LENS IMPLANT ( INTRA OCULAR LENS - IOL )
Cataract surgery is performed using state of the art equipment. It is delicate and precise. Following the removal of the cataract, a lens is implanted in the eye of the patient to ensure good vision. There is a plethora of options, which can be quite confusing to the patient. Each patient is different, with different needs and expectations. Discuss the various options with your doctor to identify the perfect fit for your eyes. Read on for a summary of the various options.
MONOFOCAL IOL
Monofocal IOLs are the 'standard' or conventional type of IOL. By definition, a monofocal IOL provides clear vision without the need for glasses for one particular distance; usually set at 'infinity' or 'distance'. The lens power is calculated such that the patient would be able to see distance objects quite clearly without the need for spectacles. Cylindrical power may be added to the IOL(called a Toric IOL) to compensate for the patient's cylindrical power and provide sharp vision to the patient.
After monofocal lens implantation, the patient would definitely need glasses to see near objects(such as text on a mobile phone, newspaper font etc) clearly, while glasses would generally not be required for distance vision. A small glass correction may, nevertheless, slightly further enhance the sharpness of vision.
MULTIFOCAL IOL
Multifocal IOLs provide vision correction at multiple distances. Multifocal IOLs are premium lenses and generally not fully covered by insurance/mediclaim, but are frequently preferred over monofocal IOLs because they can reduce or completely eliminate the need for reading glasses. Multifocal IOLs can be
1) Bifocal IOLs - The surgeon aims to provide spectacle independence for distance (activities such as driving, walking, running etc) as well as near(activities such as reading from a book, using mobile phone etc). But objects at an intermediate distance(such as a computer screen) may not be perfectly crystal clear without spectacles
2) Trifocal IOLs - These IOLs are designed to cover the shortcomings of bifocal IOLs. The surgeon aims to provide spectacle independence not only for distance and near objects, but a third focal point aims to provide spectacle independence for even intermediate objects. This is useful for patients who frequently use laptops/tabs/screens as well as mobile phones and books.
EDOF IOLs
EDOF lenses incorporate the latest technology. EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOLs aim to provide a seamless depth of focus from near to distance. While the technology is constantly evolving, these IOLs aim to provide a seamless transition between different focal points and provide a range of clear vision, instead of 3 distinct focal points as is the case with trifocal lenses. EDOF lenses, like multifocal lenses are not fully covered by insurance/mediclaim but can be chosen by the patient at some additional out-of-pocket expense.
Every lens choice is a tradeoff. Each lens has some pros and some cons. No one lens can be perfect for everyone. A discussion with your doctor can identify the perfect lens for YOUR needs. Feel free to discuss your needs and expectations freely with Dr. Ameya Ingawale.
THE PROCEDURE
The virtually painless procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes. The surgeon makes a small incision at or near the cornea and removes the cloudy cataract using 'phacoimulsification' technology. The new lens (IOL) is folded, inserted through the tiny incision. It then automatically opens and is guided by the surgeon into the optimal position. The surgery may be performed without any injection prior to the surgery(topical anesthesia), simply with drops, or else, if the patient so chooses, an injection can be given slightly away from the eye to completely immobilise it(local anesthesia). The patient is free to choose either of the options. There is negligible pain following the procedure, and it is furhter mitigated with drops and oral medicines.
A cataract does not have to be "ripe" before it is removed. You should consider having surgery if the cataract makes it hard for you to see well enough to do the things you enjoy. The right time to do the surgery is when YOU NEED the surgery.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a"clouding" of the eye's natural lens, which results in blurred or defocused vision. Cataracts are often described as looking through wax paper or cloudy cellophane. People with cataracts also have color differentiation issues. Cataract surgery is the only treatment for a visually significant cataract. There are no drops or medications which can reverse a cataract and bring back transparency of the lens. However, due to the very high success rates of cataract surgery in the hands of experienced surgeons like Dr. Ameya Ingawale, there is little cause for concern.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT?
1. Blurred or cloudy vision
2. Colors appear faded or dull
3. Lamps such as headlights or streetlights have glare or halos or a sunburst appearance; sunlight may appear too bright
4. Poor night vision
5. Double vision.
6. Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses
Note: These symptoms can indicate other eye problems that may also result in blindness if left untreated. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment immediately for a complete eye examination to rule out other more sinister causes of vision problems.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is now highly evolved with extraordinary success rates. While spectacle independence is the target, depending on several factors, patients may need to use spectacles some of the time, or all of the time, depending on the selection of the IOL type as well as the health status of the patient's eye.
After the surgery, maintaining cleanliness is of utmost importance to prevent infections. Patients must refrain from having a headbath for about a week after surgery. They must not touch their eyes with their fingers, or any cloth for a week. Protective glasses must be worn for a week after surgery. The eyes and eyelids must be cleaned only with sterile eye wipes or sterilised cotton swabs. The drop and medicine regimen has to be adhered to strictly and usually lasts about a month or two after surgery.
There is some risk with any surgery, and a perfect result, no matter how likely, can never be guaranteed. Make sure you discuss the surgery in detail with us, and get all of your questions answered.
WHAT CAUSES CATARACT?
Researchers believe that there are several causes:
1. Aging
2. Diabetes
3. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light(very weak evidence for the same)
4. Eye injuries
5. Genetic factors
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT! CHOOSE WISELY!