Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-2020
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.
Conditions We Treat with IOLs
At UT Southwestern, we use IOLs to replace the natural lens in people with:
- Cataracts
- Certain cases of presbyopia, which is age-related farsightedness (blurred near vision that typically develops in people around age 45), causing the need for reading glasses
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.
Related Conditions and Treatments
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Related Clinics
Showing 4 locations
Laser Center for Vision Care
at Outpatient Building 1801 Inwood Road, 5th FloorDallas, Texas 75390 214-645-2027 Directions Parking Info
Ophthalmology
at UT Southwestern Monty and Tex Moncrief Medical Center at Fort Worth 600 South Main Street, 1st Floor, Suite 1.500Fort Worth, Texas 76104 817-429-3050 Directions
Ophthalmology Clinic
at James W. Aston Ambulatory Care Center 5303 Harry Hines Blvd., 6th FloorDallas, Texas 75390 214-645-2020 Directions Parking Info
UT Southwestern Medical Group at North Dallas - Ophthalmology
12606 Greenville Avenue, 1st Floor, Suite 180Dallas, Texas 75243 214-645-0950 Directions