• Social reading
• Monovision
• Toric IOLs for Astigmatism

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) Available at our Tampa Bay, Florida Area Practice

Since they were first used in surgery nearly 40 years ago, intraocular lenses have dramatically improved the quality of life for people with cataracts. Before IOLs, patients were forced to wear extremely thick glasses following cataract removal and were nearly blind without glasses. Today, IOLs focusing power to the eye and can even allow patients to see clearly at multiple distances.

Dr. James P. Gills was the first ophthalmologist in the country to dedicate his practice to the treatment of cataracts through lens implants. Both he and his son, Dr. Pit Gills, are well equipped to help you select the IOL that will best meet your needs. The following are the intraocular lens ( IOL) options offered at our Tampa Bay, Florida area practice:

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Social reading

“Social reading” vision is a compromise where one eye is focused for distance, while the other is focused slightly nearsighted.

This functional focus is ideal for activities such as:

• Working around the house
• Playing cards
• Working on the computer
• Watching television
• Casual reading

The blend of focal lengths reduces the need for full time reading and distance glasses; however, glasses are usually needed for tasks that require precise distance or close vision. Patients usually adapt to social reading vision relatively quickly since the focal distances of the two eyes are not very far apart.

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Monovision

Like choosing social reading lenses, receiving monovision through intraocular lenses at our Tampa, Florida area practice requires a compromise. When this technique is used, one eye is focused for near vision and the other eye is focused for distance vision. With monovision, patients experience a period of adjustment where the brain determines which eye to use for which task. Once this period is over, most people no longer require glasses or contact lenses.

Monovision is not for everyone. Because it will not result in perfectly crisp vision at any distance, it is not recommended for patients who have hobbies or occupations that require strong near vision or strong distance vision (such as sewing or playing golf). It can also lead to problems with depth perception. For people who are unable to adjust to monovision, vision may be blurred at all distances. We recommend that patients try out monovision with contact lenses before receiving monovision through intraocular lenses at our Tampa Bay, Florida practice.

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Toric IOLs for Astigmatism

St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute is pleased to offer the STAAR TORIC™ intraocular lens. This unique IOL is available at our Florida practice for patients with astigmatism. In the past, the common method of correcting astigmatism was to make incisions in the cornea to alter the shape of the eye. With the STAAR TORIC™ IOL, no incisions are necessary.

Using the same technology that has been successfully used in contact lenses, the new Toric IOL reduces or corrects astigmatism in cataract surgery patients. Like other intraocular lenses, it also restores focus to the eye once the cataract has been removed.

Dr. James P. Gills is the world's leading user of Toric intraocular lenses. To find out more about this type of IOL, contact our Florida practice.

Patients interested in Social reading intraocular lenses, or monovision are also invited to contact our Tampa Bay, Florida center.

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