The specialty of ophthalmology has advanced dramatically, particularly in the area of cataract surgery and how easily and accurately it restores clear vision. If you have cataracts and think it may be time for surgery, you should ask your ophthalmologist about intraocular multifocal lenses. They can give you back natural, clear vision whether you are looking at something near, something in the distance, or somewhere in between.
Details on Multifocal Lenses
Also known as presbyopia intraocular lenses, multifocal lenses allow for normal vision–close, distant, and in-between–after cataract surgery. These silicone or acrylic lenses work within the structure of the eye, allowing for sharp, clear, colorful images. They replace the natural lenses in the eye which, with age and other influential factors, become clouded and discolored due to cataracts.
Most people who undergo cataract removal surgery–in fact, up to 4 million annually in the US–opt for what’s called multifocal lenses, intraocular lenses, or IOLs. These intraocular lenses approximate natural, youthful vision in amazing ways.
Monofocal intraocular lenses usually produce excellent distance vision focusing but cannot accommodate midrange or up-close images. However, some kinds of multifocal lenses work almost seamlessly with the patient’s brain to bring numerous focal distances into sharp focus. Toric multifocal lenses accommodate the special vision needs of individuals who have astigmatisms, or errors in refraction due to odd curvatures in the cornea.
Are Multifocal Lenses the Right Choice for You?
This is something to discuss with your ophthalmologist. The doctor will examine your eyes with special attention paid to the lens which brings light into focus on the highly vascularized retina. The retina then sends these images via the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation.
When cataracts are severe enough to produce halos around lights, reduce contrast and discolor and distort images, then it likely is time for surgery. This vision deterioration only worsens with age, exposure to sunlight, certain medications, and even heredity.
Regarding lens choice, you should consider the extra cost of multifocal lenses. Most health insurance only covers mono-focal lenses, and the patient must pick up the extra cost of the multifocal IOLs.
Precise Cataract Surgery and Multifocal Lenses in Miramar, Florida
At Miramar Eye Institute, our two eye experts are our board-certified eye surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Karp, and our optometrist, Dr. Lindsay Fuentes. They have extensive experience treating patients with complicated conditions like cataracts and those that need multifocal lenses. Dr. Karp does numerous lens replacement procedures for cataracts every year.
If you are wondering if it’s time for you to have cataract surgery and if multifocal intraocular lenses are appropriate for your vision and your health, call us to learn more. Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes, review your medical history, and show you vision options customized to your specific needs.
Call us today at (954) 437-4316 or request your appointment here. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your vision health options.