An intraocular lens is a synthetic artificial lens that replaces the eye's natural lens and provides the focusing power needed to see clearly at various distances. Depending on the intraocular lens that the patient chooses, prior recommendations and/or observations from the specialist, the patient will be able to see the fine print or will still need reading glasses. With multifocal or trifocal lenses, the patient will ensure that they can read the fine print.
Intraocular lenses are made of silicone, acrylic, or other plastics. Many also include materials that help protect the eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. The main types of intraocular lenses are known as monofocal, multifocal, extended depth of focus, accommodative and toric intraocular lenses.
Determining the right intraocular lens for a patient can be based on many factors, including eye health, lifestyle, and cost. If the patient is interested in correcting presbyopia, seeing the fine print, dependence on glasses or contact lenses could be decreased and the ability to see at all distances restored with a multifocal intraocular lens or an accommodating intraocular lens.
Before cataract surgery, the eye will be thoroughly measured in a preliminary exam to determine the proper power of the intraocular lens to be placed in the eye. If a multifocal intraocular lens is chosen, additional tests may be needed to make sure the measurements are accurate and that you don't have other vision problems that could hinder the performance of the intraocular lens.
In this video the Dr. José Alberto Muiños Gómez-Camacho, medical director of Innova Ocular Muiños Clinic, explains if after cataract surgery with intraocular lenses the patient will be able to see the fine print.
