Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lenses 

waterfall is the clouding of the lens of the eye that causes a decrease in vision. It usually occurs in people over 50 years of age. During cataract surgery, the clouded natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Improvements in technology and ever-evolving cataract removal techniques give the doctor and patient the option to treat refractive problems such as myopia, presbyopia, farsightedness and astigmatism in addition to removing the lens and treating the cataract.

Before the operation, the ophthalmologist will examine all the options and select the appropriate intraocular lenses that will be personalized to the patient’s needs.

What are the different types of intraocular lenses?

Now there is a variety of intraocular lenses that are personalized to the needs of each patient.

Monofocal Lenses

A monofocal lens is the most common type of intraocular lens used in cataract surgery. This type of lens is designed to give you sharp and clear vision at a certain distance. Some patients choose a monofocal lens that focuses well on objects 45 to 90 centimeters away from the face. This is the distance at which most computers are placed, and this lens choice allows them to do their work every day without glasses. Others who enjoy reading choose a monofocal lens that offers near vision.

Multifocal Intraoculars

The multifocal lens is a multifocal intraocular lens designed to correct presbyopia and provide a full range of near, far, and intermediate vision along with improved image quality. After a study it was found that people with multifocal lenses had more sensitivity to light, which makes it difficult to drive at night as the lights from running cars can cause discomfort to the patient.

Toric Intraocular Lenses

Toric intraocular lenses are aimed at patients with astigmatism, thus freeing them from wearing glasses. In a published article, they interviewed eye doctors and asked them what kind of intraocular lenses they would recommend for patients with astigmatism. Among respondents, 48% chose a toric lens, making this the most popular type of lens for those with astigmatism.

The Monovision Method

In the monovision method, each eye is adjusted so that it can focus at a different distance. That is, it is the technique in which one eye is corrected for distant vision and the other for near vision. It is indicated for patients who cannot be implanted with multifocal intraocular lenses. 80% of people in the general population who suffer from cataracts can be treated with the monovision method.

Which type of lenses is right for you?

Every patient’s daily life and needs are different. Some factors that will help you choose the right intraocular lenses, always with the cooperation of the ophthalmologist, are:

• Daily life and lifestyle
• Night driving
• Degree of astigmatism
• Other eye diseases
• Cost of intraocular lenses

Your doctor can assess how healthy your eyes are and can help you understand how each lens can work to help you achieve your goals.