What type of IOL should I choose for my Cataract Surgery?

Cataracts in your eyes can only be corrected by surgery.

During cataract surgery, the natural lens in your eye will be replaced by an artificial lens called Intraocular lens (IOL). This is a very less time-consuming surgery, and several modern techniques are available nowadays for a painless, stitchless, and hassle-free process.

You would need to consult your doctor to get a recommendation for the right kind of IOL depending on your lifestyle and the condition of your eye. However, it is important to understand the IOLs to decide which IOL might suit your needs, more importantly, because Cataract operation (Motiyabind ka operation) is a one-time intervention and your decision to choose the IOL would also affect the possible artificial lens that you might need in your other eye in future.

Cataract operation cost by Phaco method (Motiyabind ka operation cost) at dvc foundation Hospital starts from Rs. 12,000 only. The cataract/ Motiyabind operation package includes all expenses such as Doctor fees, OT charges, Bed charges, Lens costs, etc. Basic cataract operation by SICS process starts from Rs. 6,000 only. 

Monofocal Lens

Monofocal IOLs are the standard IOLs. The central Optic part of these IOLs comes with one refractive power which means that with Monofocal IOL you would be able to see up close or far away and not both.

After the cataract surgery with a Monofocal lens, you would need reading glasses or even bifocals depending on your pre-existing refractive error.

Advantages:

Monofocal lenses are the most suggested lenses. There are various types of Indian and foreign lens in this category and patients can choose according to their budgets. Mostly with this lens distance vision is corrected well.

Disadvantages:

Most people having a Monofocal lens would still need to wear glasses.

dvc foundationEye hospital offers a range of Indian and Foreign IOL lenses to choose from depending on your budget.

Multifocal

These lenses are also called premium lenses and are the most technologically advanced IOLs. The Optics part of the lens comes with a differential refractive power range allowing patients to see near, intermediate as well as far distances with ease. Multifocal lens often allows vision correction without having to wear glasses.

These lenses are therefore suited for people who lead an active lifestyle. Your cataract surgeon is best placed to decide whether you can be a good candidate for multifocal lenses after your preoperative examination.

Advantages:

A multifocal lens is your best option to avoid wearing glasses after your cataract or Motiyabind operation. These lenses allow you to lead an active lifestyle like reading, working on computers, driving, etc.

Disadvantages:

These lenses are usually costly and come at a premium price compared to Monofocal lenses. Though you might be willing to spend for it, your doctor would be the best person to advise for Multifocal lens implantation. Your vision outcome also depends on your pre-existing eye condition.

dvc foundation Eye hospital does the largest number of Multifocal IOL implantation in this region. If you choose to upgrade to a multifocal Intraocular lens for your cataract surgery (Motiyabind operation), you should consider consulting our experienced eye doctors and specialists.

TORIC lens

Our eyes have two types of power:

  • Spherical- caused by the refractive error problem of our natural lens in the eye.
  • Cylindrical - caused by the uneven curvature of the cornea- the transparent front part of our eye.

The uneven curvature of the cornea leads to a refractive condition called Astigmatism.

Both Monofocal and Multifocal lenses can correct only the spherical power of the eye. However, if you also have astigmatism then you would need Toric lenses for the correction.

Therefore, a patient with astigmatism can opt for either a Monofocal Toric IOL or a multifocal Toric IOL.

Finally, which would be the best IOL for you?

There is no single answer to suggest which of the IOL would be best suited for you. Your cataract surgeon would be able to best suggest to you the IOL that you may require depending on the condition of your eye and other preexisting diseases.

Lifestyle:

In case you lead an active lifestyle like playing, or traveling you may compromise on your near vision but not on your distance vision. Similarly, there are other activities like driving where you need to have both near, and distance vision corrected and might like to avoid glasses altogether after cataract surgery.

Budget:

Premium IOLs are more costly than standard IOLs. Though costly they offer greater benefits than standard IOL. However, if you are on a budget, you might not like to consider Premium IOLs.

Pre-Existing Diseases:

Any preexisting eye or systemic diseases might require you to consider a particular type of IOL. If you have preexisting eye conditions like glaucoma, or retinal issues you might have to consider a specific type of IOL. Similarly, in case you have systemic issues like Diabetes your doctor might suggest you a specific kind of IOL.