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New advancements in eye care can make corrective eyewear for cataract surgery patients a thing of the past.
Cataracts cloud the eye’s naturally clear lens, impairing vision by causing blurriness and haziness that cannot be corrected with glasses and contact lenses. Cataract surgery can restore vision by replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). However, a patient may not experience complete clarity, as their vision before developing cataracts may have required them to wear eyewear for vision correction due to presbyopia.
After cataract surgery, patients can now explore newly developed multifocal lens implants to restore visual clarity at various distances. Having distance, middle, and near vision in one lens can make daily life easier for patients without worrying about eyewear or vision.
What are multifocal lens implants?
Traditional artificial lenses typically focus on a patient’s distance vision, which may still require them to wear corrective eyewear for clear vision at close range. Considering most cataract patients are older adults, they may have already previously developed presbyopia that hampers near vision with age. Multifocal lens implants allow patients to see near and distant objects easily, enabling them to forgo corrective eyewear. Various multifocal implants are available and in development; they work in different ways and offer differing effects on vision.
Considerations for choosing multifocal lens implants
Not all multifocal lens implants are the same, so choosing an option depends on a patient’s vision needs and preferences. Current multifocal IOLs offer advantages like clearer vision, greater range, and fewer haloes, but prioritizing one will typically compromise the other two. For instance, the PanOptix IOLs can be an ideal choice for those who want trifocal lens implants for good vision across a wide range of distances. Still, they reduce contrast sensitivity in low lighting and often produce glare and haloes. In contrast, the EDOF IOLs have fewer aberrations and crisper vision distance, but near vision isn’t as sharp.
Currently, there isn’t a multifocal IOL that can create a seamless vision experience at various distances. They aren’t perfect choices for everyone, but newer advancements have made them more viable options for cataract surgery patients thanks to improved overall performance.
Other multifocal options
Multifocal lens implants may not be the right fit for all cataract surgery patients, but other options are available for those who want the perks of multifocal vision. Progressive readers are convenient for those who don’t want to bother with constantly putting on and taking off their glasses. Foster Grant’s Multi Focus Reading Glasses offer three strengths in one pair. The bottom third has the highest strength for reading, the middle third has a reduced magnification for tasks like using a computer, and the top third allows for more comfortable distance vision for situations like conversing with someone seated across from you. They’re also ideal for patients who don’t mind wearing glasses or want to make a style statement; styles like the Conan and McKay are functional and fashionable.
Multifocal contact lenses may be preferable for those who want a seamless look. Options like the Clariti Daily Multifocal 3 Add contact lenses are designed to provide clarity and comfort for all levels of presbyopia. The comfort edge technology ensures a better, more comfortable fit, and the WetLoc Technology maintains all-day moisture. The daily wear schedule can also be more convenient and hygienic for wearers.
Multifocal lens implants can be a liberating option for many cataract surgery patients who want to enjoy clear vision without needing corrective eyewear. While imperfect, future developments can improve their performance to make them more comfortable and clear. As always, choosing the right surgeon for cataract surgery is best. Aside from the technology that will be used, consider the doctor’s skills, services, convenience, and overall care they provide.