Those having cataract surgery need to choose the type of lens to
be implanted. In British Columbia, when the surgery is being done
to remove a cataract, the medical services plan may cover the
cost of a hard lens implant. While vision is adequate with this
type of lens, a larger incision is required to insert the lens
during surgery. This increases the risk of the surgery and
prolongs vision recovery compared to a soft, foldable lens.
As long as it is not a financial hardship, most people choose to
have a soft lens implanted. This allows a smaller incision because
the lens can be rolled up before it is inserted into the eye. The
incision for a hard lens must be as large as the lens itself. As
with any surgery, a larger incision requires more time to heal. In
cataract surgery, if a foldable lens is used, a stitch is not
usually required, but is always needed for large incisions.
Another advantage of soft lens implants is the variety of lenses
available. The standard soft lens has optics similar to the hard
lens implant. Also available are high quality (wavefront) optics,
multifocal lenses, and a lens with adjustable focus.
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