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Standard vs. Premium IOLs for Cataract Surgery: Is it Worth it to Upgrade?

Most people who live into their 70s will develop cataracts in one or both eyes. Cataracts cause a gradual dimming of vision and, if not corrected, may cause blindness. Fortunately, cataract lens replacement can restore clear vision. Cataract surgery is one of the most highly effective medical procedures of all time. 

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common condition that occurs when the eye lens becomes cloudy or opaque, causing vision to blur or distort. The eye lens is the clear dome located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil (the black circle in the center of the iris). The lens is essential for focusing light into the retina, the layer of cells at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals. But as you age, the proteins in the eyes can break down, causing the cloudy film known as cataracts to occur.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a simple, safe procedure where the surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the eye and removes the cloudy lens. The surgeon will then replace the lens with an intraocular lens implant. More than 3.7 million people every year have cataract lens replacement surgery. Beyond choosing your doctor, each patient also has options when selecting their intraocular lens implant. 

Types of Replacement Lenses for Cataract Surgery

Once you’ve decided on cataract lens replacement, you will need to decide if standard or premium IOLs are right for you. There are several different types of IOLs available. The type that is best for a particular patient will depend on several factors, including their age, overall health, and specific vision needs.  

Talk with your eye doctor in Buffalo about the premium IOLs available and the benefits of premium intraocular lenses over standard.   

What is a Standard IOL?

A standard IOL is designed to provide good distance vision but may not provide optimal vision for reading or other close-up tasks. Standard IOLs are suitable for people who do not need correction for presbyopia, a common age-related condition that causes problems focusing on up-close objects.  

Standard IOLs are typically the most affordable type of IOL and are often covered by insurance. Because they are single-vision, you may still need to wear glasses for up-close or distance vision. However, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may prefer to pay extra for a more advanced type of IOL that provides better vision for a wider range of distances. Your ophthalmologist will be able to discuss the different types of IOLs available and help you choose the one that is best for you. 

What is a Premium IOL?

Premium IOLs are more advanced and designed to provide a wider range of vision than standard IOLs. There are several types of premium IOLs available, each with unique features and benefits. Some premium IOLs are designed to correct presbyopia by correcting your near vision. Some premium IOLs are multifocus lenses for cataract surgery that can do the work of glasses and eliminate your cataracts. Premium IOLs may be more expensive than standard IOLs and may not be covered by insurance. However, they can provide a broader range of vision and may be a good option for people who want to minimize their reliance on glasses and contact lenses. 

Toric IOLs

Toric IOLs are designed to correct astigmatism, which causes distorted or blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea. Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye (the cornea) is not perfectly round, but rather has a more football-like shape. This irregularity causes light to focus at two different points on the retina, rather than one, resulting in distorted or blurry vision. Toric IOLs are shaped differently from standard IOLs and are designed to correct this distorted focus by realigning the cornea’s irregular shape.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocus lenses for cataract surgery, also called multifocal intraocular lens implants, are designed to correct presbyopia. Multifocal IOLs redirect light into the eye to correct your inability to see items that are close-up. This causes problems reading, working on a computer, or performing other tasks. Presbyopia typically worsens as you age, requiring reading or computer glasses. But multifocal premium lenses for cataract surgery can eliminate your need for vision correction while also eliminating a cataract.

Accommodating IOLs

There is another type of premium intraocular lens called accommodating IOLs. These IOLs work with your eye muscles to help with the natural process of focusing your eye. An accommodating IOL moves forward when the muscles around the eye tighten to look at close-up objects, then moves backward with the eye relaxes to allow you to look at more distant objects. 

Your ophthalmologist can discuss the different types of premium IOLs available and help you choose the best option.

What are the Benefits of Premium Lenses for Cataract Surgery?

Selecting premium lenses for cataract surgery means you receive the more advanced IOL designed to provide a wider range of vision options. Premium IOLs are a good option for people who want to minimize their need for corrective lenses after cataract surgery. Some of the benefits of premium IOLs for cataract lens replacement include: 

  • Improved distance and close-up vision without glasses. 
  • Correction of astigmatism, a condition where the cornea is irregularly shaped. 
  • Improved night vision that reduces glare and light halos. 

Costs of Premium Lenses for Cataract Surgery

Premium IOLs are generally more expensive than standard IOLs and may not be fully covered by your insurance carrier. While the typical standard lens, the cost can range up to $4,000 or so per eye. Premium IOS procedures can range closer to $7,000 per eye, depending on several factors. The cost can vary depending on the type of IOL chosen, the geographic location of the surgery, and your insurance coverage. But every doctor is different, so speak with your provider about cost, insurance coverage, and the treatment that’s right for you.

Alcon Premium Lenses for Cataract Surgery in Buffalo, NY

The cataract surgeons at ECVA have a variety of premium Alcon IOL options, including:  

Our team is standing by to provide you with the highest quality cataract surgery in Western New York. We have offices in Buffalo, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, and Williamsville. Contact the ophthalmologists at ECVA today to learn more about our selection of Alcon premium lenses for cataract surgery.