by Ken Kreidl, MD
Ophthalmology at Boulder Medical Center
Understanding the different lens options available during cataract surgery is an important decision you need to make during your preoperative visit. Your overall eye health (dry eyes, corneal irregularity, previous LASIK or macular degeneration) and prescription, as well as the amount of corneal astigmatism you have, play a big part in determining which lenses will give you the best results.
The decision that you need to make is what type of vision you would like to have after surgery:
- Good Distance Vision – but wear reading glasses
- Good Reading Vision – but wear distance glasses
- Good Distance, Computer, and Reading Vision – glasses may still improve vision
- Monovision – distance vision in one eye and reading vision in the other eye. I only recommend this option in patients that have done this previously with contact lenses since many patients cannot tolerate monovision. Monovision limits depth perception, which can limit balance and increase the risk of falling.
The Main Types of Intraocular Lenses Are:
- Single Vision (enVista, Eyhance) — Can be used for distance vision OR reading vision. If you choose distance vision, you need to wear glasses for reading, and if you choose reading vision, you would need to wear glasses for distance. This lens does not correct for astigmatism, so if you have corneal astigmatism, you will likely see better when wearing bifocal or progressive glasses to correct for astigmatism. This is the only type of lens that is covered by Medicare and insurance, so there is no extra out-of-pocket expense.
- Toric (enVista Toric, Eyhance Toric) — Similar to the single vision lens, but decreases astigmatism. Allows patients with astigmatism to see well in the distance OR near and wear glasses for the other condition. Insurance, Medicare, and secondary insurance do not cover this lens, so there is an out-of-pocket expense.
- Extended Depth-of-Focus (Vivity) — Gives good distance and computer vision and decreases astigmatism. Most patients will wear reading glasses for near tasks. Patients with mild corneal or retinal disease often still do well with these lenses. There is an out-of-pocket expense.
- Trifocal (Panoptix, Synergy) – Gives good distance, computer, and reading vision and decreases astigmatism. Some patients may see halos or starbursts in certain light conditions. Patients with corneal or retinal disease may not do as well with these lenses. There is an out-of-pocket expense for this lens.
Hopefully, this will help to simplify the options, and I’m happy to discuss these choices further at your next visit. Please call 303-440-3055 to schedule your surgery.
Ophthalmologist Ken Kreidl, MD
About Ken Kreidl, MD
Ophthalmologist at Boulder Medical Center
Originally from San Francisco, Ken Kreidl, MD started his ophthalmology practice at Boulder Medical Center in 2004. He and his wife, Ryn, a pediatrician, have two children, Luke and Max. Dr. Kreidl loves mountain biking and skiing with his family and was a nationally-ranked tennis player before becoming dedicated to medicine. He offers a full range of ophthalmology services and treatments, including:
- Eye Exams
- Contact Lens and Glasses
- Cataract Surgery
- Glaucoma Care
- Diabetes – Retinal Laser Surgery
- Diagnosis and Treatment for Dry Eyes
- Eyelid Surgery
- Eye Trauma