Cataract Surgery - Intraocular Lens FAQ

in Dalton, Georgia

---

What is an intraocular lens?

Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are tiny artificial lenses prescribed to replace the eye's natural lens, which is removed during cataract surgery.

What are my intraocular lens options?

Thanks to amazing technological advances, you have more options than ever when in comes to how your vision will be repaired.

Different IOLs are made of different materials:

• Foldable lenses: Made of silicone or acrylic. Can be rolled up and placed inside a tiny tube which is inserted through a very small incision. Once inside the eye, the IOL gently unfolds.
• Hard lenses: These are appropriate in certain circumstances as determined by your Professional Eye Associates doctor. Since hard lenses cannot be folded, they are placed through a slightly larger incision.

 

IOLs also come in monofocal, multifocal and accommodative options:

Accommodative lenses also offer improved vision at all distances, but are attached to the muscle in the eye in order to mimic the movement, or accommodation, of the natural lens within the eye.

• Monofocal lenses are an older type of IOL that offer vision at one distance only: near or far.
• Multifocal lenses offer the possibility of seeing well at more than one distance, without glasses or contacts.

Professional Eye Associates offers three types of multifocal Intraocular lens:

Crystalens

ReSTOR

ReZoom

Your doctor will help you determine which IOL is best for you. To view detailed information about each IOL option, please see our Crystalens, ReSTOR and ReZoom pages.

How is IOL implantation performed?

A micro-incision is made into the eye, your failing lens is gently broken into tiny pieces and removed, and the IOL is implanted. The entire procedure takes between 15 and 45 minutes, and you can expect to spend about three hours total at our Professional Eye Associates office.

Is IOL implantation painful?

No. Your Professional Eye Associates doctor administers anesthetic eye drops before the procedure, and you also have the option of taking a mild sedative to help you relax. Your doctor will use a small support-device to keep your eyelid open during the procedure, which may cause a feeling of slight pressure, but is not painful.

How much time will I need to recover from IOL implantation?

You'll be wearing a protective eye patch after surgery, and someone will need to drive you home. You should take things easy for the rest of the day, and return to Professional Eye Associates the following day to have your eye patch removed and have an eye exam. Most patients are able to drive and resume routine activities the day after surgery.

What type of results can I expect from IOL implantation?

This will depend on the type of IOL you choose, but you can generally expect to immediately notice some visual improvement, and greater improvement over time.

Are there side effects from IOL implantation?

Side effects vary slightly, depending on the type of IOL you receive. Generally, you should expect at least a few of the following temporary side effects:

• Irritation and discomfort
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Rings or halo vision
• Light sensitivity

What's the first step to correcting my vision problem?

Call our office to schedule a consultation or use our online scheduling form. Your consultation includes a thorough examination and discussion of your treatment options. You will be able to have all your questions answered.

At Professional Eye Associates, we offer a wide range of vision correction procedures and eye treatments. If you're in the Dalton, Calhoun or Ellijay areas please call or email us any time to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to talking with you!

• Home
• About Us
• Laser Vision Correction
• General Eye Care
• Cosmetic Procedures
• FAQS
• What's New
• Contact Us