DID YOU KNOW?
Until fairly recently, only monofocal (one focal distance) lenses were available for those needing cataract surgery. Newer multifocal lens implants and accommodating intraocular lenses now offer a range of focusing distances.
» LENS / CATARACT PRICINGCataract / Lens Implants
The most common eye operation is for cataract surgery. This requires the removal of the clouded lens (cataract) and replacement with an artificial lens (intraocular lens implant – IOL). Because of modern advancements there is a large variety of artificial lens implants now available.
different lenses can be recommended.
The most affordable implant is the PMMA lens, which is made of a rigid plastic and is free (the BC Government covers the cost). It requires a sutured closure, longer healing time, and creates more astigmatism. It also requires later suture removal, generally more postoperative office visits and finally has a higher complication rate.
Because of all these risks and problems most ophthalmologists recommend that their patients use the second option – a soft foldable (acrylic) lens implant. These lenses come in a large variety, and generally can be classified under two categories: Aspheric Monofocal (Quality vision but still dependant on glasses afterwards) and Glass independence (Greater independence from glasses).
_________________________________________________________________________________
1. Aspheric Monofocal
This newer intraocular lens implant (AMO Technis 1 lens implant) is designed to minimize residual aberrations of the eye (glare and spherical aberration) that contribute to poorer contrast sensitivity and night vision. This has become the most highly recommended lens by ophthalmologists for their cataract patients. These implants have generally replaced the standard regular foldable lens.
2. Glass Independence
There are two reasons to require glasses after cataract surgery. One reason is to correct astigmatism, and the other is to correct presbyopia.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common condition that may cause blurred vision. The distorted vision is caused due to the eye's cornea or lens having an irregular shape. Generally more than 1/3 of patients require glasses to correct astigmatism. With the new Toric Lens Implant this internal optical distortion of the eye can be neutralized. After surgery the patient will not need glasses except to read.
Presbyopia
Around the age of 45, most people begin to have difficulties changing the focus in their eyes from distant objects to near vision tasks such as reading. For those who have never worn glasses, they will now need to begin using reading glasses. Those who already wear glasses may choose to get bifocals (or no-line bifocals known as progressive lenses). A small percentage of people are fortunate to have the right amount of nearsightedness to allow them to read without their glasses, even though they need them to see in the distance. Until fairly recently, individuals who had cataract surgery had no real options in lens implants. Only monofocal (one focal distance) lenses were available. This means the eye can only focus at one distance.
Now, there are a couple of options available: Multifocal Lens Implant and Accommodating Intraocular Lenses. These lenses offer a range of focusing distances rather than the single point of focus of traditional lenses.
a) Multifocal Lens Implant
Most people are aware of bifocal glasses, or even progressive lenses (no-line bifocals). These types of glasses allow us to see distant and nearby objects in clear focus by looking through different parts of the lenses. When cataract surgery is done, a lens implant replaces the crystalline lens of the eye. It is now possible to use a multifocal lens implant.
BoydVision offers three different options for this type of implant:
They are all made with concentric rings to enable focusing on near and far objects. These are the best lenses to achieve reading vision but the "rings" can produce night halos which occasionally are noticeable with night driving.
b) Accommodating Lens Implant
This lens (Crystalens Lens Implant) works most similarly to the natural human lens – bending inside the eye to adjust focus for reading. As apposed to the Multifocal lens implant it doesn't have rings and therefore has excellent night vision but achieves less near vision.
