Cataract Surgery Explained
The clouding of the natural lens can cause vision to become blurry, hazy, or cloudy, and may also cause sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, or seeing halos around lights. These symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as driving, reading, or watching TV.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and is considered safe and effective, with a high success rate in improving vision and reducing cataract-related symptoms.
Overall, the main reason to have cataract surgery is to improve vision and quality of life. It is generally recommended for people with significant cataract-related symptoms that are affecting their ability to perform daily activities or for those with cataracts that are causing vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
There are mainly two types of IOLs:
- Monofocal IOLs have a single focal point, meaning they provide clear vision at one distance, typically either distance or near. If a person chooses a monofocal IOL for distance vision, they will need glasses to see clearly up close. If they choose a monofocal IOL for near vision, they will need glasses to see clearly at a distance.
- Multifocal IOLs on the other hand, have multiple focal points that allow for clear vision at various distances, including both distance and near. This means that most people with multifocal IOLs can function well without glasses for most activities, although they may still need glasses for certain tasks or in low-light conditions.
There are also some other types of IOLs, such as toric IOLs for correcting astigmatism and accommodating IOLs that change shape inside the eye to provide a range of focus. However, monofocal and multifocal IOLs are the most commonly used types.
The choice of IOL depends on the individual’s vision needs, lifestyle, and budget. A comprehensive eye exam and consultation with an ophthalmologist can help determine the most appropriate IOL for each person.