Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Lenses
Everything you want to know about cataracts, Clareon® IOLs, cataract surgery, and more.
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of your eye that causes your vision to appear hazy1. Cataracts happen gradually as your eyes get older, and the natural lens will eventually need to be removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens in order for you to see clearly.2
Symptoms of cataracts include:
• Clouded, blurred, or dim vision
• Reduced quality of night vision
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty reading
• Fading of colors
• Double vision in a single eye
An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens that is implanted during surgery to replace your cataract lens. Unlike contact lenses, which must be removed, cleaned and reinserted, an IOL remains in the eye after surgery. You can choose from many different types of IOLs—some are designed to provide only distance vision, while trifocal lenses deliver near, intermediate and distance vision for clear, complete focus. After a surgeon removes your cataract-clouded lens, he or she will implant the IOL that you choose before your procedure. Learn more about cataract surgery here.
Cataract surgery involves removing the eye’s natural lens which has become cloudy (cataract) and replacing it with an IOL. Different IOLs serve different functions depending on the vision issues you are trying to correct. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to decide on the best IOL option to meet your needs. Learn more about cataract surgery here.
Deciding which IOL is best for you will depend on a combination of factors including your medical history, past and current eye health, as well as your lifestyle (i.e., your need for near vision, or how often you drive at night). It’s important to discuss your vision goals with your ophthalmologist to help determine the best possible IOL choice for you. Learn more about cataract surgery here.
A trifocal lens is an IOL that is specifically engineered to provide vision at every distance, from near through far, and can offer benefits beyond a standard cataract lens. The Alcon PanOptix® Lens, delivers enhanced quality and a complete range of vision.3
An extended depth of focus lens is an IOL that is designed to allow you to see clearly at far and intermediate distances while still providing functional near vision beyond a standard cataract lens. The Alcon Vivity® Lens delivers clear vision while relying less on glasses4.
A monofocal lens is an intraocular lens with a fixed focus for one distance only, usually distance. After cataract surgery, a person with both monofocal IOLs focused at distance would need glasses to see clearly at near distances.
Cataract surgery is usually completed within 10 to 20 minutes.5
Most people rest for a few hours after surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a protective shield over your eye for several days.
Ask your doctor at your follow-up visit if you are cleared to travel.
Ask your doctor at your follow-up visit if you are cleared to travel.
You should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after cataract surgery. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about certain activities.
REFERENCES:
- Cataracts. Mayo Clinic Website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790. Updated June 23, 2018. Accessed April 6, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. What you can expect [Cataract Surgery]. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cataract-surgery/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20012917. Updated July 30, 2013. Accessed August 20, 2018.
- Clareon® PanOptix® Trifocal Hydrophobic IOL Directions for Use.
- Clareon® Vivity® Extended Vision Hydrophobic IOL Directions for Use.
- Haddrill M. Cataract surgery recovery: 8 tips to minimize recovery time. All About Vision website. https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataract-surgery-recovery.htm. Updated October 2016. Accessed April 16, 2019.
