The Basics of Intraocular Lenses

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment around the world today. No other factor even comes close as cataracts cause 47.9% of these cases. (The second highest factor, glaucoma, comes in at 12.3%.) The connection between cataracts and visual impairments is especially strong in developing countries. There is reason for optimism, however, as intraocular lens (IOLs) can make cataract treatment more accessible and effective.

We’ve discussed IOLs on our blog before, but in today’s blog, we will discuss them in more detail and why they may be important for your ophthalmology practice.

What Are Intraocular Lenses?

During cataract surgery, the clouded lens of the eye is removed. An intraocular lens is used as a replacement for the damaged lens. There are two main types of IOLs: traditional and premium. Traditional IOLs only provide vision at one distance (near, intermediate, or far), which means people still must use glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at other distances. Premium IOLs are multifocal, which means they can offer vision at various distances without the need for glasses or contacts. Within these two categories, there are various types of IOLs, including:

Toric IOL: Premium lens used to treat astigmatism

Aspheric IOL: Traditional lens that helps with contrast sensitivity

Light Adjustable Lens: Can be altered to correct vision after they are implanted

Piggyback Lens: Can be placed above lens that is not functioning

What You Should Know

Awareness is the key to helping people avoid visual impairments via cataracts. You should provide information on IOLs and related technologies to your patients, even if you do not offer cataract surgery. Recent developments have made IOLs and cataract surgery safer with better visual outcomes. For more information, check out the Strategic Business Report from Research and Markets.