IOLs
Are you in need of cataract surgery, or looking to enhance your vision after undergoing the procedure?
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) can replace your eye's clouded lens to restore your vision. Premium options can minimize your need for glasses.
Our ophthalmologists in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA, use the latest IOLs to enhance your vision after cataract surgery. Take the first step towards better sight by requesting your initial consultation.
What Are IOLs? When Are They Used?
An IOL, or intraocular lens, is an artificial lens implant that can replace the eye's natural lens to improve vision. They're often used to replace clouded lenses during cataract surgery and/or to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness and astigmatism.
IOLs offer permanent vision correction. Once healed, IOL patients can enjoy dramatically reduced dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Many can ditch glasses or contacts altogether.
These lenses are very small, flexible devices typically made of silicone or acrylic, and many types can be customized to a patient's unique vision needs. Monterey County Eye Associates offers a wide range of IOLs and can provide treatment tailored to you.
The Three Primary Types of Intraocular Lenses
There are three main types of intraocular lenses. Each lens can correct one or multiple refractive errors and minimize your need for contacts or glasses.
Monofocal
Monofocal lenses correct vision at a single focus. They cannot correct both distant and near vision. For example, if you choose monofocal IOLs that provide distance focus, you will still need to wear reading glasses when using a computer, reading a book, or checking your phone.
Multifocal
Multifocal lenses provide vision correction at multiple distances. These lenses have multiple prescriptions in a single lens, so they can adapt to help you see objects near or far away. With our premium multifocal IOLs, you can experience a more seamless and clear range of vision.
Toric
Toric lenses are the only type of IOL that can help correct astigmatism. They can be either monofocal or multifocal, depending on your specific needs. During your consultation, we will explain your options to help you choose the right toric IOL for your needs and lifestyle.
We Offer Premium Products TO PROVIDE THE BEST RESULTS
Our Monterey, CA, ophthalmologists offer a wide range of intraocular lenses to help tailor the treatment to your needs and create the best results. Our premium brands optimize clarity and comfort so you can improve your quality of life. Contact Monterey County Eye Associates to request your consultation.
Patients Love Our State-of-the-Art Care
"I have received excellent care at the Monterey Bay Eye Center. The staff is friendly and efficient. The facility is clean and comfortable. The equipment is up-to-date. All my questions are answered thoroughly. I can definitely recommend it!"
Premium IOLs
Any IOL that is not a standard monofocal lens is considered a premium IOL. Our Monterey ophthalmology practice offers a range of premium IOLs to bring your world into focus on your own terms following cataract surgery:
Vivity IOL
AcrySof® IQ Vivity™ IOL (Vivity) is a multifocal lens that allows patients to seamlessly see objects up close, at arm's length, and far away. With previous multifocal lenses, many patients could see changes between the prescription sections of the lens. The Vivity IOL uses the brand's X-WAVE™ technology, which prevents light diffraction and allows the light to hit the retina at different focal points without you noticing a transition between sections of the lenses. You can see clearly at any distance at any time after cataract surgery with this lens.
Acrysof IQ Toric IOL
The Acrysof® IQ Toric lens combines the benefits of Acrysof lenses with astigmatism correction. Acrysof IOLs are created using advanced manufacturing techniques to provide comfortable and lasting results. Their lenses feature improved UV protection and blue light filtering, and now even patients with astigmatism can benefit from the brand's advanced features.
PanOptix Trifocal IOL
The AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® Trifocal IOL is a multifocal lens allowing patients to see objects near and far with clarity. However, this lens is unique in that it uses ENLIGHTEN® Optical technology to enhance intermediate vision, so you can easily view a desktop computer without sacrificing near and distant vision. This technology also optimizes your ability to see during day and night, and in both dim and bright light.
J&J TECNIS Eyhance
J&J TECNICS Eyehance™ is the first monofocal lens to slightly increase the depth of focus. This intraocular lens allows you to clearly see objects at a distance and enhances your ability to see at intermediate distances. Patients may still need glasses for tasks like reading and writing, but they can experience clearer vision at other ranges.
The J&J TECNICS Symfony
The J&J TECNICS Symfony™ is a multifocal lens that allows patients to see clearly at any distance. Unlike traditional multifocal lenses that have distinct focal points, the TECNICS Symfony lengthens the distribution of the light to increase your field of vision.
J&J TECNIS Synergy
J&J TECNIS Synergy™ is considered the most advanced TECNIC® IOL. It is another multifocal lens that includes a wide, continuous, and increased field of vision at any distance. These lenses also allow for clear vision both day and night with first-rate image contrast.
Let Our Eye Care Experts Restore Your Vision Contact Monterey County Eye Associates Today
Our experienced team of ophthalmologists can effectively treat almost any eye problem. We offer the most advanced eye treatments and products in the area. Our practice also uses the most sophisticated eye surgery technology on the market to provide excellent and long-lasting results.
When you choose Monterey County Eye Associates, you choose a team that can handle every aspect of your cataract surgery and IOL placement with precision and care. We strive to help all our patients see clearly and to improve their quality of life.
Contact our Monterey, CA, practice today if cataracts are inhibiting your vision, or if you are interested in enhancing your ability to focus following cataract surgery. We can help you choose the best IOL to provide the results you want and need.
(831) 424-1150
We Take Care to Ensure Your Comfort
"It was amazingly easy and completely painless."
"I had cataract surgery this week…dr. Shi and the Monterey Bay Eye Center were so well organized and efficient it was amazingly easy and completely painless…instructions were clear and well written…all staff were knowledgeable and experienced."
Placing IOLs
The first step toward clear vision is to request a consultation at Monterey County Eye Associates. When you visit our office nearest you, our doctors can assess your optical health and determine which IOL will provide the best results following surgery. Once you have made your choice and we have scheduled your surgery, here is what you can expect during the procedure:
IOLs are a permanent solution to cataracts and can offer long-term vision enhancement.
Our Three Pillars of Cataract Surgery: Comfort, Safety, Success
We understand the thought of surgery can be intimidating to some patients. That is why our doctors are here to answer any questions you may have throughout your treatment. We take pride in performing surgery that is:
Comfortable
We want to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed throughout your entire procedure. We place numbing eye drops so your cataract surgery can be virtually painless and provide ample patient education so you know what to expect.
Safe
Experience elevates safety. Our ophthalmologists have multiple years of experience placing IOLs to help restore and enhance their patients' vision. Our offices also use state-of-the-art equipment to minimize all risks.
Successful
Cataract surgery with IOL placement is one of the most successful eye surgeries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that about two million cataract surgeries are performed each year, and that they significantly decrease the risk of injury.
Our Job Is to Make Your Experience Easy
See What One Patient Has to Say About Cataract Surgery
"What a 'treat' it was having cataract surgery. No kidding! I almost hesitate to even call it surgery. Everything was so professional and so well done. And then, the icing on the cake, I can see again. The colors. The clarity. The sparkliness. And WHITE! Who knew white was so white. Surgery is very quick and for me, it was painless. Do it."
Are IOLs Covered by Insurance?
Standard monofocal IOLs are covered in many cases, but premium multifocal and toric IOLs are not. Though it may not sound like it, this is actually good news for many patients because:
- Monofocal lenses are the most common type used during cataract surgery
- Cataract surgery is covered by insurance
- Our Monterey practice accepts almost all insurances and will gladly verify your coverage ahead of time
Of course, every patient's situation is different, so no two treatment plans are exactly the same. Depending on your circumstances, our ophthalmologist may recommend a non-standard IOL or a different treatment option altogether.
No matter what course your treatment takes, you can rest assured that Monterey County Eye Associates will help ensure it stays affordable. We make a point of being flexible so everyone can receive the care they need, and we also offer financing options to keep costs low. Reach out to talk about your options at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions About IOLs
I don't have cataracts, but I'm still interested in how IOLs could improve my vision. Are they right for me?
If you're dealing with refractive errors, then most likely, yes! Though IOLs are most commonly placed during cataract surgery, they don't have to be. Anyone who experiences nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia may be a good candidate for artificial lenses. Especially severe refractive errors may be better addressed with another type of treatment, but we'd be happy to discuss all options available to you at our Monterey, CA, practice.
How long will it take before I notice better vision?
Many patients notice some vision improvement immediately after surgery. Others start to notice the effects within a day or two. Vision typically stabilizes after a few weeks, and total recovery usually takes about two months, but your vision or activities will not be limited for the entire healing period.
Are IOLs really permanent? Is the procedure reversible?
IOLs are intended to provide permanent vision correction. While an ophthalmologist can remove and replace an IOL in the rare case that revision or repositioning is necessary, it's important to remember that cataract surgery permanently removes the natural lens, so the eye will always need an artificial aid to focus clearly.
Is it possible for cataracts to grow back after I get IOLs?
No, you will never have to worry about cataracts coming back after your surgery. IOLs are completely artificial, so they cannot grow cataracts.
We Provide Quality Care and Great Experiences "I'll recommend the Eye Center any chance I get."
Tom Peck
Monterey, CA
2023
Was treated courteously by staff and thoughtfully by Patrick and, of course, Dr. Shi. My cataract surgery went well and I will be returning to pick up my new Rx. I'll recommend the Eye Center any chance I get.
View on GoogleXimena Stelzried
Monterey, CA
2023
From the reception staff, the folks providing the testing, all the way to Dr. Shi, nothing but the most respectful and attentive service. I am very pleased.
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