Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

The eye specialists at UT Southwestern Medical Center are dedicated to helping patients achieve their best eye health and vision. Among the many treatments we offer are intraocular lenses – implanted artificial lenses – to improve vision for activities such as sports, reading, sewing, and driving.

Advanced Options for Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are permanent, artificial lenses that can replace the eye’s natural lens to restore both near and distant vision. The most common use for IOLs is in cataract surgery, to replace the diseased lens. A cataract is a clouded eye lens, which causes reduced vision.

UT Southwestern's Laser Center for Vision Care is one of the most accomplished and comprehensive vision care facilities in the world. Our nationally recognized physicians combine state-of-the-art technologies with the highest possible standards in medicine to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Options for IOLs

Our eye surgeons offer expert diagnosis and treatment in all areas of eye care. We work closely with patients who have cataracts or presbyopia to determine the best type of IOL for their specific needs.

The types of IOLs include:

• Monofocal: This lens has one focusing distance, providing either near, medium, or distant vision.
• Multifocal: This lens has two focusing distances in different areas of the lens, either near and medium distance (such as computer distance), or near and distant vision. Trifocal lenses, which can focus at all distances, are under development but have not yet received FDA approval.
• Accommodative: This lens can move and flex to allow focusing at various distances, similar to the natural lens.
• Toric: This lens has different focusing powers in different areas of the lens to correct astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea). Both monofocal and multifocal lenses come in toric versions.

At UT Southwestern, we offer various types of IOLs, such as the AcrySof ReSTOR family of multifocal IOLs. Clinical studies of ReSTOR lenses have shown that:

• They provide good near, medium, and distant vision without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Eighty percent of patients with ReSTOR lenses reported that they never need eyeglasses or contact lenses for any activities. They can read books and computer screens, drive a car – day or night – and play golf or tennis with freedom from glasses.
• More than 90 percent of patients were so pleased with their vision that they would have the ReSTOR implant again, if given the chance.

We also implant Johnson & Johnson TECHNIS® multifocal lenses, including the Symfony lens, which offers both multifocality and enhanced depth of focus.

Because we offer the full line of multifocal lenses, we’re able to select the type of lens that is best suited to each patient’s eye and visual needs. Only monofocal lenses are fully covered by insurance. Any upgrade is an out-of-pocket expense, which varies depending on the lens selected.