IOl blocks UV Rays

Intraocular lenses, or IOLs, are the artificial lenses that replace the eye's natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. IOLs have been around since the 60s, though the FDA gave its approval for one occurred in 1981. Before that, if you had cataracts removed, you had to wear very thick eyeglasses or special contact lenses in order to see afterward, since the natural lens that had been removed wasn't replaced with anything. Traditional IOLs are monofocal, meaning they offer clear vision at distance only, making the need for reading lenses an absolute necessity. New 'multifocal and/or accommodating' IOLs offer the possibility of seeing well at more than one distance, without glasses or contacts.

WHAM-TV Rochester, an ABC affiliate, reported that patients undergoing cataract surgery might want to ask about new replacement lenses that work like heavy duty sunglasses. By blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays and blue light from getting into the eye, the Acry Sof Natural lens filters out potentially damaging rays that can damage the retina in two ways: worsening or creating macular degeneration and tumors or melanoma inside the eye. The new intraocular lens is covered by medical insurance plans.

Posted in: Acrysof, cataract, intraocular