Millions of individuals each year undergo cataract surgery. It entails the removal of the eye’s natural lens, which has developed a cataract and has become clouded. The natural lens of the eye is then replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL, which is a tiny lens used during cataract surgery to re-establish clear vision, is an essential component of the procedure. Generally speaking, IOLs can help correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia so that it becomes possible to be free of glasses thereafter. Your ophthalmologist can assist you in choosing the IOL that will best fix your vision issue and enhance your general vision. Do keep in mind that it is still possible to require a little bit of help still from glasses if one’s work or hobby requires a high level of clarity at specific distances.
IOLs come in a wide variety of types, so it can be challenging to choose the right one for you. We will offer guidance on how to select the ideal IOL for cataract surgery in this article.
1. Consider your lifestyle and work needs
The sort of IOL that will function best for you can be significantly influenced by your lifestyle. For instance, if you love sports or regularly engage in physical activities, you might want to select an IOL that can offer a broader field of vision and depth awareness. In contrast, if you spend a lot of time reading or using a computer, you may want to select an IOL that can give you excellent vision up close. In the same vein, the eye specialist will ask about your work and help you assess what areas of need to cover when helping you to select your IOL.
2. Understand the differences between monofocal, multifocal and extended depth of focus IOLs – what can each deliver?
IOLs come in two main types — monofocal and multifocal. Monofocal IOLs are made to offer only sharp distance vision.. If you select a monofocal IOL, you will still require spectacles for close-up work or reading. On the other hand, multifocal IOLs are made to provide sharp vision at various distances, minimising or completely removing the need for glasses following cataract surgery. Multifocal IOLs are more expensive than monofocal IOLs and are not suitable for everyone. For example, if you have any retinal disorder or advanced glaucoma, it would be better to avoid multifocal IOLs. Multifocal IOLs may also be associated with some glare and haloes issues especially in dim light settings. A new category of IOLs known as extended depth of focus IOLs are also available for those who do not wish to experience any glare or haloes but wish to have some degree of freedom from reading glasses. However, reading close up may not be as good as with multifocal IOLs. Given thecomplexities involved, it would be best to consult an eye specialist doctor before making this important decision on what IOL to select for your cataract surgery.
3. Consider toric IOLs for astigmatism correction
You might want to consider a toric IOL if you have astigmatism. Astigmatism in this specific scenario refers to the situation where the corneal surface is not perfectly spherical (like a round ball) ie one meridien is steeper than the other (like an American football). This results in skewed or blurred vision. Toric IOLs can offer better and sharper vision than conventional IOLs because they are specifically made to fix any pre-existing astigmatism. However, it is important to note that they are associated with a risk of rotation after surgery and may not correct the astigmatism fully. In cases of severe rotation, it may become necessary to undergo additional corrective procedures.
4. Consult a professional
Last but not least, it is crucial to go over your options with your eye doctor. In order to determine which IOL will work best for your particular requirements and vision issues, your eye doctor can offer insightful advice and suggestions. They can also respond to any concerns you may have and assist you in understanding the advantages and risks of various IOLs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the appropriate IOL for cataract surgery is a crucial step in regaining visual clarity. By considering the points listed above and with the help of an experienced eye doctor, you will be able to achieve the best possible results post-cataract surgery in Singapore.
Ava Eye Clinic offers a range of ophthalmology services for general eye conditions, including cataract surgery, droopy eyelid correction in Singapore and more. Book an appointment with us today.