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Cataract
and Lens Implants |
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Intraocular Lens (IOL) |
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After the cataract (the clouded lens)
is removed light is no longer focused on the
retina and the
patient does not see well. The
images are very blurred especially for distance. Therefore,
removing the cataract is but half the
battle, the other half being the optical substitution
of a clear focusing system to replace the now absent natural
lens. Three options are currently
available – thick glasses, contact lenses and IOLs. |
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Glasses in front of the eye can take
over the work of the missing lens. The disadvantages
of such thick glasses are that the images formed are larger
than normal and side vision is restricted.
Annoying double vision can
result especially if the other eye has a relatively clear
lens and normal vision. |
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Contact lenses on the
cornea of the eye serve as a
substitute lens. If you choose
to wear contact lenses, you will still need glasses a good
deal of the time for reading and close work. Most older
people have some discomfort with contact lenses.
These lenses must also be cared for
hygienically every day. |
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IOLs can be placed inside the
eye. They are made of plastic, silicone or acrylic material and remain
permanently inside the eye. Because the
IOL is placed within the eye,
it is very close to the original position of the natural
lens. Thus the IOL provides the best
optical substitute for the natural lens. But glasses
may still need to be worn at times. |
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Some IOLs are designed to be
positioned in front of the iris which acts as their support.
These are called Anterior Chamber (or
AC) IOLs and are usually implanted following
SICS or in rare
cases of ECCE
or
PKE if a
PC IOL cannot be implanted. |
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Posterior Chamber (PC) IOLs are
placed behind the iris using the back
(posterior) capsule of the lens as a support for the
lens. PC IOLs can also be placed inside the capsular bag
which is the most ideal position for an IOL to focus images
on the retina.
Newer PC IOLs can even be folded before implantation. These “foldable IOLs” can be inserted
through a small opening made in the eye such as in
phacoemulsification (PKE) surgery. |
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How safe is Cataract Surgery
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Intraocular Lens
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Patient Care |
