As technology continues to evolve, patients have more and more options for their cataract replacement intraocular lens. Compared to the once-standard monofocal IOLs that only gave the patient clear vision at a single distance (distance or up-close vision), today you can opt to choose a new intraocular lens that provides clear vision at all distances. Many patients can now completely or near completely remove the need for reading glasses for up-close vision. The newest multifocal lenses and accommodating IOLs can even correct for astigmatism and for presbyopia.
Multifocal IOLs are not covered by the basic Medicare options; they cover mono-focal lenses. Most people feel the upgrade is well worth the added cost. Some have better vision with these lenses than they ever enjoyed in their life before they developed cataracts. This is because these new multifocal and accommodating lenses give them perfect or near-perfect vision at all distances, and most people formerly had some degree of refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) in their younger days.
At Eye Care Institute, we walk you through your options and help you understand the pros and cons of each premium intraocular lens option. Just about everyone having cataract surgery is a great candidate for these new IOLs.
Really the only people who would not be right for multifocal or accommodating IOLs would be those who need precise, perfect vision at distance. Think of pilots or other occupations that require perfect distance vision.