Intraocular lenses

Dr. Emmanuel Bolaños Betancourt: ophthalmic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and Cataract Microsurgery. I see patients at Hospital Aranda de la Parra Puerto Interior (20 minutes from León) and at Oftalmo-Visión Clínica Oftalmológica in downtown Silao. Board certified by the Consejo Mexicano de Oftalmología since 2013, member 3045. Over 15 years of clinical practice, 292 combined Google reviews with a 4.9 average.

Correct your vision with precision and freedom, without depending on external lenses.

I perform intraocular lens implants at Hospital Aranda de la Parra Puerto Interior, 20 minutes from León. I see patients from across the Bajío region, Mexico, and the Americas.

⭐ 5.0 on Google (105 reviews), León, Mexico
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What is an intraocular lens, and what does it do?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a clear artificial lens that I place inside the eye, in the exact spot where the natural lens used to be.

The intraocular lens takes over the focusing job of the natural lens and can correct conditions such as:

Cataract (when the natural lens turns cloudy)

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism

Presbyopia (age-related loss of near focus)

Dependence on glasses or contact lenses

Intraocular lens implants are permanent, they do not shift, and they need no maintenance. It is a stable, long-lasting solution that improves your visual quality of life.

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When is an intraocular lens needed?

I implant an intraocular lens in two main situations:

1. During cataract surgery, as part of the procedure. Whenever the natural lens is removed, it is replaced with an IOL.

2. In patients without a cataract who want to correct a refractive error permanently, and who are not ideal candidates for laser surgery such as LASIK or PRK.

This procedure is also considered for patients with keratoconus, a previous failed refractive surgery, or severe contact lens intolerance.

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What types of intraocular lenses are there?

There are different types of intraocular lenses, and the choice depends on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and visual goals. At your consultation, I walk you through each option and we decide together which one fits you best.

1. Monofocal lenses

• Correct distance vision
• You may need reading glasses
• The most common option in standard surgery

2. Toric lenses

• Correct astigmatism in addition to distance vision
• Customized to the axis of your cornea
• Ideal if you have moderate to high astigmatism

3. Multifocal or trifocal lenses

• Let you see far, near, and at intermediate distances
• Reduce or remove the need for glasses
• Can cause halos or glare in low light, depending on the case

4. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses

• Provide smooth vision from distance to intermediate range
• Lower rate of unwanted visual effects
• An intermediate option between monofocal and multifocal

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How do I choose the right intraocular lens for me?

During your evaluation, I run precise tests that tell me the condition of your eyes, your cornea, your pupil, and your visual needs.

Together we go over:

1. Your lifestyle (reading, computer use, night driving, and so on)
2. Your tolerance for wearing or not wearing glasses
3. The presence of other eye conditions
4. Realistic expectations for the procedure

The choice is always personal. I explain the benefits and limitations of each option clearly, so you can make a well-informed decision.

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How is an intraocular lens placed?

The intraocular lens is implanted inside the eye through a microincision, in an outpatient procedure.

In most cases, this is done as part of cataract surgery. In patients without a cataract, the implant can also be done on its own, using a technique known as phakic or pseudophakic intraocular lens refractive surgery, depending on the case.

• Local anesthesia (drops) is used
• There is no pain
• No stitches are needed
• The lens settles into a stable, permanent position inside the eye

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What results can I expect after the implant?

The goal of an intraocular lens is to give you clearer, more stable, more functional vision. Many patients achieve:

Better distance and/or near vision, depending on the lens type chosen

Less or no dependence on glasses

Immediate and progressive improvement over a few days

Safe visual recovery with no complications

In every case, I handle the follow-up myself to make sure your eyes adapt well.

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Do I only see patients from the Bajío region?

No. My surgical office is at Hospital Aranda de la Parra Puerto Interior, 20 minutes from León on the road to Bajío International Airport (BJX). This location lets me see patients from León, Silao, Irapuato, Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, and the whole Bajío region, as well as patients coming from other cities in Mexico and from abroad (the United States, Canada, and Latin America).

I am bilingual, and I offer both the consultation and the procedure in English or Spanish.

Being minutes from the airport makes the logistics easier for patients traveling for treatment.

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Schedule your evaluation

If you are considering an intraocular lens implant, whether as part of cataract surgery or to get away from glasses, schedule an appointment with me. I offer a clear diagnosis and a visual solution designed for you.

Last updated: May 30, 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Emmanuel Bolaños, ophthalmic surgeon (Mexican Board of Ophthalmology, member 3045).