What Are Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)?

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are clear, artificial lenses implanted in your eye during cataract surgery to replace your clouded natural lens. While standard IOLs restore basic focus, today’s premium lens options go much further, offering enhanced clarity, improved depth of focus, and reduced dependence on glasses or contacts.

IOLs Designed to Meet Different Vision Needs

  • Monofocal IOLs: Provide clear vision at one distance (usually far). Glasses may still be needed to read or engage in close-up tasks.
  • Multifocal IOLs: These lenses provide sharp vision at multiple distances, helping reduce the need for glasses.
  • Toric IOLs: These lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
  • Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) IOLs: These advanced lenses offer a range of vision, especially for intermediate tasks like computer work.
  • Light-Adjustable Lenses: Your vision can be fine-tuned for maximum precision.
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Get a New Lens on Life With Intraocular Lens Exchange in St. Paul

During cataract surgery, your natural lens, clouded by cataracts, is gently removed and replaced with your chosen IOL. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and involves:

  • Numbing the eye with anesthetic drops or a gentle injection
  • Creating tiny, precise incisions at the edge of the cornea
  • Removing the clouded lens with microsurgical tools
  • Inserting the new IOL through the small incision, where it unfolds and gently locks into place

The incisions are self-sealing and rarely require stitches. After a brief rest in recovery (15–30 minutes), you can return home to rest. You will need another adult to transport you home.

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Recovery After IOL Placement Your Road to Clearer Vision

Recovery from cataract surgery with IOL placement is generally quick and comfortable. Most patients notice visual improvement within 24 to 48 hours, with complete healing over several weeks. During your recovery:

  • You’ll apply prescribed eye drops to promote fast healing
  • Avoid strenuous activity, touching, or rubbing the eye
  • Attend follow-up visits with our St. Paul team to monitor progress

We’ll guide you through every step to help you experience a smooth and uneventful recovery.

What Our Patients Are Saying

I was diagnosed with a cataract in my left eye in February 2005 eye doctor set me up with Dr Chu who did the surgery. I had worn glasses since the 50’s after surgery I no ...

Brenda H.

PRK was the best decision I have ever done. I wouldn’t have explored surgery options with any other clinic or surgeon. Eye surgery is nerve racking, but Dr Chu and his tea...

Ciarra

I had the most amazing experience at Chu Vision! Every aspect of my journey getting the Light Adjustable Lens' to correct my vision was wonderful. Can't say enough of Dr Chu and...

Maria B.

Dr. Chu is an excellent doctor. I felt confident in his knowledge and ability as a surgeon. He is a very kind and caring person and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is ...

Carol K.

I knew from the moment I walked into Chu Vision, this would be where I wanted to have my cataracts taken care of. The staffers are very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. ...

Judy T.

Staff are friendly, waiting time is not long. The clinic is run like a well oiled machine!

Barb H.

My vision is fantastic! Amazing stuff!

Darcie N.

I had been in need of cataract surgery for a while. I was having trouble finding a surgeon that I wanted to touch my eyes! Then my son had Laser Surgery at Chu Institute and was...

Pattie H.

Even with my medical background, this was out of my area of expertise, so I was pretty nervous. Quickly I was reassured by their very comprehensive examination, excellent profes...

Orlando

Very thorough, professional, and uplifting

Carolyn S.

The teamwork at the Chu Vision Institute is fantastic. They are careful to answer one's questions, diligent about prepping for surgery, and of course the surgeons are top notch....

Jeffrey S.

I had never had cataract surgery before, so thus was unexplored territory for me. The preparatory videos, however, were invaluable. I had numerous follow-up phone calls from Chu...

Brian M.

I had LASIK done at Chu Vision today. I was so impressed with every step of the process. They have clearly thought of each step of the client experience. I am confident in the f...

Kielyn S.

I have been going to Chu Vision for annual eye appointments for eight years.  All annual appointments were done by caring professionals.   This year, the need for cata...

Linda U.

Chu Vision was recommended to me by a friend and I could not be happier with the facility and staff. Everyone was always so friendly, you can tell they all really enjoy what the...

Mara M.

Light tunable cataract surgery lens replacement. Satisfied with the results. Can see great at long distance and up close with glasses. Professionally run organization. Everyone ...

Rick M.

I had the EVO ICL procedure done and am so happy with the results!! It’s crazy to think I won’t need contacts or glasses anymore, and waking up each morning being ab...

Andrea E.

This was by far the best eye vision clinic I have ever been to.  They are so polite and caring.  Dr. Chu absolutely knows what he is doing and so personable.   Gr...

JoEllen S.

Absolute the Cadillac of any business I have been a part of. Excellent communication, empathic nurses and techs, excellent doctors, and best of all- my vision! I am blown away b...

Becky H.

If every health care facility operated as seamlessly and as patient oriented as this one, we would have truly compassionate, passionate and professional services that rival none...

Anonymous

I had a refractive lens exchange (RLE) procedure with Chu nearly 2 years ago, and I still think about how much it has improved my day-to-day life nearly every day! I had extreme...

Karla R.

Chu Vision is a highly professional and extremely caring Institute. My  cataract surgery went well and Dr. Chu and his entire staff were amazing!  They truly cared for...

Sherri R.

I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision!

I had the Implantable Contact Lens(ICL) procedure done at Chu Vision Institute, and I cannot say enough GREAT things about Dr. Chu and the ENTIRE staff at Chu Vision! I ha...

Jackie O.

I'm taking lessons for my own business in how thorough they are.

I am so impressed with this clinic from start to finish. They are a well-oiled machine, and have clearly considered the patient experience all the way through. I felt comfortabl...

Kielyn S.

I can now drive without glasses.

Chu Vision did a great job. From the initial evaluations through the cataract surgery I had on both of my eyes. Everything went smoothly and as planned. It has now been three mo...

Mike K.

The team there made you feel comfortable and at ease

I had cataract surgery. The care was unbelievable the team there made you feel comfortable and at ease. All my follow up visits was all about my healing process and even the pho...

Willie F.

My life has been forever changed

I walked into Chu Vision and my life has been forever changed. I had been wearing glasses for almost 25years and after doing my research chose Dr. Chu for my surgery. I cannot c...

Bridget V.
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What Life Looks Like With Your New Lenses

The right IOL can significantly improve your vision and quality of life. With premium lenses, you may:

  • Reduce or end the need for glasses or contacts.
  • See clearly at far, near, or intermediate distances
  • Experience fewer issues with glare and halos
  • Enjoy greater visual freedom in your daily routine
  • Enjoy the beauty of colors in the environment

Our doctors will help with your various options so you can choose IOLs that suit your individual needs.

Is a Premium Lens Right for You?

You may be a great candidate for intraocular lens exchange in St. Paul if you:

  • Are living with dull vision, haloes, or a lack of clear eyesight
  • Want to reduce your dependence on glasses
  • Have astigmatism, presbyopia, or other refractive issues
  • Have an interest in the latest advances in vision correction
  • Have healthy eyes aside from cataracts

We will perform a detailed pre-surgical evaluation to determine the best lens for your eyes and your personal goals for your vision.

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Why St. Paul Patients Trust Chu Vision for IOL Surgery in St. Paul

At Chu Vision Institute, we combine leading-edge technology with personalized care to give every patient the best possible outcome. We deliver the broadest range of vision and eye care treatments available in Minnesota and have performed more than 100,000 procedures to date.

  • Wide selection of premium IOLs to suit every vision need
  • Experienced cataract surgeons with expertise in advanced lens technology
  • Personalized consultations to help you make an informed decision
  • We offer an on-site, accredited surgical center for your convenience
  • Ongoing support throughout surgery and recovery

We’re here to help you see better and enjoy an improved quality of life.

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Say Goodbye to Cloudy Vision With IOL Surgery in St. Paul

Ready to find out which IOL is right for you? Schedule a consultation for IOL surgery in St. Paul with our team today and take the first step toward sharp, clear vision. 

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