No. A natural, healthy lens changes its curvature to adjust its focusing power. Working with the surrounding ciliary muscle of the eye, the lens curves and thickens to see close objects clearly, and flattens to see distant objects clearly.
A multifocal lens does not move or change shape. The ReStor multifocal lens features added magnification in different portions of the lens to focus on objects that are close by and far away.
The Crystalens accommodating IOL is more similar to the eye’s natural lens than a multifocal IOL. Crystalens works with the ciliary muscle to flex and flatten, bringing objects at different distances into clear focus.
" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are toric IOLs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We recommend toric IOLs for our patients with astigmatism. Toric IOLs are designed with different magnification powers on different parts of the lens to compensate for asymmetry of the eye’s focusing system." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can IOLs develop cataracts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, intraocular lenses cannot develop cataracts.
A small number of patients with IOLs develop cataract-like symptoms such as cloudy or hazy vision due to a clouding of the membrane holding the IOL in place. This is known as posterior capsule opacification, and it can be easily treated during a quick, in-office laser procedure.
" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are IOLs used exclusively in cataract surgery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "IOLs are also used in refractive lens exchange, a procedure to permanently correct for presbyopia (the age-related loss of reading vision). Instead of replacing cloudy, cataract-diseased lenses, the IOLs replace clear lenses that have lost their ability to focus on nearby objects.
Refractive lens exchange can be performed with multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs or extended depth of focus IOLs. The procedure steps are virtually identical to those of cataract surgery.
" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I need glasses with my IOLs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text":"Whether you need to wear glasses after cataract surgery depends on several factors — most importantly, the type of IOL you select.
If you select a monofocal IOL, you will definitely need reading glasses after surgery. But with multifocal, trifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs, there is a good chance you will not need glasses.
Another factor that can affect whether you need glasses is the health of your eyes at the time of surgery.
" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I have any glare or night vision problems with my IOL?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text":"Some types of IOLs have been associated with higher occurrences of glare, halos and poor night vision. The Tecnis Symfony IOL and PanOptix trifocal IOL are less likely to cause these visual aberrations." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the team at Wiles Eye Center ensure each patient receives the best IOL for their needs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text":"Our team relies on the Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system to streamline the IOL selection process. ORA technology provides real-time measurements of the eye’s structures after our surgeons remove the cataractous lens and before they place the IOL. A computer formula then calculates the appropriate power of the IOL based on this information. We can confirm on the spot whether we have selected the right IOL or whether we need to adjust the lens power."} }] }
Need to get a premium IOL in Kansas City? Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are tiny artificial lenses that ophthalmologists implant in the eye to restore vision after cataract surgery. Lens implants are necessary, and traditional monofocal IOLs improve vision and restore the optical pathway after the cataract is removed. However, many cataract patients find that wearing prescription glasses after traditional lens implantation helps obtain a perfect focus. Wiles Eye Center has two locations, so contact our office if you need a lens implant in Kansas City, MO or St. Joseph.
How Are IOLs Implanted?
Intraocular lenses are implanted in the eye during cataract surgery. An opening is created in the capsule (or membrane) that holds the eye’s natural lens, and the lens is broken up into pieces. Once the pieces have been removed, the lens implant is positioned inside the lens capsule. The entire process can be completed in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. The eye is completely numbed so there is no pain during surgery.
Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Recovering from the placement of a cataract lens implant is different for everyone. Patients may have cloudy, blurry or distorted vision at first, and it may take time to adjust to the artificial lens. Some patients are able to notice an improvement in their visual clarity within several hours of surgery, and others need a few days or weeks.
What Are Premium (Custom) IOLs?
Traditional monofocal IOLs work perfectly for many patients but may require the use of prescription eyeglasses after surgery to get vision into focus. Patients that live busy, active lives and those that have pre-existing refractive errors like astigmatism or up-close reading problems usually find that premium or custom IOLs are better suited to their needs. Custom IOLs are laser-fit precisely to the patient’s eye and correct a wide range of refractive errors which can reduce or eliminate dependency on prescription glasses. As a result, many cataract and refractive lens exchange patients are able to obtain clear, crisp vision naturally, without the help of prescription lenses. Patients can enjoy naturally clear vision for activities like driving an automobile, watching TV, or watching the grandkids, while similarly enjoying excellent up-close vision for reading books, the scorecard or sewing.
Wiles Eye Center offers the latest in high-quality premium IOLs, including:
- Tecnis Symfony
- ReSTOR Multifocal
- Tecnis Toric
- ReSTOR Toric
- Crystalens HD
- Crystalens Toric
Multifocal IOLs
To help cataract patients who also struggle with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, the surgeons of Wiles Eye Center often recommend multifocal IOLs. Wiles Eye Center uses only FDA-approved multifocal IOLs, which include Tecnis Symfony and ReSTOR multifocal lenses.
After carefully evaluating a patient’s initial condition, the eye surgeons may recommend a multifocal IOL to extend the range of naturally clear vision from far away objects all the way to up-close objects. With multifocal IOLs, our Tecnis Symfony and ReSTOR multifocal patients improve both their distance and near vision and enjoy freedom from prescription glasses.
Tecnis Symfony IOL
The Tecnis Symfony IOL restores clear vision after cataracts while mitigating the effects of other visual conditions, including presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision. The Symfony IOL offers high-quality, seamless vision at multiple distances, including near, intermediate and far. This revolutionary IOL is the only lens that provides continuous, extended depth of focus to create a single elongated focus.
Thanks to its design, the Symfony reduces the likelihood of halos, glare and other visual symptoms associated with other IOLs. The Symfony IOL is recommended for patients with an active lifestyle and is available in a toric version to correct pre-existing astigmatism, a refractive error in which an abnormally curved cornea causes distorted or blurred vision.
Ideal Candidate for the Symfony IOL
The ideal candidate for the Symfony IOL is someone who:
- Wants a very broad range of vision
- Has no coexisting ocular disease
- Has realistic expectations of the lenses
- Is comfortable using glasses occasionally for certain tasks (e.g., reading or other near tasks)
Vivity IOL
AcrySof Vivity from Alcon is a high-performance, extended depth of focus IOL utilizing X-Wave technology. Instead of splitting incoming light into alternating focal points, the Vivity IOL uses all available light to create a smooth, continuous range of clear vision. According to Alcon, Vivity flawlessly transitions from one refractive power to the next, offering “high-quality distance vision, improved intermediate vision and functional near vision.” For most patients, functional near vision means they can perform many of their close-up tasks without glasses, requiring them only for certain tasks such as reading the small print on a prescription bottle label.
For the patient who wants visual independence for his or her active lifestyle, Vivity may be the clear choice. Vivity offers special features — most notably, the lens absorbs the sun’s dangerous UV rays and filters blue light from digital devices to reduce the occurrence of digital eye strain. Another advantage to the Vivity IOL is that patients generally report fewer incidences of visual disturbances, such as halos, glare and starbursts, which are more common with other IOLs. This is particularly useful for activities such as driving at night or in low light conditions. A toric version of the Vivity lens is available for patients with pre-existing astigmatism.
PanOptix Trifocal IOL
The team at Wiles Eye Center is pleased to offer the first and only trifocal IOL available in the United States: the PanOptix lens from AcrySof. The PanOptix IOL is perfectly suited to today’s active patient who wants quality, uninterrupted vision for near tasks like sending a text message, distance tasks like playing golf and everything in between.
The PanOptix IOL provides clear vision at middle distances, which is the vision people need for any task performed at arm’s length (e.g., reading a newspaper, working on a computer, looking in a mirror). No other IOL has been able to offer this type of vision as well as near and distance vision without compromising visual clarity.
Patients who opt for the PanOptix lens find that their need to wear glasses after cataract surgery is greatly reduced because the IOL can focus on whatever distance they are looking at. For instance, someone with the PanOptix IOL can check the time on a clock on the wall and then switch to reading a book or newspaper without any drop-off in visual clarity. Patients with the PanOptix IOL are also less likely to experience higher order aberrations such as halos around lights or glare, which are common with other types of IOLs.
Results of clinical studies of the new trifocal lens show that patients overwhelmingly love the PanOptix IOL. According to clinical studies, more than 99 percent of PanOptix patients would select the same lens again, and 98 percent would recommend the lens to friends or family.
Benefits of the PanOptix IOL
- Clear, sharp vision at near, far and intermediate distances
- Great vision in various lighting conditions, including bright light, dim light and low light
- No blurry zones
- Bright, vivid color vision
- Less need to wear glasses after cataract surgery
- Less risk of glare and other common IOL side effects
- Available in a toric version for individuals with astigmatism
Ideal Candidates for the PanOptix IOL
The PanOptix IOL is suitable for individuals with cataracts who want the clear vision they need to live active, independent lives — while avoiding the need to constantly rely on glasses. Over 80 percent of people in a PanOptix clinical study reported that within the week prior to the study, they did not need to wear glasses for any of their daily tasks.
Some candidates for the PanOptix IOL may have pre-existing astigmatism that causes distorted or blurry vision; luckily, the IOL is available in a toric version to mitigate the visual effects and distortion caused by astigmatism.
The PanOptix IOL is even an option for some candidates without cataracts, who are struggling with declining reading vision and wish for reduced dependency on reading glasses. In these candidates, the natural, non-clouded lens can be removed and replaced with the PanOptix IOL. This procedure, known as refractive lens exchange, prevents the need for cataract surgery later in life, since artificial IOLs cannot develop cataracts.
The best way to confirm candidacy for the PanOptix IOL is to discuss it with a trusted ophthalmologist at Wiles Eye Center during an in-person consultation.
ReSTOR Multifocal IOL
The ReSTOR multifocal IOL provides clear vision at multiple distances after cataract surgery so patients can see clearly up close, far away and at every point in between without needing glasses or contacts. These IOLs are designed with added magnification in different portions of the lens surface in order to focus clearly on close-up objects and distant objects.
ReSTOR is also available in a toric version to correct pre-existing astigmatism.
Ideal Candidate for the ReSTOR
The ideal candidate for the ReSTOR is someone who:
- Wants clear near, distant and intermediate vision
- Wants to be less dependent on eyeglasses (e.g., computer glasses, reading glasses) after surgery
- Wants great image quality in all lighting conditions, including low-light conditions
- Is free of ocular surface disease and other eye diseases
- Has realistic expectations of the treatment outcomes
- Wants an astigmatism-correcting IOL
Crystalens Accommodating IOL
Crystalens is a premium IOL that restores clear vision at multiple distances by mimicking a focusing process known as accommodation. With the help of a circular muscle called the ciliary muscle, a natural, healthy lens thickens and flexes to adjust its focusing power. When the ciliary muscle is relaxed, the lens flattens for clear distance vision; as the muscle contracts, the lens thickens and becomes slightly curved to magnify close objects for clear near vision. In a healthy eye, this process is effortless and the transition is seamless.
Crystalens is the first FDA-approved accommodating IOL, meaning the IOL gently flexes with the eye’s muscle, like a natural lens, to improve the patient’s ability to change focus from near to distant objects. Special haptics, which are like peripheral legs, secure the IOL and allow it to shift slightly forward as the ciliary muscle contracts to provide clear near vision.
Crystalens is highly successful at treating presbyopia, or the age-related loss of reading vision. Many of our patients who have Crystalens implants boast that they are able to read the newspaper and text on a computer screen without their eye glasses — something they have never been able to do, even in their youth. In FDA clinical trials, more than 98 percent of Crystalens patients achieved 20/40 vision or better once healed.
The Crystalens is also available in a toric version to correct pre-existing astigmatism.
Ideal Candidate for the Crystalens
A great candidate for the Crystalens is someone who:
- Wants to eliminate cataracts while correcting presbyopia
- Wants good intermediate vision for computer work or magazine reading without eyeglasses
- Wants an astigmatism-correcting IOL
- Is free of ocular surface disease and other eye diseases
- Has realistic expectations of the treatment outcomes
How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost?
The cost of cataract surgery varies based on the scope of the treatment plan – particularly whether advanced technology is used and the IOL that is selected to replace the eye’s natural lens. Sometimes insurance companies pay part or all of the cost of cataract surgery. For example, the advanced cataract surgery procedure developed by Dr. Stephen B. Wiles, M.D., F.A.C.S., and performed at Wiles Eye Center is a Medicare-/Medicaid-covered procedure.
The best way to get detailed information about cataract surgery and IOL pricing is to call our office and speak with a member of our team.
Cataract Lens Implants Financing Options
At Wiles Eye Center, we accept insurance from many major providers and are happy to answer general questions about insurance coverage. For more specific questions about your plan, we encourage you to speak with your insurance company.
We also offer several ways to finance the cost of your cataract surgery and IOLs, including financing plans through CareCredit. This leading healthcare financing company allows you to pay for your treatment in smaller monthly increments with low- or no-interest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advanced IOLs
Does a multifocal lens function like the natural lens of the eye?
No. A natural, healthy lens changes its curvature to adjust its focusing power. Working with the surrounding ciliary muscle of the eye, the lens curves and thickens to see close objects clearly, and flattens to see distant objects clearly.
A multifocal lens does not move or change shape. The ReStor multifocal lens features added magnification in different portions of the lens to focus on objects that are close by and far away.
The Crystalens accommodating IOL is more similar to the eye’s natural lens than a multifocal IOL. Crystalens works with the ciliary muscle to flex and flatten, bringing objects at different distances into clear focus.
What are toric IOLs?
We recommend toric IOLs for our patients with astigmatism. Toric IOLs are designed with different magnification powers on different parts of the lens to compensate for asymmetry of the eye’s focusing system.
Can IOLs develop cataracts?
No, intraocular lenses cannot develop cataracts.
A small number of patients with IOLs develop cataract-like symptoms such as cloudy or hazy vision due to a clouding of the membrane holding the IOL in place. This is known as posterior capsule opacification, and it can be easily treated during a quick, in-office laser procedure.
Will I need glasses with my IOLs?
Whether you need to wear glasses after cataract surgery depends on several factors — most importantly, the type of IOL you select.
If you select a monofocal IOL, you will definitely need reading glasses after surgery. But with multifocal, trifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs, there is a good chance you will not need glasses.
Another factor that can affect whether you need glasses is the health of your eyes at the time of surgery.
Will I have any glare or night vision problems with my IOL?
Some types of IOLs have been associated with higher occurrences of glare, halos and poor night vision. The Tecnis Symfony IOL and PanOptix trifocal IOL are less likely to cause these visual aberrations.
How does the team at Wiles Eye Center ensure each patient receives the best IOL for their needs?
Our team relies on the Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) system to streamline the IOL selection process. ORA technology provides real-time measurements of the eye’s structures after our surgeons remove the cataractous lens and before they place the IOL. A computer formula then calculates the appropriate power of the IOL based on this information. We can confirm on the spot whether we have selected the right IOL or whether we need to adjust the lens power.
Are IOLs used exclusively in cataract surgery?
IOLs are also used in refractive lens exchange, a procedure to permanently correct for presbyopia (the age-related loss of reading vision). Instead of replacing cloudy, cataract-diseased lenses, the IOLs replace clear lenses that have lost their ability to focus on nearby objects.
Refractive lens exchange can be performed with multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs or extended depth of focus IOLs. The procedure steps are virtually identical to those of cataract surgery.
Contacting Your Kansas City and St. Joseph IOLs Specialist
Our team works closely with every cataract surgery patient to understand his or her unique visual needs and goals. We review the pros and cons of each IOL option and help patients select the most appropriate lens.
If cataracts are affecting your vision, and you would like to learn more about your premium IOL options, please use our appointment form to request a consultation with one of the Wiles Eye Center surgeons.