INTRAOCULAR LENSES EYE FACTS
An intraocular lens, commonly called IOL, is a tiny artificial lens for the eye.

An IOL permanently replaces the eye's natural lens when it is removed during cataract surgery.

Why is the eye's natural lens removed during cataract surgery?
In a healthy eye, the natural lens is clear and allows light to pass through it and focus on the retina. When a cataract forms, the lens becomes cloudy and light can no longer pass freely through it. As a result, vision becomes blurred. The only way to treat or cure a cataract is by removing the lens itself.

Can I see clearly with a lens?
No, the eye cannot focus properly without a lens. Eyeglasses, a contact lens or an intraocular lens must be substituted to restore they eye's focusing power. Because an IOL is a permanent replacement for the natural lens, it is used in the majority of all cataract surgery patients.

How will an IOL affect my vision?
IOLs come in different focusing powers, just like contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses. Your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) will perform a special preoperative evaluation of your eye to determine the proper power of the lens implant. The length of your eye and the curvature of your corneal are measured with special machines or instruments. Your ophthalmologist then uses these measurements to calculate the correct focusing power of the IOL.

The lens of your natural eye has the ability to change shape in order to focus at varying distances. The IOL, which cannot change shape, is usually calculated for a middle distance so you can see well enough to move about without wearing eyeglasses. You may still have to wear eyeglasses to see up close or far away. In most cases you should notice significant improvement in vision after cataract surgery.

Where will the IOL be placed?
An IOL is placed in the center of the pupil, either in front of or behind the iris (the colored part of your eye). It is most commonly placed behind the iris in the posterior chamber of eye where the natural lens was located.

What is the IOL made of?
Most of the IOLs implanted today are made of silicone or acrylic materials. These lenses can be folded very small and inserted through a small surgical incision during cataract surgery. Traditionally, IOLs have been made of hard plastic, similar to a hard contact lens.

Will the IOL ever need to be replaced?
IOL implants are well tolerated by the eye and are intended to last for a lifetime. Only rarely do the lenses need be removed or replace.

What are the risks of IOL implantation?
The success rate of cataract surgery is excellent, resulting in improved vision in the majority of patients. A small number of patients may have problems, though they may not be caused by the IOL itself. Complications following cataract surgery may include:

• infection
• bleeding
• swelling
• detachment of the retina.

Be sure to discuss potential complications with your ophthalmologist before surgery.