What Are Premium Intraocular Lenses?
Premium intraocular lenses correct not only the spherical component of one’s refractive power but also the cylindrical component and/ or the presbyopic component. In other words, compared to pure monofocal lenses, they are able to correct astigmatism and/or presbyopia as well. Given the added features, they do cost more, hence the term premium lenses.
Generally, they are divided into toric lenses and multifocal lenses. The multifocal lenses come with and without a toric component.
How Do We Select The Correct Intraocular Lens For Use In Cataract Surgery?
All available intraocular lenses have their advantages and disadvantages.
At Ava Eye Clinic, we take note of your visual needs, what activities you prefer doing, your occupation as well as your eye’s parameters (from specialised eye tests) and overall condition before discussing the possible options and what these mean for you following cataract surgery.
This will allow both Dr Looi and yourself to make a considered decision together regarding lens choice.
Are There Extra Steps Or Considerations In Cataract Surgery When These Premium Intraocular Lenses Are Used?
Although majority of the cataract surgery proceeds as usual, a few additional steps and considerations have to be kept in mind. For example, if a toric intraocular lens is used, it is essential to mark the correct axis at the start of the surgery. The surgeon also has to align the lens axis to the marking at the end of the surgery, as shown in the video above.
Additionally, the surgeon has to take care to remove the viscoelastic material behind the lens towards the end of the surgery. This helps the toric lens stay in its designated axis better and avoids rotation which can impact negatively on the visual outcome.
The video shows the main steps of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, as denoted in the subtitles. In this case, a toric intraocular lens was used. Every step has to be performed dexterously to avoid intra-operative complications such as inadvertent breakage of the lens membrane that provides support for the intraocular lens. In experienced hands, the surgery can be over in about 15 minutes.
Learn more about Cataracts & Cataract Surgery at: https://avaeyeclinic.com/what-is-a-cataract-how-does-it-affect-vision/