Type Of Implants 

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are medical devices that are implanted inside the eye to replace the eye's natural lens, which is removed during cataract surgery. IOLs also are used to correct the refractive errors patients had before the cataract and it is a very successful tool to minimise the need for glasses after having the cataract surgery.

 

By adjusting the strength of the implanted acrylic lens, it is often possible to correct long or short sightedness as well as astigmatism and reduce the need for strong glasses. Most cataract operations will result in a return to normal vision as long as the eye is not diseased in any other way.

 

What is the biometry?

 

Biometry is the process that uses either laser or ultrasound to predict the correct lens implant power and getting it right is a key part of a successful operation. Chesterfield has got the most advanced biometry machine which is one of very few in the South West.

 

Multifocal lenses :

 

In the past, the primary goal of cataract surgery was to restore a person's vision for driving, watching television, and other distance vision tasks. To see clearly up close, a person would need to wear bifocals or reading glasses after cataract removal to correct the inevitable post-surgical presbyopia.

But today, cataract patients have the choice of multifocal IOLs that can correct vision far away, up close and all distances in between

 

These advanced presbyopia-correcting IOLs are in many ways similar to bifocal and multiofocal contact lenses, and because multifocal IOLs are implanted inside the eye, they don't require any care and routine replacement like contact lenses do

 

Many patients who choose multifocal intraocular lenses find they can be glasses-free or may only need thin glasses occasionally for reading small print or to see distance after cataract surgery.

 

There is also a period of adjustment required on the part of the patient to a diffraction type of multifocal lens.

 

Mr Girgis is using the most advanced lens implant technology that offers near, intermediate and distance vision, which is revolutionising the treatment of cataracts.

 

What are the possible risks with multifocal lenses?

 

The risks with multifocal lenses are glare and loss of contrast sensitivity. As the lens focuses some of the distant light rays at the same time as some of the near light rays, you have to learn to concentrate on the desired image. The image being ignored can cause glare. As the technology has improved the latest lenses generate fewer glares than the earlier designs. Most patients are aware of glare on occasion, but only a very small number find the glare annoying.

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Toric Implants :

 

What is astigmatism?

 

Astigmatism is a common condition that can make your vision distorted or blurred. The distortion is usually because the eye’s cornea or lens has an oval, instead of the preferred round shape.

 

Toric lens implants are an exciting technology for patients with moderate amounts of astigmatism. Reducing your astigmatism will reduce your dependence upon glasses as compared to if you had a standard lens implant. You could wear glasses in order to correct the astigmatism, however if it is desirable to you to have better vision when you are not wearing your glasses, you may want to consider the toric lens implant.

 

Will this technology eliminate the need for glasses? Unfortunately, toric lens implants usually do not entirely eliminate eyeglasses. Most patients who have toric lens implants in both eyes will not have to wear glasses for distance activities but they would be expected to wear glasses for near.

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Can I have both a multifocal and toric lens in one implant?

 

The answer is yes, there are new types of toric multifocal implants which correct the astigmatism as well as giving the patients a clear vision for distance, intermediate and close work.

 

Summary :

 

If you are a patient with cataracts, you are considering surgery because your cataracts prevent you from seeing well with your corrective eyeglasses. After cataract surgery you should be able to see well for both far and near distances with your new eyeglasses (assuming no other eye health problems). The decision about which type of artificial lens implant to have will only affect your ability to see without eyeglasses following cataract surgery. With both standard and multifocal lens implants, most people will see reasonably well in the distance without any eyeglasses. However, multifocal lens implants will provide the added convenience of being able to read many things without glasses. No current technology can eliminate glasses, and how well you perform with multifocal lens implants can vary because of individual factors. Nevertheless, they are an excellent option for patients who already need cataract surgery who want to decrease their reliance upon glasses. While multifocal implants carry no guarantees, they should greatly improve the odds that you will be able to read and see better overall without glasses.

 

During the consultation with Mr Girgis, he will answer all your queries and guide you toward the most suitable type of implants will suit your eyes.