Intraocular Lens Implants in
San Antonio

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What Are IOL Implants?

During cataract surgery, the clear lens of the eye is removed because it has become opaque and negatively affects the patient’s vision. Once removed, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens, or an IOL implant. FDA-approved since the 1980s, IOLs allow refractive surgeons to minimize a patient’s preexisting refractive errors as much as possible during cataract surgery, reducing the need for glasses after surgery. There are many types of IOLs on the market, including lenses to correct astigmatism and block UV light. Your particular goals and lifestyle are major factors for determining which intraocular lens will best suit you. During your initial consultation, Dr. Iskander, a fellowship-trained refractive surgeon, will review your medical history, run diagnostic tests, and discuss which IOL implants may be best for you. To get started, contact us to schedule a cataract evaluation.

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Types of Intraocular Lenses

Monofocal IOL

A monofocal IOL is the traditional intraocular lens approved by the FDA in 1981. It is a single-focus lens that provides good distance vision but will require the patient to wear glasses or bifocals for near and intermediate vision. Patients with cataracts in both eyes may elect to have one eye implanted with a near lens and the other with a distance lens. Known as Monovision, this technique may help reduce a patient’s dependence on glasses post-surgery.

Presbyopia Correcting Lenses

Presbyopia-correcting lenses are newer IOLs that allow for greater range of vision and decreased dependency on glasses. They can also correct presbyopia, which is the stiffening of the eye’s lens and superciliary ligaments that occur with aging. It is important to understand, however, that while patients may be spectacle-free most of the time, they may still require glasses for tasks like reading or driving at night.

Alcon PanOptix® Trifocal IOL

Developed by Alcon, the PanOptix® Trifocal intraocular lens helps patients with astigmatism and cataracts to reduce or eliminate their need for glasses after surgery. This Multifocal IOL is designed to give patients excellent vision over a range of distances — near, intermediate, and far — allowing them to see better than they have in years! In a recent study, 99% of PanOptix recipients stated they would choose the same implant again.

Tecnis Symfony® Lens

The Tecnis Symfony® Lens features a multifocal lens design, with multiple power rings, to help patients see at various distances. The Symfony® Lens is also designed to improve night vision by significantly reducing glare and halos. Like other multifocal IOLs, the Tecnis Symfony® allows for better vision across a broad range of distances and can reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for glasses or contact after cataract surgery.

Tecnis® Multifocal TORIC II IOL

FDA-approved in 2020, this innovative IOL uses frosted haptics, similar to small arms, to help fixate and secure the lens in a proper position. This IOL helps cataract patients see at most distances with little to no dependence on glasses or bifocals. It also corrects presbyopia and allows for astigmatism correction up to +2.75 diopters. Our founder, Dr. Nader Iskander, is proud to be the first refractive surgeon to implant the Tecnis® Multifocal TORIC II IOL in San Antonio.

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Smiling Dr. Iskander

Why Choose San Antonio Eye Specialists?

Our founder, Dr. Nader Iskander, has over 20 years of experience implanting intraocular lenses during cataract surgery. As one of the few fellowship-trained refractive surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Iskander is highly regarded in his field and often sought out by colleagues as an expert in complex cases. In fact, Dr. Iskander is typically the first surgeon to implant several of the recently-developed IOLs listed on this page. By keeping up with the latest technology and innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Iskander and the team at San Antonio Eye Specialists strive to provide our patients the highest quality of care possible.

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See What Our Patients Are Saying

"I recommend anyone interested in this implant procedure, contact Dr. Iskander and his staff; they are very knowledgeable and professional. They put the customers first. It reminds me of my military core values, service before self, integrity and excellence in all they do. After my procedure I am very excited with my new vision. Thanks to Dr. Iskander and his staff."

- Jessie W.

"I couldn’t be happier with my eye surgery! I had cataract surgery with a multifocal lens on my left eye last week, and Dr. Iskander performed the same procedure on my right eye yesterday. Insurance didn’t cover most of my procedure, but my results were worth every penny. I had terrible vision and wore hard or gas permeable contact lenses for almost 50 years; now I can see 20/20 without any glasses or contacts! Amazing! Dr. Iskander and his staff are awesome!"

- Shelley M.

"I am 42 years old and had cataracts inherited from my loving mother who had them in her 40’s. Dr. Iskander and his staff were very professional and within a couple months completed both eye surgeries. I now have an upgraded Toric lens in my right eye for distance vision and a mono lens in my left eye for close up vision. I work on a computer all day and the procedures have greatly improved my lifestyle. I highly recommend Dr. Iskander and his staff to take care of your sight issues. TOP NOTCH."

- John G.

Paying for Premium Lens Implants in San Antonio

While cataract removal surgery is medically necessary, upgrading to premium lens implants is considered to be an elective procedure and thus not covered by most insurance carriers. At San Antonio Eye Specialists, we believe patients should have the option to upgrade to premium lenses and reduce their dependence on glasses, if possible. That’s why we proudly offer financing options with our partners, ALPHAEON Credit and CareCredit. We also accept FSAs and HSAs to help offset the cost of premium IOLs. To learn more about our payment options, visit our Financing page or contact our office.

Frequently Asked Questions About IOL Implants

Is it painful to have an IOL implant?

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No, IOLs are synthetic lenses made of either PMMA, acrylic, or silicone, materials that are biocompatible and have proven safe for many decades. IOLs are implanted during cataract removal surgery. During this procedure, Dr. Iskander administers anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye, making surgery pain-free. After the anesthetic wears off, patients may feel mild pain around the eye, but this can be treated with pain medications.

What IOL implant is best for me?

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Your vision goals and lifestyle are major factors in determining which IOL implant is best for you. During your initial cataract evaluation, Dr. Iskander will discuss your options and recommend the implant he thinks is best suited for you.

What are the benefits of Premium IOLs?

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During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with a synthetic lens. While a standard lens does the job of replacing the cataract, a premium lens allows the added benefit of improving a patient’s vision, correcting astigmatism, and even blocking UV light without the need for glasses. Benefits will vary by implant and can be discussed during a consultation with Dr. Iskander.

Still have questions? Contact our office to learn more about our selection of premium IOL implants.

Get Rid of Glasses with Premium IOL Implants

If you’d like to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, contact San Antonio Eye Specialists to discuss your IOL implant options with our experienced team of refractive professionals.