Seeing things clearly: Intraocular lens selection and cataract surgery

Intraocular lenses implanted in cataract surgery can restore bright, clear and colourful vision for patients who have suffered a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. In this informative guide to cataract surgery, highly respected consultant eye surgeon and ophthalmologist Mr Kieren Darcy sheds light on the power of intraocular lenses in improving vision quality and correcting some types of pre-existing sight problems. The revered specialist also details what patients should expect from the recovery period following cataract surgery and how the most suitable type of intraocular lens is selected for each individual patient.

What is an intraocular lens?

When explaining cataract surgery, I’m often asked - what is an intraocular lens? It’s a very small artificial lens that replaces the eye’s natural crystalline lens when correcting cataracts. Amazingly, they were invented just after the Second World War and their innovation has evolved dramatically. Now, intraocular lenses are usually made from a soft, synthetic and highly biocompatible material. These tiny lenses then offer patients a clear view of the world again and can correct multiple types of vision.

Why do we replace the eye’s natural lens in cataract surgery?

The natural crystalline lens is where the cataract develops. During our lives, we use our crystalline lens to change the focus of our vision. This happens naturally and without us even realising thanks to the flexibility of the lens itself. As we get older, this lens gets less and less flexible and eventually results in difficulties with near vision. The lens can then become dense and cloudy, which is a cataract. During cataract surgery this dense lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens, to restore vision.

What are the different types of intraocular lenses?

There are many types of intraocular lenses available and most patients don’t realise that when having cataract surgery, not only can they rejuvenate their vision but they can also correct pre-existing vision disorders.

The most commonly used lenses are monofocal and provide clear vision at one distance, meaning that individuals will continue to use glasses for specific tasks such as reading and computer work. Alternatively, multi-focal premium lenses offer more than one point of vision and are designed to reduce glasses dependence at all distances - including near, intermediate and distance vision. Both of these lens options can also correct astigmatism, if needed.

How do patients choose the correct type of lens?

Obviously, there are clinical considerations to take into account and patients require a thorough examination with a consultant. Then, during the consultation process, we investigate an individual’s lifestyle so we can ascertain their vision needs, priorities and even aspirations. This includes considering their occupation, hobbies, driving etc. We then have a detailed discussion about what they would like to achieve without glasses after surgery. It’s a very personalised process.

What results can patients expect from cataract surgery?

After cataract surgery, all patients should experience relief from their cataract symptoms meaning much lighter, brighter and clearer vision. Many patients will no longer need glasses for distance vision, and if they have chosen a multifocal lens, they may not need glasses for reading or intermediate tasks, such as computer use. Many of our patients can’t believe the freedom they feel and the quality of their vision post-surgery.

How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?

Patients usually notice some improvement directly after cataract surgery, however, there will be some blurring of the vision and a mild gritty sensation for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours, but this is just temporary. It takes a few days for eyes to adjust and patients with multifocal lenses will have a period of neuro adaption, as their eyes get used to their new multi-focal vision.

If you require cataract surgery and would like to discuss how intraocular lenses could help you, you can schedule a consultation with Mr Darcy by visiting his Top Doctors profile.