These newer IOL types reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. In the multifocal type, a series of focal zones or rings is designed into the IOL. Depending on where incoming light focuses through the zones, the person may be able to see both near and distant objects clearly.
The design of the accommodative lens allows certain eye muscles to move the IOL forward and backward, changing the focus much as it would with a natural lens, allowing near and distance vision. The ability to read and perform other tasks without glasses varies from person to person but is generally best when multifocal or accommodative IOLs are placed in both eyes by Dr. Ambati in Eugene It usually takes 6 to 12 weeks after surgery on the second eye for the brain to adapt and vision improvement to be complete with either of these IOL types.
For a few patients, these IOL types reduce but do not eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. For example, a person can read without glasses, but the words appear less clear than with glasses. Each person's success with these IOLs may depend on the size of his/her pupils and other eye health factors. People with astigmatism can ask their Eye M.D. or Dr. Ambati in Eugene about toric IOLs and related treatments. Side effects such as glare or halos around lights, or decreased sharpness of vision (contrast sensitivity) may occur, especially at night or in dim light. Most people adapt to and are not bothered by these effects, but those who frequently drive at night or need to focus on close-up work may be more satisfied with monofocal IOLs.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lenses
These lenses, also known as Symfony lenses, were approved in the US in the summer of 2016, and work somewhat differently than multifocal lenses. Multifocal lenses have 2 peaks of vision (at distance and at a near focal point), while EDOF lenses have a continuous range of good focus from distance inwards to approximately 15-20 inches from one’s eyes. Like any lens type, they can be associated with some halos at night for the first few months after surgery, which can be treated with eyedrops. As with multifocal lenses, patients with corneal scars, retinal disease, or glaucoma may not be good candidates for this technology. Based on your eyes, occupation, arm length, how far away your computer is, and where you like to hold things to read, your doctor may decide to mix and match a Symfony lens with a multifocal or accommodating lens to optimize the benefits of the technology for your lifestyle and visual needs.
Dr. Ambati will evaluate your eyes and discuss with you your activities, goals, and visual needs to reach a decision with you on what the best lens choice for your eyes is. For more information on how we treat & approach each patient with cataracts, please see:
1. An article written by Dr. Ambati and fellow Dr. Wyatt Messenger.
2. eyetubeod.com/advancedocularcare/pdfs/aoc1114_Moran_Ambati.pdf
