Cataract Surgery: Choosing Your Advanced Technology Lens

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, resulting in vision loss that cannot be corrected with spectacles, contact lenses, or corneal refractive surgery (including LASIK). Cataracts are very common; greater than 50% of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts according to the National Eye Institute. Recently, there has been a trend toward performing cataract surgery in younger demographics, especially given the advanced optics available. However, one of the most important decisions you will have to make before your cataract surgery is what type of intraocular lens to choose.  

Thomas Eye Group in Atlanta is proud to offer a wide-range of lens options, including cutting-edge laser cataract surgery via the FDA-approved CATALYS Precision Laser System. Unlike traditional cataract surgery, laser cataract surgery offers advanced technology for better vision and is a true breakthrough in cataract surgery. For the past several decades, cataract surgeons have had to rely solely on handheld instruments to perform this challenging procedure.

However, the sophisticated software that the CATALYS offers helps facilitate this procedure by allowing for true customization by optimizing outcomes and helping treat corneal astigmatism. In combining a femtosecond laser and 3D imaging with several other innovative features, the CATALYS is among the most precise cataract surgical options available today.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options

Intraocular lenses come in a variety of materials and designs. Your Thomas Eye Group cataract surgeon will help you select the most appropriate lens that is best suited for your individual needs.

  • Monofocal Lens:​ This commonly used lens provides clear, single-range vision and most people choose to have their monofocal lens set for distance. This allows individuals to perform activities such as driving or playing golf without requiring them to wear glasses or contacts. However, with a monofocal lens set for distance vision, individuals will likely still need to wear glasses while reading or for activities involving close vision.
  • Monofocal Lens with Monovision​: Monovision is when one eye’s lens is set for distance and the other is set for near vision. Despite having different focal points, both eyes work in tandem for clear vision at both distance and near. If you are considering this option, your doctor may initially recommend a contact lens trial to determine if this is your best option.

Premium or Enhanced Lenses

  • Toric Lens:​ For candidates with significant corneal astigmatism, toric lenses are available. Toric IOLs are monofocal lenses designed to correct the blurry or distorted vision caused by your astigmatism and may significantly improve your distance or near vision.
  • Multifocal Lens:​ A multifocal IOL has focal rings that allow you to see clearly at both near and far distances.  With a multifocal IOL, you will have maximum flexibility with the least amount of dependence on glasses for any focal point.

David J. Sackel, M.D., one of Thomas Eye Group’s cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeons, often uses this advanced technology to help his patients achieve their desired outcome:

“Many of my patients who are active and enjoy playing sports have gravitated toward using the femtosecond laser and the advanced optics of the multifocal IOL. Not only does this lens enable them to be less dependent on glasses for both distance and near, but it also provides them with greater depth perception.”

The ophthalmologists at Thomas Eye Group look forward to discussing your vision needs and expectations, while helping you determine the best implant approach. Our ophthalmologists are committed to enhancing your vision and providing you with the best possible surgical outcome.

Book an Aesthetic or Oculoplastic Consultation

Dr. Kenneth R. Neufeld is the oculoplastic surgeon for the Thomas Eye Group. However, Dr. Neufeld is not your traditional oculoplastic surgeon. He was trained first as an ophthalmologist and then as an oculoplastic specialist. This provides Dr. Neufeld with specific skills and training to deal with all of the complex ramifications of the eyelid, orbital, tear duct, and facial plastics procedures, all of which result in better vision and a natural, more youthful appearance. At the moment, our doctors are still able to have eyelid consultations with our patients through our Telehealth appointments. These appointments are completely virtual. Click here to schedule a Telehealth appointment today.

Understanding how each of our Aesthetic treatments works and how combinations of these treatments can reward your expectations, can help you to decide how to best benefit from cosmetic procedures available at Thomas Eye Group. Now is the perfect time to learn how these cosmetic procedures can work for you. Schedule a consultation at 888.583.4199 today.

As the situation continues to evolve regarding the coronavirus pandemic, Thomas Eye Group has determined we need to extend our commitment to “social distancing” for the health and safety of our patients and staff. We believe we each play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of the coronavirus infection. It is important to know when we look back at our actions and decisions, that we made the hard decisions to put our people and our communities first. In the end, it may be impossible to know if we overreacted, but it will be very apparent if we did too little.

We promise to continue to communicate with you as we remove these restrictions so that we can resume our normal services. We appreciate you and your patience during this time. From all of us at Thomas Eye Group, we know the metro Atlanta community is resilient and we will get through this challenging time by each doing our part for the greater good. Our goal is to continue providing patient care while continuing to stay true to our mission to improve the quality of people’s lives by compassionately providing a lifetime of outstanding eye care.

Thomas Eye Group