Artificial Lens for Cataract Surgery
Selecting an artificial intraocular lens to be implanted during cataract surgery requires several measurements and factors including the length of the eye, the refraction of the eye, any previous eye surgery, and the goals for after cataract surgery. In a visit before the surgery, many of these measurements will be taken and then any viable options will be presented and discussed so that the best choice can be made. Once the lens is selected, the cataract surgery can proceed and the selected lens will be implanted during the surgery.
Lens Options for Cataract Surgery
There are many different models and types of intraocular lens implants to consider for cataract surgery.
The main categories of intraocular lens implants are standard single-vision implants, toric lens implants for astigmatism, multifocal lens implants to reduce the need for reading glasses, and light adjustable lens implants to have the ability to refine the prescription after the surgery.
Beyond selecting the type of lens, the lens must also have precise size, power, and alignment for each patient’s eyes.
Measurements for Lens Implants
There are several measurements and data which will be collected prior to selecting a lens type or parameters.
The biggest measurement is done using an ultrasound biometer. This instrument measures the length of the eye, the prescription of the eye, the thickness of the lens and cornea, and the depth of the anterior chamber.
Additional measurements that will be taken care of are refraction which provides the glasses prescription for each eye, corneal topography which provides an assessment of the shape of the front of the eye, and brightness acuity testing which provides an objective measure of the density of the cataract.
Best Vision After Cataract Surgery
The biggest goal for most patients is to attain the best possible vision after cataract surgery.
This can include distance vision that does not require glasses, less dependence on reading glasses, and improved vision with glasses on.
A cataract naturally impairs vision and makes everything cloudy or hazy, but cataract surgery can also be an opportunity to reduce the need for glasses for the best vision.
To ensure that the vision is as good as possible, the surgeon or doctor will make recommendations on the types of lenses which are available in the needed powers and parameters after the measurements are made.
When a Standard Lens is Selected
A standard intraocular lens is the oldest, most reliable lens option. This type of lens only corrects distance vision and does not include any astigmatism or reading correction.
These lenses are best for a patient who wants to wear glasses with a bifocal after the surgery or a patient who has significant other eye problems such as keratoconus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinitis pigmentosa.
When a Toric Lens is Selected
A toric intraocular lens is similar to a standard lens but includes a correction for any astigmatism component to the prescription.
These lenses often allow the patient to wear only reading glasses after the surgery and have excellent distance vision without any correction.
Often, these lenses are selected for individuals who are okay with the occasional use of reading glasses as needed and are more concerned with optimal distance vision.
When a Multifocal Lens is Selected
A multifocal lens has built-in correction for the distance, intermediate, and near. These lenses are designed to reduce the reliance on glasses at all distances and situations.
These types of lenses are best for healthy individuals who want total freedom from glasses or contact lenses.
While these lenses are designed for clear vision at all distances, the clarity of the vision is sometimes less than standard or toric lenses in the distance.
These lenses should be avoided in patients with concurrent eye problems or previous eye surgeries.
When a Light Adjustable Lens is Selected
A light adjustable lens is a special type of lens that can be altered after the surgery to change the prescription. These lenses are best for individuals who have unstable refractions due to previous surgery or progressive eye conditions.
Not all surgery centers will offer these lenses and it may require a specialty clinic to find this type of intraocular lens.
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