Premium Lens Implants

Cataract surgery replaces your cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens or IOL. A standard lens gives sharp vision at one distance, usually far away, and most people still wear glasses for reading. Premium lens implants are designed to reduce how much you depend on glasses after surgery.

Dr. Philip Ngai help you choose the lens that fits your eyes, your hobbies and your budget at your cataract evaluation in Redwood City. You can read more about the surgery itself on our cataract surgery page.

Types of premium lens implants

Toric lenses for astigmatism

Astigmatism makes vision blurry or stretched at every distance. A standard lens does not correct it. A toric lens has astigmatism correction built in, so distance vision can be clear without glasses.

Multifocal and trifocal lenses

These lenses split light into several focus points, giving clear vision far away, at arm’s length for a computer, and up close for reading. Most patients read and drive without glasses. Some people notice halos or rings around lights at night, especially in the first months.

Extended depth of focus lenses

An extended depth of focus lens stretches the range of clear vision from distance to intermediate, which suits driving, cooking and computer work. Night halos are usually milder than with multifocal lenses, and many people still use light readers for small print.

Monovision

Some patients do best with one eye set for distance and the other for near, called monovision. We can test whether you tolerate it before surgery. Your surgeon will tell you whether other advanced options suit your eyes.

Who is a good candidate?

Premium lenses work best in healthy eyes. Conditions such as macular degeneration, advanced glaucoma, significant dry eye or an irregular cornea can make some lenses a poor choice. We measure your eyes carefully, treat dry eye first when needed, and recommend only lenses that we expect to work well for you.

• You want less dependence on glasses after cataract surgery
• You have astigmatism and want sharper distance vision
• You spend a lot of time reading, on a computer or on your phone

Is a premium lens covered by insurance?

Medicare and most insurance plans cover standard cataract surgery. A premium lens is an upgrade with an extra out of pocket fee for the lens and the additional testing and planning it requires. We give you a written quote before you decide, and you can always choose the standard lens. See surgery costs and insurance for details.

Common questions

Will I never need glasses again?

Most patients with premium lenses need glasses much less, and many need none for daily life. No lens can promise perfect vision at every distance, and some people still like readers for fine print or dim light.

Can I get a premium lens in one eye only?

Yes. Each eye is planned on its own. Many patients choose the same lens for both eyes, but your surgeon may suggest a different plan for each eye.

Does a premium lens make surgery riskier?

No. The surgery is the same small incision procedure. The difference is the lens placed in the eye and the extra measurements used to plan it.

How do I choose between lenses?

We talk about your work, hobbies, night driving and how you use your eyes, then review your measurements. Your surgeon will recommend the options that fit your eyes best.