For some, the motivation behind getting eye surgery done is the desire to no longer wear glasses. For others, of course, there are real eye conditions that need to be treated. But regardless of what the motivation happens to be, it is important to choose intraocular or IOL lenses that are perfectly suited to the patient.
There is actually a wide range of lens types to choose from, from the old reliable monofocal lens that has been the mainstay of the eye care industry, to the fashionable multifocal lens that is growing in popularity.
But the fact is that when it comes to eye care procedures, like cataract surgery, intraocular lens options need to be considered and a decision made. Here is a guide to five of the most popular lens options in the intraocular array.
Monofocal
Easily the most common lens used in cataract and lens exchange surgeries, the monofocal was the first and is generally considered the standard lens. Their reliability is extremely high, though their versatility is limited to just one distance.
This means, for example, that while sight can be improved so that objects at distance can be seen clearly, objects that are near remain unclear and glasses are generally required. Patients have a choice to have lenses that provide distant, close up and even midrange distance lenses implanted.
Toric
This type of intraocular lens is monofocal in design but is specially designed to treat astigmatism. This eye condition relates to the irregular shape of the cornea, which in turn leads to blurred general vision.
A toric lens counters this effect, which results in distance vision being improved and distance glasses being put away. It does depend on how far astigmatism has progressed, but the toric lens is certainly an effective option, allowing those who are implanted with it to reduce their dependency on eye glasses.
Multifocal
The mutlifocal lens differs from the monofocal in so far as it provides more than one focus zone in the lens. This means that through a multifocal lens, the eye can focus comfortably on objects both far and near, and in doing so restores all but perfect sight and makes a life without glasses a reality.
The lens is shaped like a bullseye with concentric circles of differing strength. It sounds complicated, and there have been concerns over whether or not the patient can accept such a lens, but the brain adapts to the new situation over time.
Accommodative
One of the most cleverly designed lenses available, the accommodative lens actually moves in unison with the muscles in the eye to allow natural focusing abilities. For example, if a person focuses on an object a distance away, then the muscles in the eye relax, and the lens responds by falling slightly back in the eye, thereby allowing for clear vision.
Then, when looking at something close, the muscles in the eye contract, pushing the lens forward to focus clearly on it. This lens also rules out the need for glasses, though patients with astigmatism will need to have that condition addressed first.
Monovision
Monovision is not actually a lens, but a vision system involving two different lenses rather than one specially designed one. However, it is a viable sight improvement option that does drastically reduce the reliance a patient might have on glasses. Basically, one eye receives a lens designed for focusing on objects in the distance, and the other eye receives a lens designed for focusing on objects close up.
It does seem a little strange to have different IOL lenses in place, but the brain can adapt quickly and soon works out which eye to rely on. The result is that glasses for both distance and close up can be done away with. And in case of uncertainty, the real effect can be experienced through contact lenses matching the situation. That way patients can decide if it is for them.
Of course, these lenses are only fully effective when an experienced ophthalmologist performs surgery, and are not to simply cover over any eye conditions that might be there. There is not a substitution for the right treatments, and when a patient is in need of cataract surgery intraocular lens options should be considered to ensure the right lens is implanted.
For some, that will be the multifocal lens option, and for others the monofocal lenses implant is the best. The decision should only be made after careful and thorough consultation with the ophthalmologist involved.
Kate Dawson writes articles about Clarivu, a procedure where IOL lenses are inserted into the eye. These lenses are similar to a cataract surgery intraocular lens, and are available in a range of options. Patients can choose from a varifocal, bifocal or monofocal lenses for their surgery.