During cataract surgery, the eye’s cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL)—a clear, artificial lens designed to restore vision. Since their FDA approval in 1981, IOLs have become the standard of care for cataract treatment, offering patients a safe and effective alternative to the thick eyeglasses or special contact lenses that were once required after surgery.
Thanks to major technological advancements, patients today have more IOL options than ever before. Choosing the right type of lens is an important part of the surgical planning process and can significantly impact your visual outcomes, comfort, and independence from glasses.
At Canyon Eye Associates, our experienced surgeons are committed to helping you understand your lens options and guiding you toward the choice that best suits your vision goals and lifestyle. We invite you to review the information provided, and please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions—we’re here to help.
Monofocal IOLs – Conventional Lenses
Conventional intraocular lenses (IOLs) are monofocal, meaning they provide clear vision at only one distance—either far, intermediate, or near. As a result, patients typically continue to rely on glasses or contact lenses after surgery to correct vision at other distances.
Additionally, monofocal IOLs do not correct astigmatism, which may further increase the need for corrective eyewear following surgery. While these lenses are effective for restoring basic clarity, they offer limited flexibility and customization.
The HD Lens – Sharper, More Precise Vision
The Softec® HD Lens represents a significant advancement over traditional monofocal lenses. Designed to reduce spherical aberrations—a common limitation in conventional IOLs—the Softec® HD uses a patented, aspheric optic with enhanced curvature on both the anterior and posterior lens surfaces. This technology allows for a more accurate focal point and results in sharper, clearer vision.
What sets the Softec® HD apart:
Canyon Eye Associates is proud to be the only practice in Central Ohio to offer the combined benefits of the Softec® HD lens and ORA technology, delivering exceptional outcomes tailored to each patient's needs.
Optiwave® Refractive Analysis (ORA) – Superior Surgical Accuracy
ORA technology takes cataract surgery precision to the next level. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on pre-operative measurements—which are only highly accurate about 50–60% of the time—ORA provides real-time measurements during surgery using wavefront aberrometry.
This allows your surgeon to:
When ORA is used in conjunction with Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, the result is even greater accuracy and visual outcomes.
The surgeons at Canyon Eye Associates are proud to be among the only providers in Central Ohio offering this powerful combination of HD lens technology, ORA, and laser-assisted precision.evolutionary technology.
Understanding Astigmatism and the Benefits of Toric IOLs
A majority of patients have some degree of preexisting astigmatism. Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea, which gives it more of a football shape rather than a perfectly round one. This uneven shape causes light to focus at multiple points on the retina, leading to a blurred or distorted image.
While mild astigmatism often has minimal impact on visual quality, moderate to severe astigmatism can significantly affect vision—causing images to appear stretched, elongated, or out of focus.
Toric Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
For patients with significant astigmatism, a toric intraocular lens (IOL) can dramatically improve visual outcomes following cataract surgery. Toric lenses are specially designed to correct the uneven curvature of the cornea, allowing light to be focused more precisely onto the retina and producing a sharper, clearer image.
At Canyon Eye Associates, our surgeons have extensive experience with the placement of advanced toric IOLs. These premium lenses are carefully selected and aligned to match each patient’s unique corneal shape, offering improved vision quality and often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses after surgery.
If you have astigmatism and are considering cataract surgery, ask our team about whether a toric IOL is right for you.
Multifocal Implants – Greater Freedom from Glasses
There has never been a better time to achieve greater independence from glasses after cataract surgery. For patients who prefer not to rely on corrective lenses for near or distance vision, multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) offer an advanced and effective solution.
Multifocal IOLs are designed with multiple focusing zones built into a single lens, providing a range of vision—from near to far. These implants allow many patients to perform everyday tasks, such as reading, driving, or using a computer, without the need for glasses. Clinical studies show that a vast majority of patients with multifocal IOLs enjoy freedom from glasses and report high satisfaction with their vision following surgery.
Are You a Candidate?
While multifocal lenses are an excellent option for many, they are not ideal for everyone. Patients with certain conditions may not be good candidates, including:
It’s important to discuss your lifestyle, visual goals, and medical history with your surgeon to determine the best lens option for you.
At Canyon Eye Associates, our experienced surgeons will help you explore whether a multifocal IOL is the right choice to help you see more clearly—and live more freely—without glasses.
How Much Do Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) Cost?
Standard cataract surgery, including the placement of a conventional monofocal IOL, is typically covered by insurance, including Medicare, because it is considered medically necessary to restore vision affected by cataracts.
However, advanced lens options—such as Toric IOLs (for astigmatism correction), Multifocal IOLs (for a broader range of vision), and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery—are considered premium services and are not covered by insurance. These upgrades are considered elective because they go beyond the basic restoration of vision, often aiming to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
If you're considering a premium IOL, we encourage you to speak with our team about pricing, financing options, and the long-term benefits of these advanced lenses. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision based on your vision goals, lifestyle, and budget.
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