Now that you know you have a cataract and you are aware of the types of cataracts, it is time to determine if an upgraded lens for better surgical results is right for you.
There are several premium lens options that are available to cataract patients. The following information is to assist anyone considering cataract surgery – which is the best replacement lens for YOU. Deciding the best intraocular lens for you depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, and your specific visual needs.
What is an upgraded intraocular lens?
Cataract intraocular lenses (IOLs) are medical devices that are implanted in the eye to replace the eye’s natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. A standard and customary lens can be inserted and will require a higher dependency on corrective wear post-operatively. An upgraded lens that can potentially eliminate as much dependency on corrective wear is possible, based on several factors.
You should discuss the lifestyle you enjoyed BEFORE getting cataracts, and the lifestyle you would like to live AFTER cataract surgery.
The correct lens for you will depend on your eyes and your desire to reduce your dependency on glasses. Your doctor will review your options and explain what you can expect from each type of intraocular lens.
Patients with large degrees of myopia (nearsighted vision) and corneal astigmatism are particularly well suited to Toric IOLs, while others may do well with multifocal or accommodating IOL designs.
Selecting the right IOL depends on each patient’s ocular status (hyperopic, myopic, etc.) and needs.
Highly myopic patients have an increased risk of retinal detachment and variable postoperative refractive error. The IOL acts as a barrier to vitreous movement and subsequent retinal traction.
If you are myopic and have always worn glasses to see at a distance, and the cataracts are now interfering with your ability to see both near and far – it is highly advisable to place a lens that will accommodate for the distance vision you have been accustomed, with an understanding that you will be wearing glasses for reading.
While cataract surgery in myopic patients can pose many challenges, these patients tend to be among the happiest of all. Many enjoy a safe, efficient surgery that takes just minutes. After the cataract(s) has been removed, their myopia has been treated, and they can now enjoy a lifetime of excellent vision.
What about patients who have astigmatism?
For patients with substantial astigmatism (a common refractive error that is usually combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness), there are options to decrease your astigmatism using a technique called limbal relaxing incisions or by using a premium IOL called a toric IOL. Patients who choose this option have a good chance of eliminating their need for glasses or contact lenses when viewing things in the distance (more than six feet away). However, they will still need reading glasses for reading and viewing the computer (though it is likely only over-the-counter reading glasses will be required).
Understanding the intended results.
Intraocular lenses may allow cataract patients to reduce the strength of their glasses after surgery, but – in most cases – patients will still need to wear glasses to see most things clearly. Your doctor may ask if you prefer your vision without glasses to be better for distance, or better for seeing things that are nearby. Based on your discussion, your doctor will select the right IOL for your eye and vision preferences.
Most patients prefer to have their vision without glasses better for distance, but some – who have been able to read without glasses all their lives – prefer to keep their near vision, while wearing glasses to see things at a distance.
The objective is not to eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery, the goal is to remove the cataract to restore vision while adding an upgraded lens that will reduce the dependency on glasses.
CALL 781.251.2222 TODAY to learn more or TAKE THE CATARACT QUESTIONNAIRE to decide which is BEST for you.
