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One of the most common reasons for blindness among elderly worldwide are cataracts. Generally, cataract is an age-related vision problem but children and young people can develop cataracts too. Cataracts gradually develops with age and disable the patient to see clearly. If cataracts in both eyes are left untreated, it can eventually make patients completely blind. As we age or due to other factors (such as injury, certain medications, or diseases like diabetes), the proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together. This causes the lens to become cloudy, resulting in a cataract. The cloudiness disrupts the passage of light through the lens, leading to blurred or impaired vision.
Once a person starts developing noticeable symptoms of cataracts, it may be necessary to have a surgery, which requires removing the natural clouded lens, a clear portion of tissue in the eye. Surgery is the only option to cure cataracts. The intraocular lens (IOL) is then used to replace the cataract affected natural lens. A patient has a variety of intraocular lens options, each with a different price point and focusing ability, to select from before the cataract operation. Because these lenses will be in patients’ eyes for the rest of their lives, choosing the right and appropriate lens for the cataract operation is a very important decision. There are primarily four types of cataract lenses to think about when having cataract surgery – Monofocal, Multifocal and Toric lenses.
There are different types of lenses for cataract surgery from different brands. Lenses can be Indian or imported. The eye surgeon is the only person who can suggest the most appropriate lens to the patient after examining the eyes and vision condition of the patient. The cataract specialist doctor or the eye surgeon will recommend the right lens after evaluating patient’s budget, lifestyle, expectations, etc. Before meeting the eye surgeon or the doctor, it is important that you know and understand the types of cataract surgery lenses (IOLs) available.
Let us understand the types of lenses for cataract surgery.
● Monofocal lens
The standard lens allows for extremely clear vision, but only at a standard distance. With a Monofocal IOL, the patient can either see up close (near vision) or far away (distant vision). Generally, eye surgeons restore the distant vision of the patient with a Monofocal lens and suggest eyeglasses after the surgery to see up close and focus on nearby objects. If a Monofocal lens is used for cataract operation, the patient would require eyeglasses to focus up close, such as for reading, cooking, using mobile phones, etc.
Monofocal lenses are most commonly used and recommended lenses as these are most budget friendly and cost effective. Patients who do not mind wearing spectacles after the surgery, prefer to choose a Monofocal lens for cataract operation. There are several options in this category. Indian lenses are less costly than imported or foreign Monofocal lenses. Patients may select the right lens according to their requirements, budget and doctor’s advice.
● Multifocal lens
These lenses, often known as premium lenses, are the cutting-edge IOLs available today. A multifocal lens for cataract surgery is an intraocular lens (IOL) that provides clear vision at multiple distances: near, intermediate, and far. The optics component of the lens has a differential refractive power range that lets patients to easily see objects at close, middle, and far distances. The use of multifocal lenses frequently enables vision correction without the need for glasses. This makes these glasses ideal for those who lead active lifestyles and need to rely less on eyeglasses. Multifocal lenses are costlier than Monofocal lenses. Though Indian Multifocal lenses are as good as imported/ foreign lenses, but foreign lenses are more expansive compared to Indian lenses.
- Toric Lens
Toric lenses for cataract surgery are specialized intraocular lenses (IOLs) designed to correct astigmatism, in addition to replacing the natural lens affected by cataracts. Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, which causes blurred or distorted vision. While traditional monofocal lenses are designed to focus light at one point (typically for distance vision), toric lenses have a special shape that helps to correct the uneven curvature of the cornea, providing clearer vision for people with astigmatism. Toric lenses for cataract surgery are available in both monofocal and multifocal variants, depending on the patient’s needs, particularly for correcting astigmatism along with either near, intermediate, or distance vision.
- Monofocal Toric Lens: A monofocal toric lens in cataract surgery is specifically used for patients who have astigmatism in addition to cataracts. This type of lens combines the features of a monofocal lens (providing clear vision at one specific distance, typically for distance vision) with astigmatism correction to improve vision quality. Patients suffering from Astigmatism may require wearing spectacles after the cataract operation but choosing a Toric Monofocal lens reduces the scope of wearing spectacles after the surgery. Only the eye specialist can suggest if the patient is a right candidate for a Monofocal Toric lens. Your doctor will come to know about your vision conditions after a complete examination of the eyes and suggest you the appropriate lens. Monofocal Toric lenses are costlier than normal Monofocal lenses.
- Multifocal Toric lens: A multifocal toric lens in cataract surgery is designed to provide vision correction for both astigmatism and multiple focal distances (near, intermediate, and distance), making it an excellent option for people with both cataracts and astigmatism who wish to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses for various activities. Choosing a Multifocal Toric lens for cataract surgery reduces the scope of wearing spectacles after the operation but not all patients might be the right candidate for these costly lenses. If you already wear spectacles for Astigmatism and wish to have a spectacle-free life after your cataract operation, you may consult with your eye surgeon regarding these Multifocal Toric lenses and seek the doctor’s expert advice. These lenses are the most expensive and that is the reason not much popular amongst the patients.
Which type of lens (IOL) is best for cataract surgery?
Each patient has unique needs and preferences when it comes to cataract surgery and selecting the best lens for cataract operation requires considering individual factors. There is no universal solution, as each lens type offers distinct benefits and limitations. For instance, a monofocal lens delivers excellent distance vision, but glasses may still be needed for near or intermediate tasks after the procedure. Multifocal lenses can reduce reliance on glasses post-surgery, though they may cause visual side effects like glare or halos. These lenses are generally more expensive than monofocal lenses. Toric lenses are ideal for patients with astigmatism, helping correct both the cataract and the astigmatism. If budget is a concern, a Toric Monofocal lens may be a suitable choice, while those with a higher budget may opt for a Toric Multifocal lens to reduce the need for glasses after surgery.
However, not all lens options are suitable for every patient, as our eyes vary from person to person. The ideal choice depends on the patient’s specific vision conditions and needs. Only a qualified eye specialist can determine the right lens after a comprehensive eye examination. The doctor will evaluate the patient’s requirements, lifestyle, and vision goals before recommending a lens. Many factors influence the final decision, and it’s essential to discuss expectations and concerns openly with the surgeon to ensure the best outcome. Experienced cataract specialists and surgeons are there to help guide you in selecting the right lens for your cataract surgery.
Maintaining open communication with your ophthalmologist is key to choosing the lens that best suits your individual visual needs.
