Advanced Lens Technology Center
Every Lens Option.
Including the Ones Not Yet Released.
As a Center of Excellence and clinical trial site, Brazos Eye Surgery carries the full spectrum of premium IOLs — and select patients have access to next-generation technology before it reaches the broader market.
Why Lens Access Matters
Not Every Practice Carries Every Lens
Most ophthalmology practices stock two or three premium IOL options. The lens you receive is often the lens your surgeon is most familiar with — not necessarily the lens best suited to your anatomy, prescription, and lifestyle.
Brazos Eye Surgery maintains the broadest IOL portfolio available in Central Texas — monofocal, toric, EDOF, trifocal, light-adjustable, and investigational trial lenses. Because Dr. Swann has deep fellowship training in refractive surgery and extensive experience across the full premium lens spectrum, the recommendation you receive is based on what is actually best for your eye — not what happens to be in the cabinet.
And as a Center of Excellence and clinical trial evaluation site, we are often the first practice in the region to work with the next generation of IOL technology — ensuring our patients are ahead of the curve in both options and outcomes.
Center of Excellence Designation
Our designation as a Center of Excellence reflects surgeon training, case volume, outcomes tracking, and technology investment — not just a marketing label.
Clinical Trial Site
We participate in FDA investigational device trials, giving select patients access to IOL technology years before general market release.
Full Pre-Op Evaluation
Every lens recommendation is preceded by corneal topography, specular microscopy, advanced biometry, and a detailed lifestyle consultation.
Fellowship-Trained IOL Expertise
Deep experience with the full premium IOL portfolio — not just the two or three lenses a general ophthalmologist commonly implants.
The Full IOL Portfolio
Every Lens. Explained Honestly.
Below is every lens category we offer — what it is, how it works, who it is best for, and what the honest trade-offs are. We believe informed patients make better decisions.
Monofocal IOL
Clear, reliable distance vision
Best for
Patients comfortable using reading glasses for near tasks who want sharp, dependable distance vision.
Overview
The monofocal IOL has been the gold standard of cataract surgery for decades. It is precisely focused at one distance — almost always distance — providing outstanding clarity for driving, watching television, and outdoor activities. Reading glasses will still be needed for near tasks such as menus, phones, and books.
How It Works
A single optical power is ground into the lens, focusing light at one precise focal point. Monofocal lenses deliver the clearest, most contrast-rich vision of any IOL category because all available light goes to a single focus.
Key Advantages
- Highest contrast sensitivity of any IOL type
- No optical trade-offs — no halos, no reduced night contrast
- Most predictable refractive outcome
- Often covered by Medicare and major insurance
- Ideal foundation when paired with laser arcuate correction for astigmatism
Ideal Patient
Patients with dense cataracts, significant corneal irregularity, or those who prioritize optical quality above all else.
Coverage
Usually covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Upgrade fee may apply for premium brands.
Toric IOL
Distance clarity with built-in astigmatism correction
Best for
Patients with corneal astigmatism who want the sharpest possible unaided distance vision.
Overview
Toric IOLs are premium monofocal lenses with an additional astigmatism-correcting component built into the optic. For patients with meaningful corneal astigmatism, a standard monofocal lens leaves that astigmatism uncorrected — meaning glasses or contacts are still needed for distance. A toric IOL addresses both the cataract and the astigmatism in a single procedure.
How It Works
The lens has two different powers in different meridians, precisely matched to the axis and magnitude of your corneal astigmatism. Exact alignment during implantation is critical — Dr. Swann uses preoperative corneal topography and intraoperative guidance to position the lens within a degree of its target axis.
Key Advantages
- Corrects corneal astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery
- Significantly reduces or eliminates dependence on distance glasses
- Can be combined with arcuate laser corrections for fine-tuning
- Same contrast quality as a standard monofocal
- Available in extended depth of focus and multifocal versions for full-range correction
Ideal Patient
Patients with 0.75D or more of corneal astigmatism who want the clearest possible unaided distance vision.
Coverage
Premium upgrade. Out-of-pocket cost for the astigmatism-correcting component. Base surgery covered by insurance.
Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)
Continuous vision from distance to intermediate
Best for
Active patients who want a wide, continuous focal range with minimal optical side effects.
Overview
EDOF lenses elongate — rather than split — the focal zone, creating a continuous range of clear vision from distance through intermediate (arm's length). Most patients achieve excellent functional vision for driving, computer work, and most daily activities. Near tasks such as small print may still require reading glasses in dim light, though many patients find they rarely need them.
How It Works
Rather than creating two or three discrete focal points, EDOF technology uses diffractive, refractive, or achromatic design principles to stretch the depth of focus into a smooth continuum. This produces fewer optical artifacts (halos, glare) than multifocal designs, making it a strong choice for patients sensitive to night vision changes.
Key Advantages
- Strong distance and intermediate vision — great for computer users
- Fewer halos and glare than multifocal lenses
- Well-tolerated by patients with mild dry eye
- Available in toric versions for astigmatism correction
- Good choice for patients with mildly irregular corneas or previous refractive surgery
Ideal Patient
Patients who spend significant time at computer or intermediate distances, and who prioritize optical quality with reduced spectacle dependence.
Coverage
Premium upgrade. Out-of-pocket cost. Base surgery covered by insurance.
Trifocal / Multifocal IOL
Full spectacle independence at all distances
Best for
Patients who want to eliminate glasses entirely for distance, intermediate, and near.
Overview
Trifocal and multifocal IOLs divide incoming light among three focal points — distance, intermediate, and near — allowing most patients to read, use a computer, and drive without glasses at all. This is the closest current technology comes to restoring the natural zoom of a youthful eye. The trade-off is a modest reduction in contrast and the possibility of halos or starbursts around lights at night, which most patients adapt to within three to six months.
How It Works
Diffractive rings etched into the lens optic split light into multiple simultaneous focal points. The brain learns to select the focal point appropriate for the task at hand — a neuroadaptation process that is faster and more complete when the pre-operative evaluation and surgical technique are optimized.
Key Advantages
- Highest rate of full spectacle independence of any IOL category
- Near, intermediate, and distance correction in a single lens
- Available in toric versions for astigmatism
- Neuroadaptation typically complete within 3–6 months
- Outcomes significantly better when paired with femtosecond laser for precise centration
Ideal Patient
Healthy eyes, good corneal topography, realistic expectations about neuroadaptation, and strong motivation to reduce spectacle dependence.
Coverage
Premium upgrade. Full out-of-pocket cost. Base surgery covered by insurance.
Note: Multifocal lenses are not ideal for patients with significant corneal disease, advanced glaucoma, or macular pathology. Comprehensive pre-op evaluation is essential.
Light-Adjustable Lens (LAL)
The only IOL you can customize after surgery
Best for
Patients who want to test-drive their vision before it is permanently locked in.
Overview
The Light-Adjustable Lens is the first and only IOL whose power can be changed after it is implanted in the eye. Following surgery and healing, a series of non-invasive UV light treatments delivered in-office gradually reshape the lens to your exact prescription — which you have already experienced and approved. Once you are satisfied with your vision, the lens is permanently locked.
How It Works
The LAL is made from a photosensitive silicone material. UV light delivered at specific wavelengths and patterns causes localized polymerization reactions that change the lens curvature and therefore its power. Multiple adjustments are possible before the final lock-in treatment, allowing iterative refinement to a level of precision no pre-implant calculation can guarantee.
Key Advantages
- You see your result before it is permanent
- Post-implant adjustments for sphere, cylinder, and even multifocality
- Especially valuable for patients with prior refractive surgery (post-LASIK eyes are harder to calculate)
- Highest accuracy IOL for achieving a specific refractive target
- Requires UV-protective glasses between treatments — temporary, provided by our office
Ideal Patient
Patients who want maximum precision, those with prior corneal refractive surgery, and anyone for whom hitting a very specific refractive target is the priority.
Coverage
Premium upgrade. Full out-of-pocket cost. Base surgery covered by insurance.
Investigational & Trial IOLs
Access to tomorrow's technology today
Best for
Patients who want the most advanced available technology — including lenses not yet released to the general market.
Overview
As a designated Center of Excellence and clinical trial evaluation site, Brazos Eye Surgery participates in investigational device studies and early-access programs for next-generation intraocular lenses. Select patients have the opportunity to receive technologies that are still in the approval pipeline — often one to three years before they become available to the broader market.
How It Works
Clinical trial IOLs are evaluated under FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) protocols with strict patient selection criteria, enhanced informed consent, and detailed follow-up. Being a trial site means our team has hands-on familiarity with emerging technologies before they arrive in standard practice — giving our patients a meaningful lead in both technology and outcomes.
Key Advantages
- Access to IOLs not yet available at most practices in the country
- Strict patient selection — you are evaluated for candidacy, not just enrolled
- Dr. Swann's trial site experience means he knows these lenses before the market does
- Enhanced follow-up and outcome tracking as part of trial participation
- Consistent with our mission: the most advanced care available, right here in Waco
Ideal Patient
Patients who meet specific inclusion criteria determined at the pre-operative evaluation. Ask at your consultation about currently enrolling studies.
Coverage
Trial program terms vary. Ask about current open trials and candidacy at your consultation.
Note: Current available trials vary. Candidacy is determined at your consultation based on your anatomy, prescription, and health history.
Center of Excellence & Clinical Trial Site
Brazos Eye Surgery's designation as a Center of Excellence and clinical trial evaluation site means something specific: we are evaluated by manufacturers and research institutions on our surgical outcomes, our diagnostic capabilities, our patient selection protocols, and our follow-up rigor. Being a trial site means Dr. Swann is working with next-generation IOLs before they receive broad market clearance — building the expertise and familiarity that translates directly into better outcomes for every patient who receives those lenses when they do become available.
For our patients, this means one thing: you have access to the most advanced lens technology in the world — some of it years ahead of what is available down the street or even in a major metropolitan center — right here in Waco.
Ask About Trial Lens CandidacyThe Consultation Process
How We Choose the Right Lens for You
The right IOL is not the most expensive one, or the newest one, or the one your neighbor had. It is the one that best matches your eye anatomy, your prescription, your lifestyle, and your expectations. Here is how we find it.
Full Diagnostic Workup
Corneal topography, specular microscopy (endothelial cell count), optical biometry (IOL power calculation), pupil size, and macular OCT. We measure what most offices skip.
Lifestyle Interview
Do you work at a computer? Drive at night frequently? Play golf or fish? Read small print daily? Your answers matter more than your prescription.
Honest Recommendation
We tell you which lenses are genuinely suited to your eyes and your goals — including which ones are not, and why. No upselling. No protocol-driven defaults.
Trial Access Evaluation
If you meet criteria for any currently enrolling IOL trial, we will discuss that option during your consultation — including what participation involves.
Ready to Choose?
Schedule Your Lens Consultation
We will measure your eyes, review your lifestyle, verify your insurance, and give you a straight answer about which lens is genuinely the best fit. No pressure. No defaults. Just the right recommendation for your eyes.