Intraocular Lens Options (IOLs)

Types of IOLs

We offer a variety of standard and advanced IOL options to help our patients achieve clearer vision.

  

Standard IOLs

Standard IOLs are covered by insurance to replace a cloudy lens during cataract surgery. These lenses are monofocal, which means that they can correct near vision or distance vision, but not both. Our patients who undergo cataract surgery with standard IOLs may still need to use reading glasses or corrective lenses after the procedure. For patients who opt for customized cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, we offer a range of advanced or premium IOLs, which are designed to improve vision at a range of distances as well as astigmatism.

Astigmatism-Correcting IOLs

Toric IOLs are made to correct astigmatism, which is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. In patients with astigmatism, both near and distance vision can be distorted and/or blurry. We offer monofocal toric IOLs to correct vision at a single distance as well as toric IOLs designed to correct both astigmatism and presbyopia.

Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs

Presbyopia, or age-related near vision loss, begins to affect everyone at around the age of 40, and is a result of the eye’s lens growing increasingly more rigid. By replacing the lens with presbyopia-correcting IOLs, we can help eliminate patients’ dependence on reading glasses. We offer multiple presbyopia-correcting IOL options, such as multifocal IOLs and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs. We are also pleased to offer the PanOptix® Trifocal Lens, the only trifocal IOL on the market. This revolutionary IOL can improve vision at all distances, giving our patients their best chance at visual freedom.

Light Adjustable Lens™

The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) by RxSight® can correct vision at all distances and is the only IOL approved by the FDA that allows doctors to fine-tune the prescription power after it has been implanted. Once the Light Adjustable Lens has been placed and the patient has healed, the patient returns to our office for a number of customization sessions where the lens is exposed to UV light. Once the patient’s ideal power has been achieved, the prescription is “locked in” and the patient enjoys his or her best possible vision.

Frequently Asked Questions About IOLs

 

Are IOLs covered by insurance?

If your cataracts have progressed to the point where your vision is significantly blurred, cataract surgery is deemed medically necessary. This makes the procedure eligible for coverage by insurance, and standard IOLs will be included in that coverage. Advanced or premium IOLs are considered an upgrade, and are not eligible for insurance coverage. Likewise, refractive lens exchange is considered to be an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance.

  

How much will my IOLs cost?

The cost of your IOLs will depend on whether your treatment is covered by insurance and on the type of intraocular lens you and Dr. Montgomery decide is best for your vision needs. Before your procedure, you will be given a detailed cost breakdown for your personalized vision correction treatment plan.

Who is a good candidate for refractive lens exchange?

The ideal candidate for refractive lens exchange (RLE) is:

• Over the age of 45
• Not yet diagnosed with cataracts
• In the early stages of presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)
• Not a good candidate for LASIK

 

Contact Montgomery Eye Care

Whether you have developed cataracts or you simply wish to decrease your dependence on glasses and contacts but aren’t a candidate for other vision correction procedures, you might be able to achieve significantly improved vision with premium IOLs. To learn more about the options available to our patients from the Denver, Northglenn, and Westminster Colorado areas, please contact Montgomery Eye Care.