HEALTH
Premium intraocular lenses
O
nce the natural lens in the eye has been removed, the eye loses its ability to focus light and images clearly on to the retina. Before the development of artificial intra ocular lenses, hard contact lenses or very thick eyeglasses were the only options for correcting vision after cataract surgery. Artificial intraocular (within the eye) lenses were developed in the early part of the 20th century. Dr. Harold Ridley implanted the first artificial lens in 1949 in London. He noticed that Perspex was inert in the eye, after seeing RAF (Royal air Force) pilots of World War II with pieces of shattered canopies in their eyes. Since that 1970s cataract surgery techniques and artificial lenses have continued to evolve and develop. Artificial lenses are made of inert (or non-reactive) materials, such as PMMA, silicone, and acrylic. Just like natural lenses, artificial lenses have refractive power, or the ability to bend light, which helps to focus light rays and images on the retina. Because of this refractive power, it is now possible to correct astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness with artificial lenses. A consultation with an Ophthalmologist
will guide the patient on advice as to what choices are suitable concerning their vision and lifestyle. The axial length and the corneal curvature are essential measurements to predict the correct lens power of an intraocular lens. This measurement is called a biometry. Frequently Asked Questions about Premium Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL’s) 1. How are premium IOLs different from the standard single focus IOLs? Standard single focus IOLs are fixedfocus lens implants that are designed to provide good distance vision. The new lens design creates multiple focal points, so patients are able to see well at varied distances. All premium IOLs offer patients the potential for a greater independence from glasses after cataract or clear lens extraction surgery, 2. Could I be a candidate for one of the premium IOL? If you have been diagnosed with cataracts and/or presbyopia. Your eyes must be healthy and not afflicted with severe
Refractive Lens
diabetic retinopathy, uncontrolled glaucoma, or advanced macular degeneration. 3. What if I’ve already had RK, LASIK or another eye surgery? Can I get these lenses? Yes, you may still be a candidate. You will require additional testing, such as corneal topography and corneal pachymetry, to assist in proper lens calculation. 4. After receiving one of these premium IOLs, will I still need glasses at times? Most patients can conduct the majority of their daily activities without glasses, but results do vary. Circumstances where glasses were sometimes needed included night driving, and reading very fine print, poor light or contrast of print. 5. Is there an adjustment period or side effects after surgery? It can take one to 12 weeks for the brain to learn to ‘see’ up close and distance with the new lens. Some people report halos or glare around lights. For most, this issue diminishes over time. However, for some, it never completely goes away. More people report that the ability to see near and far greatly outweighs any visual side-effects associated with these IOLs.
6. Will I require additional eye surgeries after a premium IOL While the goal is to treat your nearsightedness, farsightedness, loss of focusing power, and cataract all at once, it is possible that additional procedures, such as LASIK may be required to reduce astigmatism, fine-tune your vision, and meet your expectations. Consult with your doctors and surgeon to make sure you understand the issues associated with these lenses, and what additional procedures might be indicated to ensure your ultimate satisfaction. 7. How do I know if I am a candidate? Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for these new IOLs. These questions with a YES or a NO answer will provide some indication of whether you might be a candidate for premium lenses. • • •
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Foldable multi-focal lens being inserted in the eye.
Lisa Trifocal intra ocular lens
ARE OUR FOCUS
FOR ALL DISEASES OF THE EYE 10 | SAVVY
• Consultation $165.00 Follow up $103.00 Includes retinal photos • OCT $102.00 • Cataract surgery from $3138.00 per eye * Price inc GST but not including cost of pre-operative consultation Southern Cross affiliated
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____ I have not had cataract surgery in either of my eyes. ____ I do not have wet or severe macular degeneration. ____ I do not have glaucoma, or if I do, it is controlled through successful treatment. ____ I have not had a life-long complaint about severe glare intolerance. ____ I don’t have an occupation or hobby that often requires me to drive at night. ____ I’m not hypercritical about my vision. ____ I don’t like wearing glasses all the time.
If you have said yes to all of the boxes above, then you may be a candidate.
WE ALS CONSU O LT KERIKE IN RI & BREAM BAY
EYE CENTRE PRIMECARE Eye Specialists:
David Dalziel and Andrew Watts Ph: 09-972 7022 12 Kensington Ave, Whangarei Fax: 09-972 7026 Email: pceyes@xtra.co.nz Website: www.bit.do/EyeCentre