No More Cloudy Skies: IOLs and Cataracts By Walter Choate on May 17, 2016

There aren’t many certainties in life, but one thing is certain: if a person lives long enough, he or she will eventually develop cataracts. Over time, proteins will accumulate on the natural lenses of the eyes, causing vision to become clouded and distorted. If not treated, cataracts will result in blindness; in fact, cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness worldwide. While this is tragic, in most first-world countries, including the United States, blindness due to cataracts has become relatively rare. This is because, although cataracts are not curable, they can be easily and safely treated through the surgical removal of the natural lenses of the eyes.

Once cataract surgery has been performed, patients have several options for replacement of the natural lenses. At one time, the only viable replacement that existed was old-fashioned “coke-bottle” glasses. The current standard, however, is to replace the diseased lenses with artificial intraocular lenses, or IOLs. There are multiple types of IOLs to choose from, ranging from monofocal IOLs that correct vision at a single distance to premium multifocal IOLs that correct vision at all distances. At Choate Eye Associates, we proudly offer a range of IOLs and will help you to find the solution that best suits your needs and budget. Dr. Walter Choate can discuss the issue of IOLs and cataracts with you during a consultation at his Goodlettsville, TN eye care practice, providing you with all of the information you need to make the most informed and confident decision possible regarding your cataract treatment.

What type of IOL is right for you? To find out, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Walter Choate today.

IOLs and Cataract Surgery

One of the advantages of IOLs is that they can be placed immediately upon the removal of your cataracts. Due to the advanced technology he uses to prepare for and perform cataract surgery, Dr. Choate will be able to provide you with an IOL that is perfectly suited to your eye, with the precise vision correction you need to achieve the best possible uncorrected vision, depending on the type of IOL you choose.

If you choose to have a monofocal IOL placed, you will have to choose whether to have your vision corrected so that your near vision is restored or your distance vision is restored. Some patients elect to have one eye corrected for near vision and one corrected for distance vision through a process called monovision. One of the benefits of having monofocal IOLs placed is that many insurance policies will cover most or all of the cost of the lenses.

Modern multifocal IOLs are the premier lens option in that they are capable of restoring clear, crisp vision at all distances. Indeed, some cataract patients emerge from surgery with better vision than they’ve had in decades. While most insurance policies will not cover the full cost of a premium IOL, many will cover the cost up to that of a monofocal IOL. Financing options can help patients cover the remaining cost.