Intraocular Lens Selection

Cataracts are one of the leading eye disorders affecting the elderly in Singapore today. Left untreated, this results in vision loss, even blindness.

The solution comes in the form of cataract surgery, which removes the cloudy natural lens with a new, artificial one known as an intraocular lens (IOL).

At Lumin Eye Specialists, our team of cataract surgeons are skilled in the management of cataracts. We offer end-to-end services for cataract management, including screening, IOL selection, cataract surgery, and post-surgical care.

The main types of intraocular lens (IOL) implants:

• Monofocal Lens

  - This form of IOL provides a single-focusing distance (near, intermediate, or distant focus). While monofocal lens enhances distance vision, it falls short when it comes to meeting the demands of tasks that require near vision, such as reading, using a mobile phone, or engaging in close-up work. Most patients therefore choose this lens for distance vision, and subsequently use reading glasses for near-vision activities.

• Trifocal Lens

  - This type of IOL features corrective zones that allow for clear near, intermediate and distance vision. Unlike monofocal lenses which only have a single focus, trifocal lenses have multiple corrective zones, allowing one to improve their vision across various distances. Trifocal lenses allow patients to see clearly for near work (e.g. reading) to distance work (e.g. driving). This eliminates the need for reading glasses or bifocals, making them a convenient and versatile choice of lens.

• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Lens

  - This type of IOL features new lens technology that provides an elongated focal point to enhance range of vision, giving clear intermediate and distance vision. Through these lenses, patients can see clearly for distance work like driving, as well as activities involving intermediate distances, such as using a computer. These lenses create a gradual transition of focus, offering better intermediate vision while maintaining reasonable near and distance vision.

• Toric Lens

  - This is a type of lens that is specifically designed to correct astigmatism. This astigmatism-reducing technology can be found in monofocal, trifocal and EDOF lenses. Unlike regular spherical lenses, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians of the lens. This design enables the lens to align properly with the irregular shape of the cornea, focusing light more precisely on the retina. These lenses are also helpful for people with refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia), when they also have astigmatism.

To determine which intraocular lens (IOL) is suitable, we also perform specialised diagnostic tests such as:

• Refraction/Autorefraction/Autokeratometry Tests
• Tear Film Assessment
• Biometry
• Wavefront Aberrometry Analysis
• Retinal Imaging (e.g. OCT)

There isn’t a perfect lens suitable for everyone. At Lumin Eye Specialists, your surgeon will review the investigations and match the lens that best suits your visual and lifestyle requirements.