How Do I Know Which IOL is Best for Me?

February 21st, 2025

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions. They form when proteins in the natural lens of the eye break down and clump together on the surface of the lens, causing cloudy vision.

While cataracts can lead to blindness if left untreated, cataract surgery is a proven way to remove them and restore clear vision. During the surgery, the natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).

Choosing the right IOL for you is an essential part of preparing for cataract surgery. Keep reading to learn more about how to know which IOL is best for you.

What is an IOL?

An IOL is an artificial lens that is implanted in the eye to replace your natural lens during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. Once implanted, an IOL rarely needs to be replaced and usually lasts a lifetime.

IOLs cannot form cataracts, meaning you’ll never have to worry about them returning after your procedure. There are several types of IOLs, including monofocal, multifocal, toric, and extended depth of focus (EDOF).

Depending on the lens, IOLs can improve your vision at one or more distances. At Laser Eye Center, we offer:

Monofocal IOLs

For many years, monofocal IOLs were the only option for cataract surgery. They can improve vision at a single distance, either near or far, although patients often opt for distance vision.

Many people opt for monofocal IOLs because they are covered by most insurance and Medicare. There are usually no out-of-pocket costs associated with this type of IOL.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal IOLs can improve vision at two or three distances, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contacts. They correct vision using a series of concentric rings of differing strengths.

Multifocal IOLs, along with toric and EDOF lenses, are premium lenses. This means they are not covered by insurance or Medicaid and are an out-of-pocket expense.

At Laser Eye Center, we offer the TECNIS Multifocal IOL, a lens designed to improve vision at two distances: near and far. These IOLs are a good choice for patients with presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness.

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are oval-shaped lenses designed specifically to improve the vision of people with astigmatism. Unlike other lenses, they accommodate the irregular shape of the eye, which often causes astigmatism.

Both the Alcon and the AMO toric IOLs offered at Laser Eye Center provide customized correction of astigmatism and improved distance vision. They can give patients with astigmatism a broader range of vision than a standard IOL.

Monofocal, multifocal, and EDOF IOLs also all come in toric versions.

EDOF IOLs

EDOF IOLs are designed to correct a full range of vision with no gaps in clarity. These lenses stretch and shift light entering the eye, mimicking the function of a natural lens.

Of all available IOLs, they provide the best intermediate vision, which is especially useful for people who work at a computer. The Vivity IOL offered at Laser Eye Center is an innovative IOL that provides an extended depth of focus for exceptional vision after cataract surgery.

Its proprietary X-Wave technology can provide clear distance vision, intermediate vision, and functional near vision with fewer visual disturbances than multifocal IOLs.

Achieve Your Best Vision after Cataract Surgery

The best way to know which IOL is right for you is by consulting with your cataract surgeon at Laser Eye Center. They’ll work with you to find an IOL that fits your budget, lifestyle, and medical history and helps you realize your vision goals.

Are you ready to explore your IOL options? Schedule an appointment at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!