Weighing the Benefits of Standard and Premium Cataract Lenses

Introduction

Cataract is a common eye disorder that can be treated with surgery. In the early days, when cataract surgery was introduced, only a few problems could be rectified, leading to unpredictable results and the need to continue using glasses. With technological advancement, there is no need to use glasses after the treatment. Intraocular lenses (IOL) are available to treat vision problems related to cataract.

What are Standard and Premium IOLs

During refractive eye surgery for cataract, the natural lens is replaced by an artificial Intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. These IOLs are of two types: Standard and Premium IOLs

Standard IOL

A standard IOL is a mono-focal lens that improves only one kind of vision. The lens mostly improves distance vision. Patients using the standard IOL for cataract surgery must rely on glasses for near vision.

Benefits of Standard IOLs

• Cost-effectiveness: Standard IOLs are cheaper and the expenses are mostly covered under the medical insurance plan. They are more affordable than the premium IOLs. If cost is an important factor to consider by the patient, then these are the best lenses to go for.
• Reduced Complications: Standard IOLs have been used for the last few decades for cataract eye surgery, therefore they are easy to implant. In addition, the outcome of the surgery is easily predictable by most surgeons.
• Least Side-effects: The standard IOLs have minimal side effects when compared to the premium range. The lens offers good vision for far distances, and patients use glass or contact lenses for clear near vision.

Premium IOL

A premium IOL is a multi-focal lens that can enhance both vision: near-sightedness and far-sightedness in one surgery. This lens is more effective when compared to the standard lens. There is no need for glasses after the surgery as the patient can easily see near, far, and intermediate objects.

Benefits of Premium IOLs

• Reduced/nil dependence on glasses: The premium IOL improves distance and near vision as it is multi-focal. The patient will not require corrective eyewear while transitioning from watching TV to using mobile. They can easily see far and near objects without glasses.
• Better work-life balance: You need not carry glasses or wear contact lenses while going out if you use premium IOL for your cataract. Just go ahead and enjoy a hassle-free life.
• Help in treating Presbyopia: As we grow older, our eye lens become rigid and we need glasses for mobile or reading. Using a premium IOL improves both types of vision (near and far) which helps to treat presbyopia (a progressive eye disorder leading to near vision loss).

Which is the Right IOL for Your Cataract?

Choosing the right lens for your cataract surgery depends on many factors. Some of them are as follows:

• Affordability: Standard IOLs are cheaper than the premium IOLs. If you bother about the cost of the treatment you can opt for the standard IOLs. The lens will give you distant clear vision, and the glasses can handle clear near vision.
• Life Style: If you love to spend time with your computer, laptop, or books or if your work demands good range of vision, then you can opt for multi-focal IOL.
• Driving: Night drivers should use a mono-focal lens as it reduces the effect such as halo formation around the object, glare, or loss of contrast. The dim light during night can impact your vision which is the main drawback of the multi-focal lens.
• Other eye conditions: If you suffer from Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration. It is recommended to use standard IOL as it will give you a clear vision compared to the premium IOL.

Conclusion

Standard IOLs and Premium IOLs both have pros and cons. It all depends on the requirement of the patient and his underlying eye condition which eye lens is suitable for him and gives him a better life. MM Joshi Eye Institute, Hubli is a renowned eye hospital that offers a wide range of Implantable foldable IOL and cataract surgery with the latest technology lenses like EDOF and trifocals. Our team of experts will look into your requirements and give you the best treatment.