What is an IOL
IOL stands for Intraocular Lens. An Intraocular lens is a lens that is implanted into a person’s eye and treats cataracts or myopia. During a cataract surgery the eye’s natural lens in removed and replaced with the intraocular lens. In the past, people receiving cataract surgery had to wear special contact lenses or very thick eyeglasses to make up for the lack of focus in their eye. The Intraocular lens is available through an advanced technology that offers a premium solution for men and women needing cataract surgery.
What is a Cataract
A cataract is a filmy substance that forms over the eye causing blurred vision. Cataracts occur most often in adults above the age of 40 but can occur at younger ages as well. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss across the world.
What Causes Cataracts
The lenses in our eyes are made up of proteins that help to focus and filter light in order to have clear vision. As we grow older these proteins begin to clump together and eventually cause blurred vision. There are other factors that research has found may also cause cataracts including:
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Previous eye surgery
- Smoking
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
- High myopia
- Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources
- Significant alcohol consumption
Why Do I Need an IOL?
Replacing your damaged lens with an intraocular lens can not only improve your vision, but with advanced technology it is now more efficient than ever. IOLs can allow you to see at all distances not just near or far, but both. IOLs also have been improved with new technology that blocks out ultraviolet and blue light rays which used to damage the retina. There are various types of IOLs made to best fit your needs. This accommodation helps give you what you want instead of forcing you to wear uncomfortable contacts or bulky glasses for the rest of your life.
For more information on Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) contact OC Surgical at 714-647-1200.