A Brief Introduction to Intraocular Lenses
During cataract surgery the natural lens of the eye is replaced with a clear synthetic lens. These “intraocular lenses” (or “IOLs”) come in a dizzying array of powers, shapes, and materials. The power of the IOL is generally determined based on eye measurements made prior to cataract surgery. read more
The Staar nanoFLEX® Intraocular Lens
Of all the intraocular lens (IOL) options available in the USA, my preferred IOL is the Staar nanoFLEX®. This IOL is made from Collamer® which is “a pure collagen containing material that is “bio-compatible” with your body’s natural chemistry and contains 40% water — so it’s very similar to your eye’s natural crystalline lens. read more
Enhanced Range of Vision with the Staar nanoFLEX® Intraocular Lens
Those who choose to have cataract surgery with a traditional monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) will need to wear spectacles for most (if not all) activities. This is because monofocal IOLs are able to provide clear focus for objects at one distance, and one distance only. If objects far away are clear after cataract surgery then everything that is close up will be blurry without spectacles. The Staar nanoFLEX® IOL, however, is capable of providing a range of vision without the need for spectacles. read more
Advantages of the Staar nanoFLEX® IOL over the Crystalens® IOL
Why would anyone choose to pay a thousand dollars more for an intraocular lens that does not consistently provide better vision after cataract surgery than can be expected from the Staar nanoFLEX® IOL? In theory the Crystalens® should provide a greater range of vision without the need for glasses compared to the Staar nanoFLEX®. However, I have not been impressed with the results of the Crystalens IOL. read more
Advantages of the Staar nanoFLEX® IOL over Multifocal IOLs
A multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) focuses both distance and near images onto the retina at the same time. Amazingly, our retinas and brains are generally able to “see” both images clearly. This results in a greater range of clear vision with a reduced need for spectacles after cataract surgery. There are, however, some downsides to the multifocal IOL. read more
Questions I am Frequently Asked About the Staar nanoFLEX® IOL
Answers to frequently asked questions about Staar nanoFLEX IOL such as “Why haven’t I heard of this lens before?”, “Why aren’t more surgeons using this lens if it’s so great?”, “If the Staar nanoFLEX® IOL works just about as well as the Crystalens® IOL which has a price tag of approximately $1,000 more than the Staar nanoFLEX® IOL, why do so many surgeons still recommend the Crystalens® IOL?”, “I’ve heard that I might have a greater chance of developing a condition called Posterior Capsular Opacification with this lens. Should I be worried about that?”, etc. read more
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