TYPES OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES FOR CATARACT SURGERY
Once the Cataract is removed, a permanent, artificial lens, called an Intraocular lens or IOL is implanted. Following are the types of intraocular lenses for cataract surgery based on material & function.
Based on material, there are two types of intraocular lenses for cataract surgery available :
- Non-foldable Lenses (IOL): Are made of hard plastic material, are bigger in size & bigger incisions need to be made to insert them.
- Foldable Lenses (IOL): Are made of soft acrylic material and are used for Phaco surgeries routinely.
Based on function types of intraocular lenses for cataract surgery available :
- Monofocal–These lenses can restore clear vision for one area of focus only, usually distance vision. You will still need to use glasses for near activities such as reading, sewing, writing, using the mobile.
VISION SIMULATION WITH MONOFOCAL LENS: CLEAR VISION AT DISTANCE.
Multifocal – These lenses restore vision for near as well as distance and greatly reduces the dependency on glasses after surgery. Some patients may require glasses for intermediate use such as while using the computer.
VISION SIMULATION FOR MULTIFOCAL LENS: CLEAR VISION FOR DISTANCE AND NEAR.
Trifocal – These type of lenses are an advancement over standard multifocal lenses that provide near, intermediate as well as distance vision.
VISION SIMULATION WITH TRIFOCAL LENS: CLEAR DISTANCE, INTERMEDIATE AND NEAR VISION type
- Toric IOL – Astigmatism is the cylindrical component of the shape and number of the eye. If you are planning a cataract surgery and have high astigmatism, you may require to correct this in addition to the conventional spherical power Intraocular Lens, to ensure better clarity post-surgery. These lenses are called TORIC LENSES. Toric Lenses are available in Monofocal as well as Multifocal varieties. If the cylindrical power is left uncorrected, the person may require glasses to improve clarity in vision even after the removal of the cataract. They correct the cylindrical power in addition to the spherical power of the eye, thus giving more clarity in vision to the patient.
- Scleral fixated IOL’s – In situations where there is no capsular support to place any of the conventional lenses, special lenses called Scleral Fixated IOL’s are used by special techniques to implant the IOL so that the patient has a clear vision after surgery.
- Iris Claw Lenses – These lenses may also be uses in conditions where adequate capsular support is not available to place conventional IOL’s. It requires a small 5-6 mm incision and can be implanted very easily.
WHICH IS THE BEST TYPES OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES FOR CATARACT SURGERY?
We at Rushabh Eye Hospital & Laser Centre can help you decide which type of surgery and which types of intraocular lens(IOL) is best suited to your needs based on your daily activities and the type of vision required to complete these activities. Types of intraocular lenses would also depend on certain other factors such as the type of cataract, pre-existing astigmatism, glaucoma, co-morbid corneal, and retinal conditions.
CATARACT SURGERY AFTER PRIOR REFRACTIVE SURGERY. CAN IT BE DONE?
Cataract can develop years after a refractive procedure such a LASIK or RK, as a part of the normal aging process not as a complication of the laser surgery. These patients desire spectacle free vision even after cataract surgery. However, due to previously performed laser, pose a challenge inaccurate IOL power calculation. At Rushabh Eye Hospital, we have highly trained Doctors who specialize in tackling such situations and we aim to give the most accurate results after cataract surgery using types of intraocular lenses.
