Premium IOLs San Diego
When it’s time to choose an intraocular lens (IOL), patients have a growing list of options. We offer many different IOLs here in our office, ranging from basic (for the budget-conscious) to premium, and we spend time with each patient helping them to understand the different options so that they can choose what’s best for them.
Certain IOLs are labeled “accommodating.” What does this mean? Why might someone choose an accommodating IOL? What are the possible advantages and disadvantages?
Accommodation is a change in the shape of the lens
The term “accommodation” refers to a process that regularly takes place in the eye’s natural lens. In order to change its focal distance, the shape of the lens must change. At rest, it’s generally focused on objects in the distance. To focus on closer objects, tiny muscles around the lens act on it in order to change its shape. This process of shape change is known as accommodation.
Can an IOL accommodate?
The first intraocular lenses could not change shape, and so they were not able to accommodate at all. In general, IOLs would be set for distance vision, and the patient would have a permanent need for reading glasses to see up close. This type of IOL is still available, and some people still choose it, because it’s the most economical option. However, it’s no longer the only IOL possibility. There are now premium IOLs, of which accommodating IOLs are one type.
An accommodating IOL is flexible, and so it’s able to change focal points. When implanted into the eye, the same muscles that normally change the shape of the eye’s natural lens will be able to change the shape of the IOL. In other words, an accommodating IOL is an artificial lens that can change focal point much like a natural lens can.
Are there any downsides to accommodating IOLs?
Of course, there are always pros and cons to any medical device. Although accommodating IOLs have the huge advantage of being more likely to free you from reading glasses, they also come with certain potential downsides. Although an accommodating IOL can provide clear vision over a range of visual distances, it may not provide sharp enough visual acuity at very near range to read fine print. Some people choose other options for this reason.
Premium IOLs San Diego
If you’re interested in learning more about your various IOL options, we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more. We offer a variety of premium IOLs here in our San Diego office, including multifocal, extended depth of focus, and accommodating IOLs. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation.
