Intraocular lens options

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In addition to the standard lens implant that is covered by OHIP, there are several other options which may be suitable for your eye. These newer advanced technology lenses are designed to either improve the quality of vision through the implant, or minimize the need for glasses after surgery. Dr. Leonard will discuss any of these lenses which may be suitable for you. 

Standard intraocular lenses provide good vision for one focal distance only, meaning the patient must choose whether to be more dependent on glasses for either near work or distance (ie. driving). Patients with significant astigmatism before surgery will probably require glasses for most activities. Standard lenses make use of conventional spherical optics technology, meaning when the pupil is large as would occur with night-driving, dim lighting or in fog, some visual distortion and reduced contrast sensitivity will occur. The ideal standard lens patient wants improved vision but does not want to pay for a premium lens, and accepts that night vision and vision in low-contrast lighting will be slightly reduced. Patients selecting a standard lens must also accept that glasses will be needed for some or all activities. Standard lenses are covered by the provincial health care plan and are provided to cataract surgery patients at no cost. 

 Wavefront intraocular lenses provide good vision for one focal distance only, meaning the patient must choose whether to be more dependent on glasses for either near work or distance. Patients with significant astigmatism before surgery who select a Wavefront Lens will probably require glasses for most activities. Wavefront lenses use advanced aspheric optics and are designed to correct spherical aberration, thereby increasing contrast sensitivity, which is especially useful under low-light or foggy conditions. The ideal Wavefront lens patient has no significant astigmatism and wants the best possible vision available, and accepts that glasses will be needed for some activities. Wavefront Lenses are not covered by the provincial health plan and the hospital will charge $135 to cover the cost of this lens. 

Toric, or astigmatism correcting lenses reduce or eliminate astigmatism, which is an asymmetric curvature to the cornea that increases the need for glasses at all distances. Many patients receiving Toric lens implants no longer need glasses for distance vision. Toric lenses provide good vision for one focal distance only, meaning the patient must choose whether to be more dependent on glasses for either near tasks or distance. Toric lenses use advanced aspheric optics as described above, providing the same benefit at night and in low light situations. The ideal Toric lens patient has 1 diopter or more of astigmatism and accepts that glasses will be needed for some activities.
Toric lenses are not covered by the provincial health plan and the hospital will charge $580 to cover the cost of this lens, plus a 150$ astigmatism management fee that includes Verion image guidance for optimal lens alignment. 

These lenses offer the possibility of seeing well at more than one distance, greatly reducing the need for glasses or contacts. There are various types of IOLs in this category. 

TRIFOCAL (‘PANOPTIX’) LENSES - $1350/eye + $150 vector analysis/alignment

• offer the possibility of seeing well at more than one distance, reducing the need for glasses for most activities
• provide functional distance, intermediate and near vision
• can slightly decrease contrast sensitivity and create visual aberrations like glare and haloes around lights which are common initially but improve with time
• not ideal in eyes with certain other diseases or conditions
• toric Panoptix lens offered for same price if needed for astigmatism correction

EDOF (‘VIVITY’) LENSES - $1350/eye + $150 vector analysis/alignment

• “Extended Depth of Focus” lenses
• similar to trifocal described above with slightly less focus on near vision but less risk of glare and haloes, while still providing a high level of spectacle independence
• most patients achieve functional near vision and independence from glasses for most activities, reading glasses may be required for some activities (ie. small print)
• suitable for a wider range of eyes and can be easier to adapt to than trifocal
• toric EDOF (Vivity) lens offered for same price if needed for astigmatism correction