More than 24 million Americans over age 40 have cataracts. Cataracts cloud your vision and can contribute to significant vision loss — but the good news is that they’re treatable.
Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens that’s turned cloudy and replacing it with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). While the procedure itself is safe and highly effective, choosing the right IOL is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, because it determines how well you’ll see after surgery.
At Cirino Eye Center, Anthony Cirino, DO, and our team work closely with our patients to choose the best IOL for their unique vision needs, lifestyle, and eye health. Here’s what to think about when you’re considering cataract surgery and how we can help guide you to the right fit.
An IOL is a clear lens that’s implanted to replace your eye’s natural lens once it’s removed during cataract surgery. It stays in place permanently and helps focus light on your retina, just like your natural lens once did.
Cataracts cloud your natural lens, gradually causing symptoms like blurred vision, glare, and difficulty with daily tasks like reading or driving. The cloudiness comes from a buildup of proteins that clump together and interfere with the passage of light. When your natural lens is replaced by an IOL, that cloudiness disappears.
Unlike glasses or contact lenses, IOLs work from inside your eye and don’t require maintenance or daily care. And because cataracts affect vision so gradually, people are often amazed at how vibrant and clear the world looks after surgery with a high-quality IOL in place.
Not all IOLs are the same, and we offer tailored solutions for a wide range of visual needs. Each type has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific vision goals, whether you prioritize reading without glasses, driving at night, or correcting astigmatism. Some options include:
These lenses offer clear vision at one fixed distance — usually far — so you may still need glasses for reading or close-up work. They’re often covered by insurance and are a reliable choice for patients who don’t mind wearing glasses part-time.
Designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, multifocal lenses can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses. However, they may cause more glare or halos in low-light conditions, especially at night.
If you have astigmatism, toric lenses can correct both the cataract and the irregular shape of your cornea in one step. This improves overall sharpness and reduces your dependence on glasses after surgery.
These offer a more gradual range of vision compared to multifocal lenses, often with fewer issues related to glare. They’re a great option for patients who want more visual freedom without the potential drawbacks of multifocals.
You want clearer, sharper vision. But if you’re not sure how to achieve it, choosing the right IOL isn’t something you have to do alone. Dr. Cirino and our team offer cataract surgery consultations, which include a detailed discussion of your vision history, lifestyle, and expectations.
We do precise diagnostic tests to understand your eye health and recommend lens options that align with your goals. Whether you want to simplify your visual routine or reduce your need for corrective eyewear altogether, we’ll help you understand your options.
Cataract surgery is more than just removing a cloudy lens — it’s a chance to upgrade your vision for the long term. Our surgical team has extensive experience implanting many different types of IOLs, and we’re here to make sure you feel confident in every step.
If you’re considering cataract surgery, call or message Cirino Eye Center in Brunswick, Ohio, to schedule a consultation and find the IOL that fits your lifestyle.
