The number one reason patients opt for intraocular lens procedures is to remove cataracts and restore vision. Although cataracts can form from the age of 40, they become more common as people age. When they turn 75, at least half of the patients. have at least one cataract or have had surgery to remove one. Cataracts are also associated with diseases such as diabetes and behaviors such as smoking or too much UV exposure from the sun.
The main types of lenses used for intraocular surgery are:
Standard lens (single vision)
In most cases, single vision lenses will be the least expensive and most effective option. It has a single depth of focus for all regions of the lens and is primarily for distance viewing. Typically, patients will need glasses with a slight prescription to adjust their vision to individual needs.
multifocal lens
In some cases, patients need a multifocal lens that can focus at multiple distances. This provides a full range of vision at various distances without glasses. With this lens, patients can read small print up close and clearly identify objects further away.
toric lens
Refers to a lens shaped like a cone or tower to match the shape of the eye. It corrects astigmatism and is often necessary for myopic patients. Like monolenses, this lens typically requires patients to wear glasses for special conditions such as reading or driving.
Accommodative/accommodative lens
New technology has made it possible for patients to use their eye muscles to adjust the area of focus of the lens. It can be adjusted on the fly to see near or far options more clearly based on eye movements. Most people will still need lightweight prescription glasses with these lenses.
aspherical lens
This is an advanced lens that varies in the degree of curvature across the lens surface to focus light more precisely than a normal lens. It is designed to more closely match the variability of a natural lens and offers more accurate vision, especially in low-light conditions.
monovision lens
This is an original concept in vision correction that treats the focal area of each eye differently. The lens of the dominant eye will adjust to provide clear distance vision, while the lens of the other eye will allow for better near vision.
El Dr. José Alberto Muiños Gómez-Camacho, Medical Director of Innova Ocular Muiños Clinic, In this video, he explains what types of intraocular lenses are used in cataract surgery.
