Intraocular Lenses

Southern Eye Institute

Board-Certified Ophthalmologists & Board Certified Optometrist located in Houma, LA & Thibodaux, LA

Intraocular lenses are a solution for vision clouded by cataracts. The board-certified ophthalmologists at Southern Eye Institute in Houma and Thibodaux, Louisiana, remove your natural lens and replace it with these FDA-approved artificial lenses to restore vision. If you have cataracts and need a solution to degrading vision, call or use the online tool to schedule an appointment today.

Intraocular Lenses Q & A

What are intraocular lenses?

The FDA approved the use of intraocular lenses for cataract patients in 1981. Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, but intraocular lenses are a solution that saves your vision.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. Your lens is a window of clear protein and water that is located just behind your pupil. The lens focuses light onto the retina, sending the information to your brain to form images. 

As you age, the protein of the lens can change, so the lens turns cloudy, leading to cataracts. Images become blurry or acquire a brownish tint.

Intraocular lenses replace the cloudy lens so that you see clearly again.

What are the types of intraocular lenses?

Conventional intraocular lenses are monofocal, offering vision at only far or near distance. You still have to wear glasses to see at the other distance.

Advancements in technology led to the development of multifocal intraocular lenses. With this version, you can see clearly at both near and far distances without glasses. 

Specialized toric intraocular lenses may be recommended for people with astigmatism. In addition to correcting cataracts, these lenses can normalize the shape of the cornea so that your vision is no longer distorted. 

Southern Eye Institute may also recommend blue light-filtering intraocular lenses to help filter UV light rays, protecting your eyes from sun damage.

What happens during surgery to place intraocular lenses?

Prior to your procedure, your ophthalmologist numbs your eye and provides you with a light sedative to help you relax.

During the surgery, your ophthalmologist makes a tiny incision in the cornea to access the lens. They then break up the lens to remove it from your eye and place an intraocular lens.

The incision in the cornea heals on its own and you don’t need any stitches. 

Southern Eye Institute performs the procedure on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.

Will insurance cover the cost of intraocular lenses?

While cataract surgery and conventional intraocular lenses are usually covered by insurance, newer multifocal and light-filtering intraocular lenses may not be covered because their features are considered “extra.” 

Prior to your procedure, Southern Eye Institute can help you determine what you’re expected to cover when it comes to intraocular lenses.

If you have cataracts, intraocular lenses are a way to restore clear vision. Call Southern Eye Institute to learn more or use the online tool to schedule an appointment today.