Multifocal Toric IOLs: Correction Limits and Insurance Queries

Q: Multifocal Toric IOLs: Correction Limits and Insurance Queries

Hello： You may inquire with the National Health Insurance Administration. <br>Wishing you peace and good health. <br>Sincerely, Dr. <br>Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The corrective power of multifocal toric intraocular lenses?

Recently, I developed cataracts in my eyes.
I originally wanted to replace them with multifocal toric intraocular lenses, but my doctor told me that this type only corrects up to -8.00 diopters.
However, I saw a video on YouTube that mentioned lenses correcting up to -9.00 diopters.
Is it true that multifocal lenses can only correct myopia up to -8.00 diopters? Additionally, since I am under 55 years old and the National Health Insurance Bureau has already reviewed my case, will I need to undergo another review if I want to switch hospitals?

KK, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/18

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello: You may inquire with the National Health Insurance Administration.
Wishing you peace and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/05/18

More Info

When it comes to multifocal toric intraocular lenses (IOLs), understanding their correction limits and insurance implications is crucial, especially for patients undergoing cataract surgery. Multifocal toric IOLs are designed to correct both presbyopia (the age-related loss of near vision) and astigmatism, providing patients with a broader range of vision without the need for glasses. However, there are specific limitations regarding the degree of refractive error that these lenses can effectively correct.

Typically, multifocal toric IOLs are available with a maximum correction limit for myopia (nearsightedness) around -8.00 diopters (D) to -9.00 D, depending on the specific lens model and manufacturer. The 800-degree (or -8.00 D) limit you mentioned is a common threshold for many multifocal toric IOLs. However, some newer models may offer correction for slightly higher degrees of myopia, potentially up to -9.00 D or even more, but this varies by product. It’s essential to consult with your ophthalmologist about the specific lens options available to you, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your eye health and visual needs.

Regarding your question about insurance and switching hospitals, the process can vary significantly based on your location and the specific policies of your health insurance provider. In many cases, if you have already received approval from the health insurance bureau for a specific procedure at one hospital, you may need to undergo a new review if you decide to switch to a different hospital. This is because each facility may have different agreements with the insurance provider, and the new hospital may require its own assessment of your medical necessity for the procedure.

If you are considering changing hospitals, it is advisable to contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about the need for re-approval. They can provide you with the most accurate information regarding your coverage and any necessary steps you need to take. Additionally, your new hospital's administrative staff can assist you in understanding the insurance process and what documentation may be required for your cataract surgery with multifocal toric IOLs.

In summary, while multifocal toric IOLs typically correct up to around -8.00 D for myopia, advancements in lens technology may allow for higher corrections in some cases. Always consult with your ophthalmologist for the best options tailored to your specific vision needs. Regarding insurance, it is crucial to communicate with both your insurance provider and the new hospital to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any unexpected delays in your cataract surgery.

Similar Q&A

Choosing Different Intraocular Lenses for Each Eye: Impacts on Vision

Dear Director Gao, 1. My right eye has severe myopia and after developing cataracts, the prescription increased to -1000 diopters. I underwent cataract surgery in March last year, using the "Rein" aspheric monofocal intraocular lens, with a planned myopic reserve of -1...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Lee: 1. Different brands will not exhibit this phenomenon. You can follow your physician's recommendations. 2. Depending on your needs, if you want to wear glasses all the time, you can choose the same prescription as your right eye. If you prefer not to wear gl...

Choosing the Right Monofocal Intraocular Lens for High Myopia Patients

Hello Doctor: I have cataracts caused by high myopia, with my left eye at -950 and my right eye at -1200, which has recently changed to -1600. Since I am accustomed to wearing glasses, I have chosen a monofocal aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) with a target of -2.00 diopters post-...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Swallow: "Retained 50 degrees of presbyopia, but there is no impact on distance vision, which remains at 200 degrees." I don't quite understand this statement and may need to discuss it with the attending physician. Regarding the "short-focus enhanced vi...

Understanding Intraocular Lenses: Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Vision Clarity

1. Why are multifocal intraocular lenses not suitable for patients with glaucoma? 2. Are aspheric intraocular lenses suitable for glaucoma patients? Do they have side effects? After surgery with aspheric intraocular lenses, will patients still experience blurriness when looking...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. If the pupil is too small, it may not be suitable; if the vision is too poor, then the multifocal lens may not provide adequate results. 2. Generally, it can be used without side effects. Yes, because it is aspheric, it does not have multifocal capabilities. 3. National...

Preoperative Cataract Assessments: Understanding Costs and Options

Hello, Doctor: 1) At the beginning of this month, I took my father to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic at Taipei Veterans General Hospital for visual field testing and optical coherence tomography (OCT). After the examinations, he agreed to and signed the document for cloud d...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. The cloud-based data sharing only includes medication information used within the past three months; examination results and other aspects are not shared. Therefore, each medical institution needs to conduct these examinations preoperatively, and results from other lo...