Specialty Intraocular Lenses

Intraocular Lens Implant

For many years Ophthalmologists have treated cataracts by removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant (or IOL).  Traditional IOLs improve vision at one focal point only, usually distance; patients require glasses for close and intermediate vision after cataract surgery.  Additionally, traditional IOLs do not correct astigmatism, and patients who have astigmatism receiving this type of implant would need astigmatism correction in glasses to provide the best vision at a distance, intermediate, and near after cataract surgery.  In recent years new technology in IOLs offers patients choices that can decrease dependency on glasses after cataract surgery.  The physicians at the Spokane Eye Clinic are excited to offer the most up-to-date technology in intraocular lens implants. 

Astigmatism-Correcting IOL

We offer Astigmatism-Correcting (or Toric) IOLs for patients with astigmatism. A Toric IOL enables patients to see at a distance with little or no glasses after cataract surgery by decreasing or eliminating their astigmatism correction. Your surgeon can help determine if a Toric IOL is an option for you.

Presbyopia-Correcting IOL

Another option for patients is a Presbyopia-Correcting IOL. Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs are named after the natural aging process that leads to the need for reading glasses or bifocals.  Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs assist patients with their ability to see up close, intermediate, and at a distance, making them less dependent on reading glasses after cataract surgery.    Not everyone is a candidate for a Presbyopia-Correcting IOL. Your surgeon can help determine if a Presbyopia-Correcting IOL is an option for you. 

Light-Adjustable Lenses (LAL)

The Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only lens that can be customized after cataract surgery. This means that once your eye has healed from surgery, you and your surgeon have the ability to optimize your vision based on your unique preferences. During a follow-up appointment, your doctor will measure your vision. Next, light treatments will be performed to reshape your implanted lens based on the visual correction that is needed to target your custom prescription.

Light adjustable lenses increase your likelihood of obtaining 20/20 vision without correction. One study demonstrated that those who received the LAL (followed by light adjustments) were twice as likely to obtain uncorrected 20/20 vision at 6 months compared to those who received a standard monofocal lens implant.

(FDA.gov.LAL Summary of Safety and Effectiveness)

During your appointment, ask your surgeon if you might be a candidate for the Light-Adjustable Lens!