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What is an IOL?

An intraocular lens implant (IOL) is an artificial lens that is used to replace the eye’s natural lens during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. The eye’s lens is located behind the iris and pupil, and is responsible for focusing light onto the retina to produce images we see. When a person develops cataracts, this lens becomes cloudy and must eventually be replaced with an intraocular lens to restore clear vision. Refractive lens exchange surgery is essentially identical to cataract surgery, except in this case an unclouded natural lens is replaced with an IOL to improve a patient’s vision and minimize the need for glasses.1

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Standard IOLs vs Premium IOLs

During cataract surgery, an IOL is used to replace a lens clouded by cataracts. Standard IOLs, also known as monofocal IOLs, are included in insurance coverage for cataract surgery. Standard IOLs can restore clear sight that has been blurred by cataracts and can either correct distance vision or near vision, but not both. The majority of our cataract surgery patients who opt for standard IOLs choose to correct their distance vision and will need readers after surgery. Alternatively, patients who are near-sighted may prefer to remain near-sighted and choose a standard IOL targeted for near vision. In this case, glasses are required for distance vision. However, patients who have astigmatism may still need to use glasses or contacts to achieve clear vision at all distances following cataract surgery with standard IOLs.

For patients who wish to be less dependent on glasses or contacts, the team at San Francisco Eye Institute offers a number of premium IOLs that can help them achieve better vision at a range of distances. Medical insurance companies consider premium IOLs to be an elective upgrade, which correlates to out-of-pocket expenses for patients. However, patients who wish to reduce or even eliminate their dependence on corrective lenses often feel that the added cost is well worthwhile. To ensure that the clearest vision possible is attainable for our patients, San Francisco Eye Institute offers a number of affordable financing plans through CareCredit.

Types of Premium IOLs

Astigmatism-Correcting IOLs (Toric)

In patients who have astigmatism, irregular curvature of the cornea causes vision to be blurred or distorted. Toric IOLs are designed to correct this refractive error. At San Francisco Eye Institute we offer a number of types of toric IOLs:

  • Toric Monofocal IOLs: These lenses can correct astigmatism as well as near or distance vision (but not both).
  • Toric Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs: These are lenses that treat both astigmatism and vision at all ranges, providing the best chance for people with astigmatism not to need eyewear at all after surgery.

Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs

Presbyopia is the loss of near vision that impacts everyone with age, beginning at around age 40. Many people with presbyopia rely on reading glasses or bifocals to see clearly while reading, checking their phones, or to perform other up-close tasks. Fortunately, we offer a number of different premium IOLs that can help people with presbyopia see more clearly without corrective lenses, including:

  • Multifocal IOLs
  • Trifocal IOLs
  • Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs

 
At San Francisco Eye Institute, we offer a variety of brands of presbyopia-correcting lens implants, including AcrySof® PanOptix®, AcrySof® IQ Vivity™3, AcrySof® ReSTOR, Tecnis®, and Tecnis Symfony™4 among others.

Light Adjustable Lens™

The Light Adjustable Lens by RxSight® is the only IOL that can be adjusted after implantation. This gives the patient the opportunity to “test drive their vision” through a series of painless customization appointments until they achieve the ideal refraction for their unique eyes. At San Francisco Eye Institute, we are proud to employ this revolutionary breakthrough in vision correction.

Learn More about Light Adjustable Lens

LAL Device by RxSight

Interested in Learning More About Cataract Surgery?

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Which IOL is Right for Me?

If you are a candidate for cataract surgery or are interested in correcting refractive errors through refractive lens exchange (RLE), the best way to determine which type of IOL is best for your needs and lifestyle is to consult with an ophthalmologist you trust. At San Francisco Eye Institute, our experienced doctors and team will help you evaluate your IOL options and make the best selection based on your vision, lifestyle, and budget.

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IOL Patient Testimonials
4.9/5 Average Rating based on over 200 reviews
Quote stars - 5 stars review

This is a thank-you note to Dr. Helena Cheng and Dr. Margaret Liu. I
recently had surgery to remove a cataract and fix a problem with glaucoma
in my left eye. It has made a world a difference! I can now use my
computer without glasses, and I can once again see the notes in my piano
music. I had given up my piano lessons, but now I’m back. I can also
clearly see performers on the stage of concert halls. When I turn out the
lights to sleep, I still instinctively reach to take off my glasses, except
they’re not there! Thank you for giving those parts of my life back to me.

James M.

Contact San Francisco Eye Institute to Learn More

Contact Us

For more information on IOLs and other vision correction options available to our Bay Area patients, please contact us at San Francisco Eye Institute.

Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Intraocular Implants (IOLs). Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/iols-intraocular-lens. Accessed March 15, 2021.

2 Alcon. Alcon Introduces AcrySof IQ PanOptix Trifocal IOL in the U.S., the First and Only FDA-Approved Trifocal Lens [Press release].https://www.alcon.com/media-release/alcon-flagship-acrysofr-intraocular-lens-reaches-100-million-implants-and-counting. Accessed March 15, 2021.

3 Alcon. Vivity. Available: https://professional.myalcon.com/cataract-surgery/intraocular-lens/vivity/. Accessed March 15, 2021.

4 Johnson & Johnson Vision. TECNIS Symfony IOL. Available: https://www.jnjvisionpro.com/products/tecnis-symfony%C2%AE-iol. Accessed August 6, 2023

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The doctors at San Francisco Eye Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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Whether you just need a general eye exam, or if you are interested in reducing or eliminating your need for glasses or contacts, our team is here to help! Contact us to book an appointment today!

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