If you need cataract surgery, you’ll have a choice of lens implants. Many people choose specialized lenses to improve their vision even further. We offer advanced intraocular lens (IOL) options at Richens Eye Center to help reduce your dependence on glasses and improve your vision.
Located in St. George, Utah, Richens Eye Center provides comprehensive eye care, from laser vision correction to cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment. Our surgical team is led by Dr. Sharon Richens, MD, FACS, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained eye surgeon.
Dr. Richens works alongside a skilled team of board-certified ophthalmologists and experienced optometrists. Our goal is to deliver expert treatment to patients across Southern Utah and Mesquite, Nevada.
Intraocular Lens Implants
Medicare and most health plans cover cataract surgery with a standard lens implant (called a monofocal lens). If you prefer a more advanced lens, you can choose a specialized option for an additional cost. Private insurance plans vary, but many will help cover the standard lens and allow you to pay the difference if you want a specialized lens.
At Richens Eye Center, we offer several types of intraocular lens (IOL) implants. These are the main options available today:
Different IOL Options Available
- Fixed-Focus Monofocal: This type of IOL has a single focus strength for distance vision. You will still need reading glasses if you choose this IOL.
- Accommodating-Focus Monofocal: Although these lenses have a single focusing strength, they can respond to eye muscle movements and shift focus onto near or distant objects.
- Multifocal: These lenses are similar to glasses with progressive lenses. Different areas of the lens have different focusing strengths, allowing for near, medium, and far vision. At Richens, we’re proud to offer the Tecnis Symfony IOL, the state-of-the-art in multifocal lenses.
- Astigmatism Correction (Toric): These lenses offer any of the above characteristics, plus they also correct for astigmatism.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in St. George, UT, or Mesquite, NV.
Intraocular Lens Options
Astigmatism Correcting Intraocular Lens
Astigmatism is a common condition that may cause blurred vision. The distorted vision is due to the eye’s cornea (corneal astigmatism) or lens (lenticular astigmatism) having an irregular shape.
Ideal Candidates for the Toric IOL
Astigmatic patients planning cataract surgery can request the use of a Toric IOL during their lens replacement, thereby treating both the cataract and the astigmatism simultaneously.
The Toric IOL is ideal for cataract patients with regular, pre-existing astigmatism.
Premium Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implants
Unlike the monofocal lens, which focuses light to only one point in space, a multifocal lens has more than one point of focus. It corrects vision at distance, intermediate, and near. If you are a good candidate for these lenses, this option gives you the best possible chance to reduce your dependence on glasses.
Tecnis Symfony Multifocal
Richens Eye Center was among the first vision practices selected to offer this breakthrough lens. Dr. Sharon Richens and Dr. Shawno May of Richens Eye Center continue their reputation for progressing vision correction in Southern Utah by offering the latest in refractive surgery technology, Abbott’s Tecnis Symfony Lens.
Results from clinical trials show that the Tecnis Symfony IOL has a low occurrence of nighttime glare and halos, similar to a standard monofocal lens. It also provides continuous vision at all distances, without any gaps in clarity.
Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. “Modern technology has completely transformed cataract surgery. Now, it provides our patients the option to improve not only their vision but their lifestyle, by reducing their dependence on glasses.” - Dr. Shawno May.
Advantages of Tecnis Symfony Multifocal IOLs
First approved in 1997, Multifocal IOLs enable a full range of vision, reducing the need to wear glasses or contact lenses for intermediate or near distances. Results from clinical trials show the Tecnis Symfony IOL not only has a low occurrence of nighttime glare and halos (similar to that of a standard monofocal lens), but also provides continuous vision at all ranges without any drop-offs in between. In fact, 97% of patients in the trial indicated that they would elect to have the lens implanted again.
“With this approval, many more people will now have access to these game-changing lenses and the accompanying benefits, including the freedom to enjoy the activities that matter to them, while wearing glasses less. Symfony not only offers patients continuous, high-quality vision, but also treats people beyond their cataracts by addressing presbyopia and astigmatism, two common vision conditions. The Symfony IOL is truly a one-of-a-kind lens, and we are thrilled to offer it to our cataract patients.”
ReSTOR Multifocal
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL) is an advanced option that may reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Advantages of the ReSTOR Multifocal IOL
The AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL has been uniquely designed to provide enhanced image quality and a full range of vision: up close, far away, and everything in between, giving patients the best opportunity to live life nearly free of glasses.
Post-Operative Recovery and Rehabilitation
After intraocular lens (IOL) surgery, most patients notice improved vision within a few days, though full healing can take several weeks. It’s common to experience mild dryness, glare, or sensitivity to light during the early healing period. Your eye surgeon will provide specific instructions for caring for your eyes, including using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
During recovery, avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or lifting heavy objects for a few weeks. Regular follow-up visits at Richens Eye Center help ensure your eyes are healing properly and that your vision continues to improve. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few days, but your surgeon will advise when it’s safe to resume work, exercise, and other routines.
How Do IOL Implants Compare With Other Vision Correction Options?
Intraocular lens (IOL) implants are used during cataract surgery to replace the eye’s cloudy natural lens. This is different from LASIK or PRK, which change the shape of the cornea to improve focus without removing the natural lens.
LASIK and PRK are usually recommended for younger patients who do not have cataracts. These laser treatments correct vision by reshaping the surface of the eye. In contrast, IOL implants are used when the natural lens becomes cloudy from cataracts and needs to be replaced.
At Richens Eye Center, we offer both options. We are the only center in Southern Utah performing blade-free iLASIK. For cataract patients, IOL implants provide a lasting solution by restoring clear vision and reducing the need for glasses. Your eye doctor will help you choose the treatment that fits your vision needs.
Why Choose Richens Eye Center?
Dr. Sharon Richens, MD, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized training in cataract surgery, cornea care, glaucoma treatment, and laser vision correction. Dr. Richens earned her undergraduate degrees in biology and economics from Stanford University, completed her medical degree at the University of Utah, and completed her ophthalmology residency at West Virginia University. She further expanded her surgical skills during her fellowship at St. John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Richens combines academic excellence with decades of hands-on experience.
Dr. Richens is supported by a team of board-certified ophthalmologists, optometrists, and experienced eye care staff. Together, they provide a full spectrum of services using advanced technology, including blade-free iLASIK, premium intraocular lenses, and minimally invasive glaucoma treatments. As the only center in Southern Utah performing all-laser iLASIK, Richens Eye Center offers patients access to more precise vision correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are designed to last a lifetime. Once placed during cataract surgery, they do not wear out or break down over time.
Some patients may still need reading glasses or glasses for certain tasks, depending on the type of IOL they choose. Premium lenses like multifocal or toric IOLs can reduce the need for glasses more than standard monofocal lenses.
Yes, many patients who have had previous eye surgery can still receive intraocular lens implants. Your surgeon will evaluate your eye health and surgical history to determine if IOLs are a good option for you.
Most modern intraocular lenses are made from flexible materials such as acrylic or silicone. These materials are safe, durable, and designed to stay clear inside the eye for many years.
Explore Your Lens Implant Options
Richens Eye Center proudly provides patients from St George, UT, and Mesquite, NV, with Intraocular Lens Implants. Contact us at our St George locations at 435.986.2020 and 435.628.1112, our Mesquite location at 702.346.2950, and Little Valley at 435-900-3937. You can also fill out our Request An Appointment form.
