Is an IOL the more expensive the better?

  Choosing a lens is not just about the price. Currently, hospitals offer IOLs ranging from $100 to more than $8,000, with a wide range of prices. Is it true that the more expensive the lens, the better the implantation effect? This is not absolute. Higher priced crystals have special features, such as aspheric crystals can improve spherical aberration and make patients see more clearly; multifocal crystals can provide full vision at distance, middle and near; heparin-treated crystals can reduce inflammation and so on. These special features may not be suitable for all patients. At the same time, the realization of these special features requires certain requirements on the patient’s fundus and visual pathways, and not all patients can use them. Therefore, the choice of a lens should not be based on price alone.  The implantation incision of a rigid lens requires more than 5.5mm, while the implantation incision of a folded lens is within 3mm, and the recovery time after surgery is faster with a smaller incision, and the astigmatism is also greatly reduced. Therefore, as long as the patient’s financial condition allows and there are no other contraindications, we generally recommend the patient to choose the folding IOL.  Adjustable IOLs, the pursuit is that the patient can have a good near vision through the adjustment of the ciliary muscle. Compared to multifocal IOLs, it has no loss of light. However, current applications have found that the disadvantages of adjustable IOLs are the small range of adjustable degrees and the lack of predictability, high posterior obstruction, and the inability to meet the near vision requirements of most patients.