Lens Implants
Cataract surgery is actually the removal of the lens. The eye can be compared to a camera. The lens focuses images sharply
on the retina. When the clouding or cataract occurs, the lens is no longer able to focus clearly onto the retina. After
surgery, the eye is unable to focus because it needs a lens to function again normally. The alternatives are cataract
glasses which are think and heavy, a contact lens which is worn on the eye, or a lens implant or intraocular lens which is
an artificial lens placed within the eye. With the glasses, the depth perception is altered, the peripheral vision is
restricted, and if the other eye sees well, a balance is very difficult to achieve. Contact lenses, on the other hand, do
give good peripheral vision and good balance. They do not alter depth perception. However, many people find it difficult or
impossible to insert and others may not tolerate them at all. Intraocular lenses or lens implants give the same advantages
as contact lenses but do not have to be handled. They are surgically placed within the eyes. Some people function quite well
with just the implants while most people require some refinement of vision through glasses. When this is necessary, the
glasses are at least ordinary, not thick and heavy.
Lens implants are also used on a small percentage of patients without cataracts who wish to reduce the need for glasses or
contact lenses, and who are not candidates for laser correction.
We are fortunate today to have multifocal implants available. This allows the patient to see distance, intermediate, and
close usually without glasses. With monofocal implants, approximately 70% of patients will wear part time glasses. With
the multifocal implants, about 10% of patients will have part time glasses. Most insurances do not cover the entire cost of
the multifocal, nor the extra pre and post operative care. Furthermore, not everyone wanting one is a good candidate for
it, and a small percentage of patients may need further surgery to optimize the result. These choices are best discussed
with your Ophthalmologist.
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