Lens Options & Enhanced Diagnostics
Choosing an intraocular lens is one of the most important decisions before cataract surgery. Here's how we help you get it right.
What is enhanced diagnostic testing?
Enhanced diagnostic testing is an optional, upgraded cataract evaluation for patients who are interested in a premium lens to reduce or eliminate glasses at all distances. At this visit, we use state-of-the-art imaging and measurements to look in detail at your cornea (including higher-order aberrations), retina, ocular surface, and even the vitreous. This helps us determine whether your eye is truly a good candidate for a premium lens and allows us to plan for the sharpest, most predictable vision possible.
Insurance companies only pay for the basic testing needed for standard cataract surgery with a basic lens. They do not cover the extra testing needed to safely and accurately plan for premium lenses. Because this additional testing requires non-covered technology, as well as specialized equipment, significant technician time, and careful physician interpretation, there is a fee of $300 per eye. If you choose to move forward with a premium lens, that fee is applied toward the cost of your premium lens package, rather than being an extra charge on top. It also helps make it possible for your surgeon to use advanced tools in the operating room, such as intraoperative aberrometry (ORA), to fine-tune the lens power during surgery and reduce the risk of refractive surprise.
This is an important decision because it is your opportunity to choose whether you want to aim to get out of glasses at all distances. If you already know you only want the standard lens covered by insurance, then the extra testing is probably not worth the cost. But if you think you may want a lens that can get you out of glasses completely, or at least significantly reduce your dependence on glasses, then enhanced diagnostic testing provides our providers with the detailed information and tools needed to give you the best chance of achieving that outcome.
Artificial lens implants: premium vs. standard
Your provider will discuss lens options during your evaluation. First, a little background: anything about 20 feet away needs only one lens power to see clearly, while anything closer requires the lens to change power. As your natural lens becomes a cataract, it loses this ability (presbyopia). When we replace your lens, we have to pick the power — and picking one that works both far and near is the challenge modern lenses try to solve.
1. Standard monofocal lenses
Both eyes are set to see clearly at 20 ft and beyond. You will need reading glasses for anything closer. Many people pick one pair that works well for reading or using a computer and stick with that.
2. Monovision
One eye is set to see clearly at 20 ft and beyond, while the other is adjusted to see things up close. The exact distance, and which eye is set for which, depends on what works best for you.
3. Multifocal lenses
These newer lenses have multiple powers built in to help you see at various distances — some provide distance, intermediate, and near focal points. The trade-off is reduced image crispness and potential glare and halos. A common example is the PanOptix lens, which splits light into three focal points.
4. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses
These stretch the range of vision without specific focal points, so you can see clearly from about 3 ft and beyond, with slightly reduced sharpness and possible glare/halos. Examples are the Odyssey lens and the Vivity lens.
5. Enhanced monofocal lenses
These improve upon standard monofocals using wavefront technology to enhance intermediate and some near vision. An example is the Eyhance lens. Think of these as an improved version of option 1.
6. Combination lenses
These combine EDOF and wavefront technologies. A common example is the Synergy lens by Johnson & Johnson. Another similar option is the EnVista Envy lens by Bausch + Lomb.
7. Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)
This lens allows the surgeon to adjust your prescription after surgery using a special UV light. It's ideal for patients who want the most precise outcome, especially those who have had prior refractive surgeries like LASIK, PRK, and RK. While it offers better near vision than some options, it may not match the clarity of a multifocal lens.
Additional considerations
If you have astigmatism or retinal conditions, this may limit your lens options. Patients with a history of refractive surgery (PRK, LASIK, or RK) may not be good candidates for multifocal lenses. Some surgical complications can also affect what type of lens is safe to implant.
A sample discussion of how to choose a lens
Prices below are ECAN prices.
Hi, can you help me pick a lens for my eye for my cataract surgery?
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Hello! I'm a specialist in understanding the different intraocular lens implants placed during cataract surgery. I've been trained by our ophthalmic surgeons to help patients like you navigate the various lens options. It's truly an art to pick the best lens based on your hobbies and personality, and my role is to inform and educate you so you can have a more productive discussion with your surgeon.
To start, are you looking to save money, or are you interested in exploring options that might offer you more freedom from glasses after surgery?
I'd like to eliminate the need for glasses completely.
That's a fantastic goal! Cataract surgery has advanced significantly, and it can indeed help you achieve freedom from glasses.
To eliminate the need for glasses completely, you'll generally be looking at upgraded lens options such as:
- Multifocal lenses — distance and near vision
- Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) lenses — distance and near vision
- Light Adjustable Lenses — fine-tuning after surgery
I would like to be able to fine tune my vision. What are the differences between the multifocal and light adjustable lenses?
Multifocal Lenses
- Vision range: distance & near vision
- Fine-tuning: before surgery; fixed once implanted
- Cost: $2,950 for enhanced eye surgery with best distance or distance and near vision lenses
Light Adjustable Lenses
- Vision range: some near vision
- Fine-tuning: after surgery with light for precise results
- Cost: $4,600 per eye
Can you break down the costs for me?
Lenses covered by insurance:
- Monofocal distance lens
- Monofocal near lens
Upgraded lenses (out-of-pocket):
- Astigmatism and near-and-far lenses — $2,950/eye
- Light Adjustable Lens — $4,600/eye
Financing options: CareCredit available — ask staff for details.
This information is educational and not medical advice. Your surgeon will recommend what's safest for your eyes.
Ready to see your best?
Call us at 775-674-1100 or send a request — our team will help you schedule an evaluation.