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Choosing Intraocular Lenses for Cataract Surgery

In order to improve vision in a person with cataracts, the affected natural lenses in the eyes can be replaced with artificial intraocular lenses (IOLs). The natural lenses are removed and replaced with suitable IOLs. This corrective surgery is known as refractive lens exchange.

Before the introduction of IOLs, patients who had cataracts removed had to wear special contact lenses or thick eyeglasses for vision correction. This is because nothing was used to replace the lens that was responsible for focusing light on the retina. However, the introduction of FDA approved IOLs in the early 1980s has changed that.

Now, there are a wide variety of IOLs to choose from. The best lenses for you will depend on a variety of factors including your specific needs as well as your lifestyle. During consultation with your cataract surgeon, you will be provided with various options for IOLs. These may include:

1- Aspheric IOLs

These lenses differ from the traditional spherical optical design of regular IOLs since their surface is not uniformly spherical. Their shape is designed to closely mimic the shape of the natural lens. This helps to improve optical quality and avoid higher order aberrations (HOAs) that are common with spherical intraocular lenses.

Aspheric IOLs are designed to provide sharper vision particularly in conditions with low light levels. They are especially beneficial for people with larger pupils.

2 – Multifocal IOLs

These will decrease your need for computer or reading glasses after surgery. They have additional magnification in various parts of the lens to help focus images properly. Precise alignment is required for these lenses in order to provide a good visual outcome.

3 – Accommodating IOLs

These are designed to expand the range of vision of the wearer. The lens rests on flexible ‘haptics’ that allow the lens to move forward when looking at objects that are close by therefore increasing your focusing power.

4 – Toric IOLs

These lenses go a step further than simply providing a replacement for lenses removed during cataract surgery. These lenses are designed to correct vision problems, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The lenses come with different powers. They can also be adjusted for different orientations by the surgeon when they are inserted in the eye. This helps in the correction of astigmatism.

To properly adjust the lens, the surgeon places temporary marks on the patient’s cornea. This helps the surgeon identify the parts that are most curved at the front of the eye. The surgeon is then able to rotate and adjust the IOL to line up with the markings during the implantation. This ensures proper correction of astigmatism.

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4 Tips for Caring for Your Contact Lenses

Proper contact lens care can prevent damage to your contacts and, more importantly, it protects your eyes.

Don’t Put Your Contacts in Your Mouth

If you’re new to the world of contacts, you’ll soon learn that people do this. If it comes out or you have to take it out and don’t have you case, where else are you going to keep it? The problem is, your mouth is filthy. If you must put a contact in your mouth at some point, and chances are you will, make sure you clean it thoroughly before putting it back in your eye. Never put it in your mouth to rewet it. You’d be better off letting your dog lick your eyeball. And, no, don’t do that either.

Hand Washing

You know you need to wash your hands before you handle your contacts, but are you doing it right? Choose soaps that are free of perfumes and lotions. Rinse thoroughly, and dry thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel. If you in a desperate situation and must use hand sanitizer as a last resort, make sure you rinse it off or it will burn. You can rinse it with saline solution.

Use Clean Solution Only

Never reuse solution. Keep your solution bottle closed when not in use. And never let the tip of the bottle touch anything. Not your contact, not your eye, not even your fingers. If the tip of the bottle comes in contact with anything, throw it away and get a new one.

Getting Your Makeup Right

Put your contacts in before you apply your makeup. This has two benefits. It helps to prevent contaminating your contacts and you won’t mess up your eye makeup while putting them in. When it comes to removing your makeup, take your contacts out first. This will help prevent contaminating or tearing your contacts. You do not want to get eye makeup remover on your lenses. Depending on what you use, it can leave a film that is very difficult to clean off.

For full instruction on how to car for your contact lenses, talk to your ophthalmologist.

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Contact Lenses – The Basics

Contact lenses have been around for a long time. Many people today prefer to wear contact lenses as opposed to traditional eye glasses. Some people wear contact lenses for sports and outdoor activities, while choosing to wear eyeglasses for the day to day. 20% of Americans who are in need of vision correction wear contact lenses. However, not many people take the time to truly understand what they are and how to get the most out of their contact lenses.

Contact lenses are used to correct vision problems, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness as well as astigmatism. They provide the wearer with the opportunity to go glasses-free without having to invest in vision correction surgery.

Benefits of Contact Lenses

  1. They provide a more natural field of vision. This is because they are placed right on the eye. This means that there is far less (and sometimes no) distortion of what you are seeing.
  2. Contact lenses provide a wider field of view than glasses. Glasses do not provide peripheral vision. The wearer has to turn her head in order to view items on the side.
  3. There are no annoying reflections off the lenses or frames obstructing your view.
  4. Contact lenses are practically weightless. There is no frame to slip down your nose or cause discomfort.
  5. No one will know that you’re wearing devices to correct your vision unless you tell them or they carefully examine your eyes close up. Contact lenses allow you to maintain your natural look.

Types of Contact Lenses

There are different types of lenses available in the market. These include:

  1. Rigid gas-permeable lenses

    These are made of plastic that is slightly flexible. They allow oxygen to penetrate the lens to the eye beneath.

  2. Extended wear

    These are designed for extended use. You can wear these glasses for up to seven days without having to remove them. They can be worn overnight.

  3. Daily wear soft lenses

    These are made of plastic that is soft and flexible. The plastic allows oxygen to penetrate and therefore pass through to the eyes beneath.

  4. Extended wear disposable lenses

    These are soft lenses that are designed for extended periods at a time. They can be used for up to 30 days and should then be discarded.

  5. Planned replacement lenses

    These are soft lenses that can be used for daily wear. They are to be replaced based on a planned schedule.

Should You Get Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are beneficial in many cases. However, they can also cause serious problems. It is important to see an eye care professional for advice before getting contact lenses. If a prescription is approved, be sure to stick to the maintenance guidelines for contact lenses.

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Your Lenses: What You Need to Know

What’s the most important thing to you when selecting a new pair of glasses? If you’re like most people, you probably thought of the frame first. However, the lenses are far more important. Stunning frames with lenses that don’t help you see better would be a disaster.

The choices you make with your lenses will have a huge impact on your vision quality, safety and comfort, not to mention your appearance. For that reason, it is extremely important to learn all that you can about lenses and your choices so that you and your eye care specialist can make the best choice for you.

Age Matters

When selecting lenses, you should first consider your age and the stage of life you are in. This is because different lenses have different features in addition to correcting vision.

Lenses for youth, for example, are designed with their developing eyes in mind. If you are selecting lenses for your child, ensure that they are no-glare lenses. They should be protective and durable. Many professionals recommend polycarbonate lenses for children. These lenses are clear and shatter proof. They also offer UV protection and are resistant to impact.

People who are 40 years or older often have difficulty viewing items at multiple distances. It is therefore advisable for people in this age group to invest in progressive lenses. Progressive lenses are also a good option for anyone needing bifocals. They have no lines and provide a better appearance.

Materials

Lenses are made up of different materials. These include:

  1. Standard plasticThese lenses are usually thick. They are not impact resistant or shatterproof. They are amongst the cheapest lenses in the market for eyeglasses. 
  2. PolycarbonateThese are thinner and lighter. They provide UV protection and are impact resistant and shatterproof. They are great for those looking for a durable and safe option for eyeglasses. 
  3. High index plastic

These are very thin and light. They provide UV protection and are considered attractive. They can include no-glare treatment if required.

It is important to discuss your options with your eye care professional in order to make an informed choice.

Special Features

There are various other features you may want to consider when it comes to selecting lenses. These include:

  1. Polarized lensesThese provide protection to your eyes from UV rays and glare. They are a great option for people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors or driving. 
  2. Photochromic lensesThese adjust to different light levels automatically, therefore protecting the eyes from glare and strain.
  3. Digital surfaced lenses

These are customized to your needs. They provide sharper and crisper vision.

For more information, consult an eye care specialist in your area.

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What is Recovery Like after Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery sounds scary, but it is a very common and safe procedure. If your cataracts are interfering with the activities you used to enjoy, cataract surgery can be very rewarding and restore your quality of life. The recovery period is not long or difficult. Patients often notice improved vision immediately after their procedures or within the first few days after surgery. Your eyes should be fully healed in one to two months.

Caring for Your Eyes During Recovery

When scheduling your cataract surgery, you need to know how recovery will inconvenience you, so you can time your procedure accordingly. Following your cataract surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial to a speedy recovery, minimizing your risk of complications, and achieving optimal results.

After cataract surgery, you will need to:

  • Use your eye drops as instructed – typically one week for antibiotics and up to three weeks for anti-inflammatories.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes, even if you feel discomfort
  • Wear sunglasses when you go outside
  • Avoid wind, dust and other irritants
  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, submersing your face in the bath, scuba diving and similar activities for one to two weeks to minimize risk of infection
  • Avoid wearing eye makeup for one week

Physical Activity

Immediately after your cataract surgery you should avoid activities that create pressure in your eyes, such as bending over or sneezing. Do not try to drive the day after surgery. You can go back to light activities right away, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one week.

Learn more about cataract surgery recovery by talking to an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.