Advantages of Premium IOLs vs Conventional IOLs

When cataract surgery first became popular, patients did not have many options in terms of lens replacement. Only certain vision problems could be corrected, which meant that patients in River Forest and Gurnee, IL still needed glasses or other visual aids after cataract surgery. Today, there are a wide variety of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) available.

So, what are premium IOL lenses? Although cloudy vision can be frustrating, premium lenses can improve vision significantly. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and have issues, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, schedule an appointment with Kirk Eye Center. Our skilled eye doctors can review your options in the Chicago area.

What are premium IOL lenses?

Traditional IOLs are designed to provide clear vision at only one distance. These are also called monofocal lenses. So, if you can see well when reading a book or menu, you may still need glasses for driving or other distance activities. More than that, traditional lenses are not effective in treating conditions like astigmatism, which can affect your vision at any distance.

So, what are premium IOL lenses? Premium IOL cataract surgery allows patients to see clearly at different focal points and distances. Sometimes, this eliminates the need for glasses altogether. Even people with age-related vision loss and astigmatism can restore their vision and improve their quality of life. During your initial assessment with Kirk Eye Center, we can help determine whether traditional or premium lenses are right for you in River Forest or Gurnee, IL.

Multifocal premium IOLs

As we mentioned, conventional intraocular lenses improve vision at one distance. Although they are capable of significantly improving your far, near, or intermediate vision, multifocal lenses can address all of these points at the same time. Most people who choose multifocal lenses wear glasses or contact lenses and would like to free themselves from the burden and cost of visual aids.

Accommodating IOLs

Accommodating IOLs differ from other lenses in both their function and capabilities. These premium lenses are designed to shift and adjust as your eye moves. Accommodating lenses allow people to focus on multiple distances as needed. Depending on your needs, we can choose a different degree of focus for each eye, which helps ensure the best possible vision following surgery.

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are also considered premium lenses because they assist patients with moderate astigmatism, a feat that cannot be accomplished with traditional cataract surgery. Astigmatism is an eye condition that is caused by an irregularly-shaped cornea, leading to blurred or distorted vision. While a conventional IOL cannot treat astigmatism, toric IOLs can improve vision without the help of glasses.

Premium IOL cataract surgery

If you are experiencing cataract symptoms, it might be time to consider your options for intraocular lenses. With all the different options out there, it can be challenging to know the best path to take.

The good news is that premium IOL cataract surgery can correct more than just cataracts. If you struggle with cloudy vision and age-related vision loss, nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, speak with the professionals at Kirk Eye Center today. Our advanced lens technology can reduce your dependence on glasses and help you live with clear vision again in River Forest and Gurnee, IL.