Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implants
Multifocal Intraocular lenses are becoming increasingly popular as today's active seniors who undergo cataract surgery become increasingly demanding of improved post-operative visual results.
More that half of individuals over the age of 65 has some degree of cataract development, and with life expectancy increasing, more and more people will need cataract eye surgery at some stage. The growing options in multifocal intra-ocular lens technology are giving ophthalmic surgeons the opportunity to provide their patients with good distance-, near- and intermediate vision, which frequently allows them to function independently of spectacles post-operatively.
The optical surface of the new generation multifocal intraocular implantable lenses has a wavefront-guided design, which takes into account the aberrations of the eye. There are various multifocal lens implants available on the market, including Technis, ReStor, Rezoom and AcriLisa. Some of these are better for computer work (intermediate distance), while others are better for reading (up close). Toric multifocal lenses are also available to correct astigmatism, like the AcriLisa Toric and Restor Toric multifocal intra-ocular lenses. Surgeons can customise each patient's surgery by establishing which IOL, or combination of IOLs, is best suited to the patient depending on their individual needs.
Young patients do particularly well with these lenses. Dr. Krüger has a lot of experience in this particular eye surgery field and has done thousands of multifocal IOL implants since 1995.
It is important to realise that you will experience some degree of post-operative glare and halo’s around lights at night for the first few months after surgery. This is normal, and will diminish after a period of about 3 months.
Benefits of intraocular implantable lenses
- Implantable lenses provide remarkable vision improvement
- A multifocal lens implant can ease the symptoms of presbyopia and greatly reduce the need for spectacles or contact lenses
- Intraocular lens implantation eye surgery have been proven safe and effective after years of exhaustive testing in Asia, Europe and America by the FDA. Complications have been found to occur in less than five percent of all eye lens implant cases.
- Cataract- and presbyopia sufferers regain independence as their vision improves. Daily tasks are easier to complete and most individuals can return to normal activities such as driving, reading, watching television and playing sports.
Risks of intraocular implantable lenses
Although complications with this kind of eye surgery are exceedingly rare, there are certain risks associated with intraocular lens implants. These include:
- Corneal edema, a type of swelling that is evident in most patients after eye surgery. If the cornea was healthy before surgery, however, the condition normally clears up by itself over the course of two or three days.
- Increased intraocular pressure. This is normally due to temporarily retained viscoelastic (a jelly-like substance used to facilitate the placement of the implantable lens that causes a pressure spike after eye surgery. This condition is easily cleared up with the help of medication.
- Leakage: Wound leaks are very serious and should ideally receive immediate attention to prevent the exposure of the inside of the eye to infectious agents. Leaks are managed by means of a 'bandage' contact lens and may require further surgery if it persists.
- Other risks include retinal detachment, IOL decentration and IOL power miscalculation. Please inquire if you would like further information with regard to these risk factors.
Who may have intraocular lens implants?
You qualify as a good candidate for this type of eye surgery if you
- Have healthy eyes and a stable refraction
- Have noticed a blurring of your vision/other symptoms of cataracts or experience frustration at reading due to presbyopia
- Have vision problems that are not improved by your most recent prescription reading glasses or contact lenses
- Are in general good health
- Display sufficient corneal thickness
- Are between the ages of 21 and 80
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions with regard to intraocular eye lens implants or eye surgery.
