Blog Hero

How Long Do Lens Implants/IOLs Last?

Book Appointment

How Long Do Lens Implants/IOLs Last?

 As we age, our vision can begin to deteriorate and the world can become less vivid. If some of your favorite sights are becoming less colorful and a little blurry, maybe it’s time to see your eye doctor about the possibility of cataracts. 

Regular eye exams are essential when it comes to monitoring your eye health. Early detection, especially of something like cataracts, makes it possible to provide the best care as quickly as possible to increase your quality of life. 

Your ophthalmologist might suggest surgery when your cataracts are developed enough to impair your vision. Don’t be intimidated by this, as surgery is the only way to effectively remove a cataract (and keep it from coming back)! Laser cataract surgery is a fully customizable and precise solution to help you see clearly again.

What is a Cataract?

The lens in our eye is responsible for bending and focusing light rays on the cornea so we can see. Our natural lens should be clear. A cataract is when the lens becomes foggy and interferes with the way light focuses. Some symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Double vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Bright colors become faded or yellow

Aging is the most common cause of cataracts. In fact, we all get them if we live long enough. The natural proteins in the lens break down and cause the lens to get cloudy. Cataracts most commonly occur in people over the age of 60, but can appear even earlier.  Other causes of cataracts include:

  • Genetics
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Eye injury
  • No protection from the sun’s UV rays
  • Certain medications

With advanced treatments such as laser cataract surgery, you can go back to enjoying the activities you love. 

How Does Laser Cataract Surgery Work?

Laser cataract surgery is a quick and effective lens replacement procedure to help restore (and improve) your vision. The laser technology improves the precision of many crucial steps in the procedure. Your ophthalmologist will replace the natural, clouded lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). 

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

IOLs are clear, artificial implants. Much like the prescription in your eyeglasses or contact lenses, IOLs contain your individual prescription to give you the best possible visual results. 

There are different types of IOLs. After a thorough assessment, your ophthalmologist will recommend the right one for you. These include:

  • Monofocal
  • Multifocal
  • Accommodative
  • Toric

Surgery Steps

You can expect the following during the process of laser cataract surgery:

  1. Eye drops or injections will be used to numb your eye. You will be awake during the surgery and can see light and movement, but will not see what the surgeon is doing.
  2. A tiny incision will be made with a laser near the edge of the cornea to reach the lens.
  3. The cataract is gently broken up and vacuumed out.
  4. A premium IOL is inserted through the small incision to take the place of the clouded lens.

Typically, you can return home to your normal activities following your procedure. Your ophthalmologist will give you post-care instructions to ensure you have the best possible results. 

Long Lasting Benefits

Clear vision from laser cataract surgery and advanced IOLs allow you to see at all distances.

What’s great about intraocular lenses is they are made of acrylic or silicone. These materials are biocompatible, meaning they can coexist with the surrounding tissues. IOLs don’t need to be replaced because they don’t break down over time like natural lenses. A replacement may occur if it’s necessary for patient satisfaction or technological advancements. Once you have laser cataract surgery with a premium lens, you are set for the rest of your life! After a cataract is successfully removed, the chances of it coming back are next to none. 

Is Laser Cataract Surgery Right For You?

It is important to remember that no two eyes are the same. After your ophthalmologist evaluates your eyes, a treatment plan will be made specifically for you, based on your goals and what your provider thinks will help you get there. 

Carolina Eyecare Physicians offers three Vision Options, including Advanced Vision, Custom Vision, and Basic + Vision. 

  • Advanced Vision: Reduces or eliminates the need for glasses for all vision issues (near, intermediate and distance).
  • Custom Vision: Allows you to customize your vision and choose whether you use glasses for near or distance vision.
  • Basic + Vision: Eliminates vision issues from cataracts but does not correct other vision issues like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Most patients will still need glasses.

This premium service can take your vision to the next level. We want you to love life without glasses!

Written by admin

More Articles By admin

Locations

We have several convenient locations throughout South Carolina. Please view the nearest location to you or get directions below. 

    See Our Google Reviews

    News

    Glaucoma Treatment and Early Detection: Why It’s Important

    Glaucoma

    Glaucoma is a worldwide health crisis that leads to vision loss and blindness if not detected and treated early—accounting for about 6.7 million blind people. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know they have it. With these statistics, it’s safe to say that this […]

    Read More…

    May 25, 2023
    useye

    What is PVD?

    Eye Surgery

    What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD? Written by: Drew Hunter, M.D. Floaters are a common visual disturbance experienced by many people. These are small, dark shapes or spots that appear to float across our field of vision. While most floaters are harmless, they can be a sign of a more serious eye condition called […]

    Read More…

    May 11, 2023
    useye

    Ask Dr. Drew | What to expect after cataract surgery

    Ask Dr. Drew, Cataract Surgery, Cataracts, Laser Cataract Surgery

    Dr. Hunter explains what you can expect when healing from cataract surgery. Learn more about what post-operative symptoms are normal and when to call your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, do not hesitate to call our office at (843) 842-2020. […]

    Read More…

    May 1, 2023
    useye
    Glaucoma Early Detection

    Glaucoma is a worldwide health crisis that leads to vision loss and blindness if not detected and treated early—accounting for about 6.7 million blind people. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know they have it. With these statistics, it’s safe to say that this […]

    Read More…

    What is Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD? Written by: Drew Hunter, M.D. Floaters are a common visual disturbance experienced by many people. These are small, dark shapes or spots that appear to float across our field of vision. While most floaters are harmless, they can be a sign of a more serious eye condition called […]

    Read More…

    Dr. Hunter explains what you can expect when healing from cataract surgery. Learn more about what post-operative symptoms are normal and when to call your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, do not hesitate to call our office at (843) 842-2020. […]

    Read More…

    Check us out on Instagram

    We are a proud partner of US Eye, a leading group of patient-centric, vertically integrated multi-specialty physician practices providing patients with care in ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology, audiology, and cosmetic facial surgery.

    instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax