ACRYSof lens

Is this the right lens for a person(81 yrs) who will have a cataract removal?   Also how much will it cost for this type of lens? Thank you and will be waiting for your reply.

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Agree with cwatt1.  Discuss with your surgeon.  How important is it for you to try and be completely glasses free after cataract surgery at the risk of some problems with halos, decreased color saturation etc.  If not so important, a regular monofocal lens might be right choice (IQ or other).  Also search the previous posts on this topic.

HV

[cwatt1]

I imagine one of the contributing ophthalmologists may want to add to this, but keep in mind that there are different lenses made by Acrysof  -- only by consulting with your ophthalmologist will you be able to tell which lens is best for you.  There are of course other brands of IOL's as well.

The three most common Acrysof lenses are the IQ -- a monofocal lens which corrects for either distance vision or near vision, but not both, the IQ Toric, which is also a monofocal lens but which also corrects for astigmatism, and the IQ ReSTOR. which corrects for distance and near (reading).  The most recent version of the ReSTOR is supposed to also be better for intermediate (arms length) vision.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of lens.

Most insurance plans cover cataract surgery and the cost of a basic monofocal lens.  The latter two lenses are considered "premium" lenses and will undoubtedly cost you considerably more than your insurance will cover.

There are many posts here and in the Community forum about the various types of lens options.

[disappointed66]

I am not an eye care professional, but at 81 years old, my suggestion is to stay away from the ReStor multifocal lenes.  Restor has caused many problems for many people.
A monofocal lens will be paid by medicare and insurance.  Multifocal lenses are not covered. They are very expensive.  They are not worth the added expensive.  I know this personally.( I had to have the ReStor explanted)  I chose distance  monofocal lens and I just need glasses for small print.There are different brands of monofocal lenses. Discuss with your eye care professional if you want correction for near or far.  You will problably need glasses for one or the other. Check the archives.  You will find a lot of very useful and informative information