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Whats the difference between Spherical lenses and Aspheric lenses

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john20510
john20510

Hi Whats the difference between Spherical lenses and Aspheric IOL's . l think l read Aspheric give better quality contrast and vision , is that correct. l may need cataract surgery in a year and thinking of going with mono focal distance IOL l want to make sure l get the best quality lens with the best vision , l am 48 and Apart from early stage cataracts my vision is normal 20/20 and l dont have Astigmatism or near sightedness and l dont need reading glasses to read yet. Should l tell my surgeon l want an Aspheric lens ? will that give me better vision. Here in Australia if you have cataract surgery in the Free public hospital you are not allowed to choose your lens, l am worried they might just give me the cheapest lens rather then the best quality, if they say its a sperical lens should l aks to pay extrea for an aspheric lens

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1 Reply

  • RonAKA
    RonAKA john20510

    Posted

    There is a small difference in vision quality between a spherical lens and an aspheric. As I understand it there is some asphericity in your natural lens, and an offsetting amount in the cornea. When the natural lens is removed and replaced with a spherical lens you are left with a residual aspheric error. It results in a less sharp focus at a single point.

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    I am in Alberta Canada and our public health care covers the cost of an aspheric lens, but I don't believe all provinces do. So, your concern is valid as to what may be offered as a default.

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    My thoughts are that if you are going to get a monofocal distance lens you should get the sharpest vision with an aspheric lens, and if there is a reasonable extra cost to get it, I would pay for it.

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