Cataract Center

Multifocal IOL Implants

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ReStor IOLIntraocular lenses (IOL’s) are prosthetic lens implants that are placed in the eye after a cataract is removed. These plastic lenses are permanently placed in the eye after the eye’s natural crystalline lens is removed because of a cataract. Monofocal intraocular lenses have only a single zone of clear focus. Patients with monofocal lenses see distance clearly, but still, require the use of glasses for reading. Multifocal intraocular lenses offer vision correction for distance vision, just like monofocal implants, but also have another zone so patients are able to read.

There are several types of multifocal IOL lenses available: ReSTOR and TECNIS. Both of these lenses offer different ring-shaped zones so patients can clearly see both objects near and far. The advantage of a multifocal IOL is the ability to be less dependent on reading glasses for near activities. Many people have presbyopia, or the loss of the eye’s ability to zoom from an object in the distance to near objects, such as a newspaper, and this condition will start to bother them. Multifocal IOL’s offer a better alternative to many people who are frustrated by their dependence on reading glasses.

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Multifocal lenses typically produce a higher amount of optical aberrations, or errors in the eye, such as glares in low lighting, or halos around lights at night. Most patients with multifocal lenses find these aberrations to be only slightly annoying. Dr. Liang will be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these multifocal IOL lenses with you to determine the best option for your eyes.

To learn more about Multifocal IOL implants and cataract surgery, call Dr. Liang – Center for Sight’s Sacramento cataract center at 916-446-2020.


Toric IOLs

Toric IOL ExampleToric IOL’s are designed to correct astigmatism in cataract patients. Often, astigmatism can lead to blurred vision, because the eye’s cornea or lens has an irregular shape. A normal eye’s cornea will be a circular shape, but an eye with astigmatism has a longer, more oval shape.

Most astigmatisms are not severe enough to require surgery and can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Cataract patients with pre-existing astigmatism will benefit from a procedure to correct both their cataract and their astigmatism. Cataract patients who have astigmatism can request a Toric IOL to correct their vision. Requesting a Toric IOL could eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

In the past, surgeons tried to change the shape of the cornea through an incision during cataract surgery. Now, with the creation of the Toric IOL, vision can be improved through implanting the Toric IOL lens, a lens designed with the same technology as contact lenses.

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Those patients who have astigmatism and are candidates for cataract surgery can request a Toric IOL to help improve their vision. To learn more about Toric IOL’s and determine if this is the best option for you, please contact Dr. Liang at the Center for Sight in Sacramento at 916-446-2020.


Accommodating IOL

The Accommodative IOL is a surgical implant available at the Center for Sight’s Sacramento cataract center. The procedure involves implanting a man-made lens into the eye to function similarly to the natural lens of the eye. With the Accommodative IOL, the patient can focus on objects both near and far. Patients experiencing presbyopia (the aging of the eye which creates the need for readers and bifocals) or recovering from cataract surgery will benefit most from the Accommodative IOL. Instead of receiving a fixed lens after cataract surgery, patients can have an Accommodative IOL, which may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses after surgery. The Accommodative IOL is made with tiny hinges allowing the eye muscles to change the position of the lens (similar to how the natural lens flexes) bringing into focus objects both near and far.

Crystalens IOL ExampleCrystalens

Most current IOL models are monofocal, not bifocal. Therefore, they focus for one distance only, either far, for driving and watching television, or near, for reading and sewing. If patients choose to have IOLs that focus both eyes for far vision, they may not need glasses for driving or TV, but they will need glasses for close reading.

The Crystalens™ accommodative implant restores far-away, up-close, and “everything-in-between” vision. This accommodating implant has a flexible attachment to the eye allowing it to move in the eye to focus both far and near without glasses – enabling patients to focus at all distances.

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The Crystalens™ has also shown promise for patients with presbyopia who do not have cataracts. Presbyopia is a naturally occurring eye condition associated with aging. The lenses in younger eyes are flexible and can focus on objects both far and near. As we mature, our lenses begin to lose this flexibility, and it can become difficult to read without magnifying aids (reading glasses).

Frequently Asked Questions About Crystalens™

What Is the Crystalens?

The Crystalens is the first and only intraocular lens replacement for cataracts that focuses like the eye’s natural lens, allowing for continuous vision up close, far away and all distances in between. Unlike standard IOLs, the Crystalens can restore full functional vision and in most cases eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks, allowing patients to see well and to look their best. With Crystalens, for the first time, cataract patients will have the opportunity to potentially experience the freedom of seeing well at all distances without glasses.

How Does It Work?

By using the eye’s muscle to move the lens backward and forward naturally in response to the brain’s desire to see at different distances, the Crystalens enables patients to focus through a full range of vision including near, intermediate and far distances. Patients experience the same vision they had when they were younger, for most without the inconvenience of corrective lenses or eyeglasses.

What is an accommodating intraocular lens?

Crystalens is an accommodating lens, which means that it focuses like the eye’s natural lens allowing for continuous vision up close, far away and all distances in between. The Crystalens is intended to restore near, intermediate, and distance vision and in most cases eliminate the need for glasses and contacts for everyday tasks, allowing patients to see well and to look their best. With Crystalens, for the first time, cataract patients will potentially have the opportunity to experience the freedom of seeing well at all distances without glasses.

What is the difference between the Crystalens accommodating lens and a standard lens?

The Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens allows for continuous vision up close, far away and at all distances in between, in most cases with patients experiencing the same vision they had when they were younger, without the inconvenience of corrective lenses. In contrast, standard (single vision) lens implants provide vision at a fixed distance and do not have the ability to provide a full range of near, intermediate and far vision. Most people with single vision implants must wear glasses for near vision and may need to wear glasses for intermediate/arm’s length vision as well.

Who are the best candidates for the Crystalens IOL?

The Crystalens is ideally suited for men and women aged 50 years of age and older with cataracts who want to restore their near, intermediate and distance vision.

If I’ve had LASIK can I still be a candidate for Crystalens?

Yes. People who have had prior corneal refractive surgery are acceptable candidates for Crystalens implantation as long as their eye is in good health. Patients should consult their doctor.

Our Location

Center for Sight
3160 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816-4403

800-828-EYES916-446-2020FAX:916-446-3128