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The Patient’s Guide to IOLs

Intraocular Lens Guidance by Gerstein Eye Institute, Chicago

If you’re having trouble with your vision, your eye doctor in Chicago might recommend the use of intraocular lenses , or IOLs. These intraocular implants can help patients deal with certain types of eye diseases, and in doing so they can improve their happiness and comfort. There are a few different kinds of IOLs, and you can discuss the different types with your ophthalmologist to find out which might be right for you. However, they are typically all made of the same material. Read ahead for a quick look at the patient’s guide to IOLs. IOL- Eye

When IOLs Are Appropriate

The human eye has many different parts, from the pupils that adjust to let different amounts of light in, to the retinas in the back of the eyes where the images land. When it comes to focusing and visual acuity, you rely primarily on your lenses. Unfortunately, many peoples’ lenses gradually lose strength over time. If you have severe cataracts, then your eye doctor may remove your lens entirely. In this case, the ophthalmologist may replace your original lens with an IOL, which is just an artificial replacement lens. By replacing your cataract lens with a clear new one, you can alleviate issues like blurriness and dulled colors.

Types of IOLs

When you talk to your eye doctor about the possibility of an IOL, you will find that there are quite a few different kinds. A monofocal IOL tends to be the go-to choice after cataract surgery. People typically use these IOLs for distance and wear eye glasses for reading. Toric IOLs are helpful for those with astigmatism, and multifocal IOLs handle both distance and close-up vision. You can also talk to your eye doctor about accommodative IOLs, which can actually change shape after being placed.

What IOLs are Made of

Although there are different kinds of IOLs that you can use after cataract surgery, most of them are made of acrylic or silicone. Additionally, intraocular lenses may help protect your eyes from overexposure to ultraviolet rays. This can prevent additional damage to your eye health in the future.