in life, people can begin to develop a more serious condition, cataracts.

Cataract and Presbyopia surgery is one of the most widely performed surgeries in the world. The cataract procedure is quick and simple in that it takes about 15 minutes to complete.

The procedure typically starts with eye numbing drops and a micro seal being made at the edge of the cornea. The natural lens is gently washed away and the IOL is implanted. The healing period is usually very short. Most patients are able to pursue normal activities almost immediately after surgery.

Monofocal vs. Multifocal Lens Implants

If you believe you may have a cataract, don't worry. You're not alone. Every year, some 2.5 million Americans have cataract surgery, and many are pleasantly surprised by the improvement in their vision.

Monofocal IOL’s

Rochester Eye & Laser Center uses the Akreos monofocal IOL implant. The IOL is inserted through a 1.8mm incision. Dr. Lindahl was the first surgeon in the state of New York to utilize the micro-incision technique. Monofocal IOL’s provide vision at one set distance, usually far. This means that you will have good vision reading road signs, but will probably still need glasses for reading the newspaper.

Multifocal Lens Implants

Multifocal lens implants allow patients to see at a range of distances including near, far, and intermediate. Rochester Eye & Laser Center offers the following multifocal lens implant options:

Crystalens®

Crystalens® is an accommodating intraocular lens that, unlike a standard IOL, can treat both a person’s cataracts and presbyopia. Crystalens® not only treats your cataracts, but can also help you to rely less on your glasses or contact lenses. It does so by recreating accommodation similar to your eye’s natural lens. The unique Crystalens® can decrease or eliminate the use of glasses for most activities including: reading a book, working on the computer, and driving a car. Crystalens® was modeled after the human eye. Like the natural lens, it uses the eye muscle to flex and accommodate in order to focus on objects in the environment at all distances. Crystalens® has the ability to adjust rapidly to your visual needs.

Crystalens® is an accommodating Intraocular lens that is implanted into the eye after cataract surgery. The Crystalens® lens is designed to change position inside the eye, providing patients with the best quality of vision at near, intermediate, and distance vision.

How does Crystalens® work?

Crystalens is an artificial lens designed to replace the eye’s natural lens. The HD lens enhances the depth of focus, allowing an increased quantity of vision. Crystalens® is designed to work on a hinge to allow the optic, or the part of the IOL that you see through, to move back and forth as your eye constricts or relaxes, just like the natural lens would.

Crystalens® is beneficial for people who want to be able to see better after cataract surgery, because Crystalens® has the ability to greatly reduce or even eliminate a cataract patients dependence on glasses. Crystalens® is also ideal for patients who want better vision through a clear lens exchange procedure.

ReSTOR

The ReSTOR lens my Alcon is an artificial lens implant that allows light to focus on the retina and provide our patients with clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances. Like other multifocal IOL’s it is inserted after the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery.

The model candidate for ReSTOR is a patient who is suffering from presbyopia or cataracts, and is seeking better vision at all distance while eliminating their constant dependence on reading glasses.

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are lens implants that are designed to corrected astigmatisms. Most astigmatism patients do not have cases severe enough to require surgery, and can be corrected by wearing contact lenses or glasses, but astigmatisms do affect vision. The irregular oval shape of the cornea is what causes the blurred vision and impaired vision astigmatism patients suffer from.

The Toric IOL helps refocus vision and is designed with the same technology as contacts. Patients who have astigmatism and suffer from cataracts can request a Toric IOL to help improve vision.

Premium Lens Implants at Rochester Eye & Laser Center

To learn more about the monofocal and multiocal lenses available at Rochester Eye & Laser Center please contact us!