Cataracts surgery is one of the most common procedures done to correct vision right now. It’s one of the most effective treatment options for cataracts and is one of the only treatments available for those with severe cataracts.
One of the reasons cataracts surgery works so well is because of the artificial lens they place in your lens capsule after removing the cataract. However, it’s very important that you choose the right artificial lens for your needs.
So, let’s discuss the different types of artificial lenses used in cataracts surgery. That way, choosing the best option for your needs will be easier. Read on to learn more.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Before looking at the different lenses used to replace your natural lens, we need to understand how cataract surgery works. While it may seem and sound complicated, it’s actually a very simple outpatient procedure that doesn’t take very long.
After your consultation, your doctor will set a date for your procedure. Your doctor may advise you not to eat and avoid certain medications leading up to surgery to reduce the chances of complications. They may also prescribe eye drops that you should use regularly a few days before the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, your doctor will administer numbing eye drops so that you don’t feel anything while they’re working on the affected eye. From there, they will make a small incision on your eye to access the cataract with an ultrasound probe. This probe breaks down the cloudy lens and removes the cataract.
From there, the doctor replaces the lens of your eye with an artificial lens implant or an intraocular lens (IOL). It’s important that the new lens focuses light on your retina better than your natural lens, and it needs to be customised for your needs.
If you want to correct your blurry vision with cataract surgical procedures, you need to choose the right lens. So, let’s get into the details of the different replacement lens options available so you can determine the best one for your needs.
What Is an Intraocular Lens?
There are many types of clear lens replacements that your surgeon may place in your eye during cataract surgery. Your cataract surgeon should know which lens is right for your needs since cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. However, it’s important for patients to understand the different intraocular lenses available and choose the best one for their needs.
Monofocal Lenses
This is the most common lens used in cataract surgery. A monofocal lens corrects vision from one distance. For example, you can correct your blurred vision with a monofocal lens designed for distance vision. While this will improve your long-distance vision problems, it also means you might have to wear glasses or contact lenses for different distances.
Multifocal Lenses
If you have the option for multi-focal lenses, we highly recommend choosing them when you go for cataract surgery. This is because these lenses work for multiple distances. So, you won’t ever need glasses again, whether for long or short distances.
Accommodating IOLs
These are one of the newer IOLs available right now. These are very popular for cataracts surgery as they are flexible and adaptable. The main difference between accommodating IOLs and other options on the market is that these lenses adjust depending on the movement of your muscles. These are similar to multifocal IOLs and are great for those with other vision problems on top of their cloudy vision.
Torik IOL
Torik IOLs are unique. These aren’t ideal for all types of cataract surgery because they don’t work for all conditions. A TORIK IOL can restore the normal vision of a person with astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition where the eyeball is abnormally shaped. So, the Torik IOL is designed to reshape the cornea and allow light to focus on the retina easily. If you have astigmatism and cataracts, you may want to ask your doctor about this lens before your cataract surgery.
Phakic IOL
A Phakic IOL isn’t used for cataract surgery. While you won’t have this option while going in for cataracts surgery, it’s still important to understand what these lenses are and how you can benefit from them. A Phakic IOL doesn’t go behind your eye’s protective shield. Instead, it goes in front of the cornea. While a convenient option, this isn’t a replacement lens, which is why you don’t see it that often in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Learn more about top reasons why you should consider laser eye surgery.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right IOL?
When a cataract forms, it can lead to serious complications in your daily life. Not only will they cause glare whenever there are bright lights, but they can completely block your vision. So, it’s important that you choose the right IOL for your needs so that the cataracts surgery results in clear vision.
After taking out your cataract, your doctor will always place a clear artificial lens. However, you need premium lenses specifically designed for your eyes for the best visual outcomes. So, ensure your doctor measures your eyeball before choosing a lens.
When you don’t have the right lens, you may still have vision issues when your eye heals. This is because the new lens isn’t focusing light on your retina properly, which results in blurred vision.
How Do I Choose the Best IOL?
It’s important to consult a doctor when choosing an IOL. When you’re at the doctor’s office, don’t hesitate to ask them which IOL would be the best option for your eyes. Once you do this, they’ll give you a list of suitable options. From there, it’s up to you to ensure the IOL you choose fits your budget and offers the most benefits.
Conclusion
When you go in for cataract surgery, you have to make sure you choose the right IOL. There are many types of IOLs available right now, so try to speak to your doctor about your options and choose the one best suited to your needs. Once you do that, rest assured that you’ll get the best possible results once your eyes heal!