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Cataract surgery is a procedure in which the cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a lens implant known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This lens implant could be an old-fashioned monofocal lens or a more modern multifocal lens. Multifocal lens implants may offer patients clear vision at various distances, minimizing their need for glasses or contact lenses following cataract surgery.
Yet, multifocal lens implants, like any medical operation, have both benefits and downsides. Dr. Cohen has used these specialized lenses for thousands of patients helping them reduce their dependence on glasses. Dr. Cohen and his team of doctors strongly believe in finding the best solution for you and your unique eyes. In this article we will look further into these lenses.
Cataract surgery is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fix your vision for good. Multifocal lens implants may be an excellent investment for people who value convenience and want great vision at both near and distance. Although they are more expensive than typical monofocal lenses, many patients believe that the decrease in dependency on glasses or contact lenses is worth the extra expense. Dr. Cohen has found cataract surgery to be a golden ticket in helping patients gain freedom and youthful vision with
these lenses.
The cost of a multifocal lens implant may vary based on a number of variables, including the surgeon’s skill, the kind of lens utilized, and the location. A multifocal lens implant may cost between $2,000 and $4,000 per eye on average. Before making a choice, it is important to discuss the cost with your surgeon. Book an appointment with us today to see if you would be a good candidate for this procedure.
There is a risk of adverse effects with multifocal lens implantation, as with any operation. Mild to moderate glare and halos surrounding lights are some possible side effects. However, these have been more evident in the first generations of these lenses that became available around 2008. Since then every new generation added new benefits with a reduced chance
of side effects.
Today, the latest generation of these lenses has reduced the side effects dramatically and added many benefits. Some of the latest models patients can see sharply at distance, intermediate and near without glasses and with very low incidence of side effects (less than 0.5% in our center).
The surgeon’s operating skill and experience with these lenses, as well as their ability to match the correct lens type and power to the individual is crucial to the success of the operation.
At the Cohen Eye Institute we have an excellent track record of surgical safety and performance. You can view our testimonials here!
One of the primary drawbacks of multifocal lens implants is that they are not appropriate for everyone. Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, may preclude the use of multifocal lenses. For some of these patients an extended range lens or a monofocal may be more appropriate. Moreover, multifocal lenses may be more costly than typical monofocal lenses and may need a longer adjustment time.
In the unlikely event that you are not happy with your vision after a multifocal implant you can have an “Interocular Lens exchange” surgery. During this procedure the lens can be swapped with another type of multifocal lens which may be more appropriate for you, with an extended range lens or with a monofocal lens. Many surgeons who have less experience with these lenses might be hesitant to offer this choice to their patients and rather resort to an outdated and erroneous concept called “visual adaptation”. When this approach fails they typically send their patients to a more experienced surgeon like Dr. Cohen for the IOL exchange procedure.
Having seen so many variations of these cases from around the nation, Dr. Cohen knows how to best match your eyes with the correct lens to minimize the chances of such an event.
Finally, multifocal lens implants may be an excellent alternative for individuals having cataract surgery who need good vision at a variety of distances. Although they are more expensive and may have some adverse effects, many patients find the convenience and decrease in reliance on glasses or contact lenses to be worth the expense. To establish whether multifocal lenses are suitable for you, you must first examine the advantages and possible hazards. Contact us today to discuss which surgical procedure is best for your eyes.
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