Cataract Lens in Bowie, MD

The purpose of cataract surgery is to remove the cataract (clouded natural lens of the eye) and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). These artificial lenses are created and implanted into the eye with incredibly advanced technology and are able to work just like your natural lens. In addition to eliminating cataracts, these IOLs can even sometimes correct or improve any refractive errors you have at the same time.

If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, schedule an exam and evaluation at our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD office to learn all about how we can restore your vision with cataract surgery.

At Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we utilize only the most advanced IOLs for our cataract surgery patients. Artificial intraocular lenses are available in multiple types, each designed to address specific needs. Some IOLs provide clear vision at one distance while others can provide focus for many distances. Some IOLs are made for patients with astigmatism, and even others are specially made for patients with presbyopia (age-related near vision loss).

Toric IOLs – For patients with both cataracts and corneal astigmatism, toric IOLs are a relatively recent advancement in IOL technology. Prior to cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist will take precise measurements of the location and degree of your astigmatism to determine the necessary design and toric power of your IOL. Once the toric IOL is in place, it is carefully aligned with the corneal locations of astigmatism using predesignated indicators on the lens.

Multifocal IOLs – For patients with certain refractive errors, multifocal IOLs are a wonderful added benefit to cataract surgery. Multifocal IOLs include both bifocals and trifocals. For many years, cataract patients with refractive errors were limited to bifocal IOLs, which work similarly to bifocal glasses to create clear vision at two distances – near and far. However, in August of 2019, the groundbreaking PanOptix Trifocal IOL was approved by the FDA. This incredible advancement in IOL technology now provides eligible patients with clear vision at near, intermediate, and far distances for the first time ever. In some cases, the PanOptix Trifocal IOL can even reduce or correct presbyopia.

Every cataract surgery involves replacing the lens, so a large part of your cataract evaluation and consultation will involve determining which kind of lens is best for you. The board-certified ophthalmologists and surgeons at Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons will determine which IOL to use based on your overall eye health, your typical daily activities, any refractive errors you have, and more.

Virtually everyone who has cataracts and is in good general health may be a candidate for implant surgery, but people with chronic infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or other health problems may have to wait until these conditions are under control to have surgery.

People who have had prior laser eye surgery, including LASIK, custom LASIK, PRK, LASEK, Epi LASIK, or any other corneal laser eye surgery may also be acceptable candidates as long as their eyes are in good health. After a thorough examination and consultation, your surgeon will be able to better advise you if you are a candidate for cataract surgery with an IOL.

Before we perform your cataract surgery, we will ensure that you understand your reasonable expectations for how much the IOLs will increase your vision. The outcomes of cataract surgery depend largely on which lens you choose and what your vision was before surgery. The majority of patients are very pleased with their new level of vision, and some even report having better vision than they've ever had.

An added bonus of receiving IOLs is that they are created with materials that will not degrade the way a natural lens can so you cannot develop more cataracts. Patients should note, however, that a condition known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO) often develops within a few years following cataract surgery. Many patients believe this is cataracts returning, but it is actually the clouding of the structure that supports the new lens. This condition is extremely common and can be quickly and effectively treated with a laser procedure. 

Having cataract surgery and receiving an artificial lens is an amazing, life-changing experience for our cataract patients. They get rid of their cataracts, obtain a new lens that cannot degrade, and often end up with better vision than they had before. Call or visit our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD office so we can provide the cataract treatment you need to restore your best vision.