IOL Refractive Surgery
There are many ways to restore and increase vision quality for those suffering from cataracts or refractive errors.
Thanks to state-of-the-art intraocular lenses (IOLs), you may not need glasses, contacts, or LASIK surgery to see clearly.
Learn how Cohen Eye Associates, Limited, in St. Louis, MO, can enhance your quality of life with IOL refractive surgery.
Good Candidates for IOL Refractive Surgery
During your visit to our St. Louis office, we will determine if intraocular lenses are right for you or whether another refractive surgery, like LASIK or PRK, is a better choice. We often use these implants to help the following types of patients:
People with Cataracts
A cataract occurs when the lens contains a buildup of protein. Cataract surgery removes the clouded lens. An IOL can be placed during the procedure to restore clear vision.People with Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Nearsightedness refers to difficulty seeing objects that are up close. IOLs can treat myopia without the need for glasses or contacts. In some cases, it is an advisable alternative to LASIK surgery.People with Astigmatism
Often accompanying myopia, astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea that affects focus. IOLs can be used to treat astigmatism.People with Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related form of hyperopia (farsightedness). Rather than getting bifocals or monovision LASIK, some patients with hyperopia opt for intraocular lenses. If you have had a refractive surgery like LASIK in the past, you should still be eligible.Treatment Benefits
There are numerous benefits to getting standard and premium IOLs. Many of our patients report the following positive experiences after they've undergone surgery.
Glasses and contact lenses are common for many vision issues, but some people find prescription lenses annoying or uncomfortable. Thanks to intraocular lenses, you won't have to worry about frames and cleaning solutions.
Patients with intraocular lenses should experience stable enhanced vision for many years after the procedure. Both safe and effective, these lens implants reduce visual errors as well as issues like poor night vision.
Once a cataract is removed and your contact lenses are discarded, you experience much greater independence. Driving, reading, sports, leisure activities, and hobbies you took for granted will be easier and more enjoyable.
Speak with Experienced Vision Specialists Who Care about Your Needs
Whether you want to undergo cataract surgery, a refractive surgery like LASIK, or simply want to learn more about living free of glasses and contact lenses, Dr. Bruce H. Cohen, Dr. Kathryn L. Noonan, and Dr. Nancy M. Buchser are here to help. Our doctors are members of numerous professional eye care organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association, the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the St. Louis Optometric Society.
For more information about lens implants and why they may be right for you, schedule a consultation online. You can also reach Cohen Eye Associates, Limited, by phone at:
St. Louis Has Great Things to Say
Debra WatkinsHamer
2022
The physicians plus the office staff are amazing & friendly!!! Communication is the key & they put the patients first in everything they do & say.
View on Googlerick schuessler
2022
The tech was not only very skilled, but she was also very nice and had an excellent "bed side" manner. As always, Dr Noonan was great too. I feel very comfortable and confident with all their skills and knowledge as well as their ablility to explain it to me. The office staff is also very friendly and helpful.
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IOL Advancements
Have Changed Cataract Care
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Until just a few years ago, IOL options were limited. Technological advancements since then have given cataract surgeons a suite of advanced IOL lenses to offer. Cohen Eye Associates is proud to carry many of these.
Types of Intraocular Lenses
Cohen Eye Associates is proud to offer standard and premium lens implants based on the needs of the patient. Our practice offers everything from the most common type of IOL to ultramodern options.
Monofocal IOLs
Monofocal IOLs are lenses that correct vision for only one distance: near, intermediate, or far-off distances. If you do get monofocal IOLs, you will still need prescription glasses to be able to see clearly at other distances. These lenses are typically covered by insurance.
Monofocal IOLs are the least likely to cause vision issues like glare or halos around lights. Patients who suffer from keratoconus may benefit from this option more than others.
Multifocal IOLs
Multifocal IOLs allow you to see at multiple distances. Some multifocal IOLs have visual zones and function similar to bifocals.
Multifocal IOLs are especially popular for patients who lead very active lifestyles. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that roughly 92% of multifocal IOL users are completely glasses-free.
Toric IOLs
Toric IOLs are designed for people who suffer from astigmatism. Toric lenses are not flexible yet still help refract light at different distances. The unique design of the toric lens implant helps address irregular corneal shape.
There are toric options for both monofocal and multifocal IOLs. Approximately 70% of patients who have cataracts also have astigmatism, making the toric option critically-important.
EDOF IOLs
Extended depth-of-focus IOLs increase the focus and strength of both intermediate and near-range vision. Their near-vision improvements are not as substantial as those offered by multifocal lenses. However, EDOFs can elevate mid-range vision without sacrificing distance vision.
EDOF IOLs can also be a great choice for patients with certain pre-existing conditions. For example, a patient with a small epiretinal membrane could receive EDOF IOLs despite not being a candidate for multifocal lenses.
Tecnis Eyhance IOL
Tecnis Eyhance™ is an advanced monofocal IOL option. Eyhance IOLs provide serviceable medium-range vision, but excellent distance vision.
Patients may prefer Eyhance because this option avoids drawbacks like glare and halos around lights. Eyhance’s less-than-ideal near-range sight may be offset by a skilled surgeon setting one lens for intermediate sight and the other for distance.
RxSight Light Adjustable Lens
While fixed lenses can't be changed once they're placed in the eye, adjustable lenses can be fine-tuned based on your preferences.
The RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens™ is the first and only lens that can be customized after cataract surgery. Using UV light treatments, our team can adjust the shape of your lens to deliver results that are ideal for you. Many patients even experience 20/20 vision without glasses with these IOLs.
Considerations We Keep in Mind
We pride ourselves on providing vision improvements that fit each patient’s unique needs. These are key areas our St. Louis team assesses when recommending IOLs.
Computers and other digital devices are a constant in many patients' lives. So is the need to read for work or leisure. Instead of choosing monofocals for distance vision like most patients, some patients prefer a monofocal IOL set for near vision and wearing glasses for distance vision activities.
Some people want their IOLs to eliminate their need for glasses entirely. This is possible thanks to the monovision technique that sets one lens for distance vision and the other for near vision. To make sure this approach would work for you, you can try a trial run of monovision contacts prior to cataract surgery.
Multifocal and EDOF IOLs are not ideal for night driving. This is because nighttime exacerbates their side effects, like glare and halos around lights. Most people who receive these IOLs are able to adjust to their side effects, but if you are a frequent night driver opting for monofocal lenses may be the safer option.
It is well-known that toric IOLs are often ideal for patients with astigmatism. Other eye conditions may be critical to your lens choice as well. For example, multifocal and EDOF lenses are not good fits for patients with glaucoma or macular degeneration. This is because they allow less light into the eye than other options, which can make vision loss issues worse.
The most common type of IOL, monofocal lenses, are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies. Premium IOL options like our multifocal or EDOF options are more expensive and often aren't fully covered by insurance. We will help review your coverage and explain your options to ensure your IOLs fit both your needs and budget.
Reach Out for Expert Recommendations
Knowing which IOL is right for you can be confusing. Thankfully, our team is led by experts in cataract care and IOL selection. Call (314) 361-5003 or write to us so we can help.
"The Best in St. Louis" Five-Star Reviews from Our Patients
Veronica Rovira
2020
I have really enjoyed my experiences at Cohen Eye Associates. Dr. Buchner is a spectacular physician with a great touch. I couldn’t even see out of my right eye and now I have 20/20 vision. Tomorrow I will have my left eye done and I expert to be without glasses for the first time in 50 years.
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Sister Mary Ronan
2020
Always the care is superior and very considerate. The staff has an excellent working relationship with one another that is felt by the patients. They will go the "nine yards" and beyond. I would recommend this practice as the best in St. Louis!
View On GoogleMeet Our Surgical Expert
Dr. Bruce Cohen
Dr. Cohen’s academic achievements and surgical skill are what make so many in St. Louis, MO, trust him for cataract surgery and IOL implants. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with highest honors in chemistry. He went on to earn his medical degree from the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University. His education was supplemented by prestigious internships and fellowships.
Dr. Cohen quickly climbed the ranks as a surgical professional. He became Barnes Hospital’s chief resident in ophthalmology as well as chief of the University Eye Service at Washington University School of Medicine. His skill and leadership led to many honors. These include a four-year tenure as a member of the board of trustees of the Missouri Ophthalmological Society.
IOL Refractive Surgery Treatment Timeline
This timeline will give you an idea of what to expect when you visit our office for IOL refractive surgery, whether you're getting a cataract removed or simply having a lens placed. We'll provide a full rundown of the process during your visit to our St. Louis practice.
Thanks to state-of-the-art IOLs, you could live free of glasses and contacts.
Receive Surgery From a Proven Doctor
Dr. Cohen has been listed among the top 100 laser vision surgeons in the country by TLC Laser Vision Centers. Call (314) 361-5003 or write to us to request truly elite care.
"Dr. Cohen is outstanding."
Enrico Di Cera
2022
very competent, gracious staff. Dr. Cohen is outstanding.
View on GoogleBarry Hollander
2022
I recently had cataract surgery performed by Doctor Cohen... I am absolutely 100% pleased with the results for both eyes. In closing, thank you so much Doctor Cohen for restoring my great eyesight!
View on GoogleIOL Surgery Recovery
Patients typically take 8 to 12 weeks to fully recover from IOL implant placement. Dr. Cohen provides guidelines to each of his St. Louis patients to help their recovery go as smoothly as possible. He will likely suggest that you take the following eye protection measures:
- Avoid all eye rubbing
- Sleep with an eye shield
- Wear sunglasses as much as possible
- Avoid strenuous physical activity until told otherwise
- Carefully follow his medicated prescription eye drop instructions
The Cost of IOLs Insurance, Payment, and Financing Options
Insurance Coverage
At Cohen Eye Associates, Limited, we accept a variety of HMO and PPO insurance plans. We take care of insurance issues. We can help you check coverage eligibility and will file insurance forms on your behalf.
Payment Methods
Paying for eye procedures should be simple. That's why we accept checks and major credit cards. We can also discuss ways to break up the cost of your care. We believe everyone deserves access to crystal clear sight.
Financing Options
Financing options can make multifocal and other premium lenses more affordable. Thanks to CareCredit® financing, the total cost of treatment can be split into monthly installments with a reasonable interest rate applied.
Always Putting Patients First St. Louis Eye Doctors You Can Trust
Kimberly Seiber
2020
Dr. Cohen is an excellent clinician with decades of experience who truly cares about his patients. My husband and I are blessed to have Dr. Cohen taking great care of us and our eyes. Thank you.
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Dick Lodge
2017
I have been going to Cohen Eye Associates for some years for regular exams. The last time, I was told I needed cataract surgery. I had the same trepidation that many people have when they hear that they need surgery on their eyes, but it was easy and painless. I am delighted to be able to drive again without glasses. Cannot speak too highly about my experience.
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