Cataract Surgery Lens Options

Dear Ask The Doctor: Can you tell me what are the options for corrective lenses during cataract surgery? What lense do most people choose when getting cataract surgery? Do people have a hard time adjusting to one lense being for near sighted and one lense being for far sighted.

Dear Adele: There are essentially two options for the type of lens that can be implanted during cataract surgery. Traditional intraocular lens (IOL) are inserted after the eyes natural lens are removed. They increase the vision in the eye but cannot accommodate to see near or far objects.

Accommodative IOL are another option. These lenses are relatively new and offer the added advantage of being able to offer some accommodation to near and far objects.  The disadvantages are a slightly more complicated surgery and longer recovery time. There is also a slightly higher complication rate.

It is best to discuss the options with your ophthalmologist prior to surgery to determine the right option for you. He/she will also provide greater detail on the possible complications of surgery.