Do lens implants last forever?

IOLs have been around since the late 1940s and were the first devices to be implanted in the body. Unlike natural lenses, IOLs do not break down over a person’s lifetime and do not need to be replaced.

What is the new lens for cataract surgery?

A new intraocular lens for cataract surgery, called the Symfony Lens, has just been FDA approved, and it is quickly becoming very popular.

How much does lens implant surgery cost?

In general the cost of a lens implant is $1,500 to $3,000 per eye. Most insurance providers cover the cost of a lens implant when it is required to replace the natural lens that is removed during cataract eye surgery.

Can you replace cataract lens?

Yes, an intraocular lens (IOL) can be removed and replaced, but it may not be an easy procedure and may have potential complications to vision. Such procedures are very rare because intraocular once implanted are permanent.

Can you have Lasik after lens replacement?

The answer is quite simply: yes, you can. While LASIK treats the cornea, cataract surgery treats and replaces the lens within the eye.

Will I need glasses after lens replacement?

Regardless of the type of lens you select, you may still need to rely on glasses some of the time, but if correctly selected, your IOLs can greatly reduce your dependence on glasses. Discuss your options with your ophthalmologist to determine the IOL that best suits your vision needs and lifestyle.

How long does a cataract lens last?

A cataract lens will last a lifetime, and the vast majority of patients do not experience any complications with their lenses after cataract surgery.

How does a multifocal lens implant work in the eye?

How do multifocal lens implants work? During the surgery, the natural eye lens is removed, and a clear lens is inserted in its place. In the past, the lens was replaced with a monofocal implant to improve either near vision or distance vision—but not both.

What can IOL implants do for Your Eyes?

The IOL, just like the natural lens, focuses light inside the eye. IOLs are able to correct a wider range of vision problems than any other vision correction surgery. They can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia (the difficulty focusing up close that starts around age 40).

What kind of IOL is needed for astigmatism?

Toric IOLs. For people with astigmatism, there is an IOL called a toric lens. Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an uneven curve in your cornea or lens. The toric lens is designed to correct that refractive error.

Who is a good candidate for multifocal lens implants?

Cataract patients and patients with severe presbyopia typically make good candidates for multifocal lens implants. It is also important to consider the full recovery time when deciding whether surgery is a good fit, and patients should have no other eye issues that could cause complications.