Multifocal IOL

Consider multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) if you have a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, in addition to cataracts. Multifocal lenses reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery and can help to restore your vision. At Central Florida Ophthalmology in Oviedo, Florida, ophthalmologist and cataract and corneal surgeon Dr. Jeffrey R. Golen, MD, regularly places Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), as well astoric lens implants. Call Central Florida Ophthalmology today to see if you’re a candidate for multifocal or toric lens treatment or make an appointment online.

What are multifocal lenses?

Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are artificial lenses Dr. Golen permanently inserts into your eye. These lenses treat cataracts and correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Multifocal lenses help you see things up close and in the distance. When light enters your eye, multifocal lenses split it, illuminating your entire field of vision.

Other lenses that are related to multifocal lenses are called EDOF lenses. They don’t split light, but instead lengthen the focal point, allowing for a greater range of vision. 

Each class of lens has its own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Golen will be happy to explain these options to you and develop a customized cataract surgery plan for your eyes. 

How do I prepare for multifocal lens placement surgery?

Before recommending multifocal lens implants, Dr. Golen reviews your medical records and completes a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you are a candidate for this surgery. He also takes eye measurements to determine the size and shape of the eye to help determine the lens implant that will benefit you the most.

Dr. Golen gives you medicated eye drops to use in the days before surgery. Fast for at least eight hours before the procedure.

What does multifocal lens surgery involve?

Implanting a multifocal lens with cataract surgery typically takes 10-20 minutes.

On the surgery day, you lie on your back, and you will receive preoperative eye drops, including anesthetic and dilation drops. You will also get an IV in your arm in the preoperative area. After this, you will be taken back to the operating suite and will get your eye, as well as the area around your eye, treated with a cleaning solution called an antiseptic. You will have a surgical drape placed over your eye that is specially designed for cataract surgery. 

Dr. Golen uses a tool called a lid speculum to hold your eyelids open. He makes a small incision in your eye and uses an ultrasonic probe to break up and remove the cataract. Then, he replaces your opaque or dysfunctional lens with the multifocal lens. 

He carefully positions your multifocal lens, closes the incision, and may cover your eye with a shield. It takes several hours for the anesthesia to wear off, so you will need to have someone drive you home.

Dr. Golen prescribes eye drops for preoperative and postoperative care. Get plenty of rest and take your medications as prescribed.

Rest assured that Dr. Golen will see you personally on the preoperative visit and the postoperative visits, as well as operating on your eyes personally. He does not delegate these tasks. 

What are toric lens implants?

Toric lens implants are a unique type of implantable lens used to correct astigmatism –– a common vision problem caused by an asymmetrically shaped cornea. 

If you have astigmatism, light doesn’t bend properly when it enters your eye, causing blurry vision. Implantable toric lenses compensate for the asymmetric curvature of your cornea, offering a lasting alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

Who isn’t a candidate for multifocal lenses?

Multifocal IOLs are safe and usually well-tolerated, but they aren’t for everyone. If you’ve been diagnosed with severe glaucoma or macular degeneration, Dr. Golen recommends another type of treatment. Patients with dry eye need to get the dry eye under control prior to a multifocal IOL. Dr. Golen can help formulate an effective dry eye treatment plan. 

Call the practice of Dr. Jeffrey Golen today to see if you can benefit from multifocal intraocular lenses or make your appointment online.