An intraocular lens is a clear, artificial implant inserted after cataract surgery. The eye's natural lens function needs protection and once cataract surgery removes the fogged lens, that's where IOLs serve a purpose. In this blog today, we discuss the impacts IOLs are making on the daily lives of individuals and the long-term eye care associated with them. IOL, just save you from the blurred and fogged eyes.
Toric lenses were best in traditional times, but today different IOLs have been discovered to correct astigmatism. We also shed light on this one. Here, we introduce IOL technology to restore vision after cataract surgery.
Toric lenses reduce corneal astigmatism and correct distance vision. This IOL technology is also available in combination to enhance vision after cataract surgery.
Enhanced monofocal/toric lenses improve astigmatism and distance vision. It also requires glasses for intermediate and near vision. The Tecnis Eyhance IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision) is the first of a new generation of "enhanced monofocal" or "monofocal plus" IOLs. Enhanced Monofocal and toric lenses are designed in a way to correct spherical aberration and astigmatism with a complex multi-lens system within an IOL. The higher-order aspheric profiles indicate the increased flexibility and reduced system sizes of IOLs.
A multi-focal lens is designed to give sharp object views at multiple distances after cataract surgery. One inserts close, intermediate, and distant object-viewing lenses, which solves the problem of power glasses for life. There are cons to living with multifocal IOLs, which include,
EDOF comes in premium quality IOLs where the lens technology converges light at a focus for faraway objects. After using EDOF, patients may find the need for reading glasses for print materials.
A light adjustable lens is an intraocular lens (IOL) designed for adjustments and customization of initial IOL implants in the human eye. LAL requires non-invasive adjustments for the lens power and curvature of the eyes for better clarity of vision in those living with IOLs.
Several brands and manufacturers, like Fred Hollows Intraocular Lens Laboratory (FH IOL LAB), Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson Vision, offer a range of suitable IOLs for patients' individual needs and eye care. Eye care in Nepal is taking heights as you know, and has different IOLs, which include,
| Types of IOLs | Feature | Refractive index | Brands and design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foldable IOLs | Sterile foldable acrylic IOL | 1.461 | a biconvex optic design (from Flex, Tetra, Micro, and Slick) |
| PMMA IOLs | Rigid PMMA IOL | 1.49 | Kelmann Type AC and Modified C PMMA IOL |
| Hydrophilic IOLs | alternative to hydrophobic IOLs | 1.55 | Ray One Hydrophilic IOL, Care Group’s Acriol EC |
| Feature | EDOF | Multi-focal IOLs |
|---|---|---|
| Design | EDOF IOLs have a single elongated focal point | Contains multiple zones with different focusing powers |
| Results | Good for functional near-vision | Suitable for near intermediate and potentially distant vision |
| Adaptation of vision | Easier for the brain to adjust to, with minimal halo or glare | It can cause glare and halos due to a longer adaptation period |
| Night vision | There are fewer chances for halos or starbursts | More halos and starbursts at night |
| Suitable | presbyopia correction | For a clearer range of vision with potential side effects |
| Drawbacks | in optical aberrations leads to decreased retinal image quality | night vision issues, halos, and glares with reduced |
If IOLs are specially designed for the vision requirements of patients with cataract surgery, how do they benefit those with astigmatism? The fact cannot be denied that patients with cataracts have refractive errors; these two can occur sideways. To replace the use of glasses, even in astigmatism, that remain after cataract surgery, the toric lenses come in mono-focal and extended multifocal versions to maintain light energy at distances. The wavefront of IOLs helps you have an excellent viewing spectrum and no doubt they are seen as effective in patients with glaucoma as well. This is because it is difficult to predict visual outcomes that are not possible to match. If you have astigmatism as an older patient, then the most favorable IOL option is for you. The lens power can be customized for post-operative refractive. Here is what a customizable IOL can contribute to those living with IOLs and astigmatism,
After cataract surgery, one must wear protective glasses and get treatment sessions per eye to adapt to the new environment after living with IOLs. Several light treatments, ranging from 3 to 5 per eye, depending on the treatment, are done until your eyes obtain the targeted focus. There are phases and schedules of light treatment when one initially starts to live with IOLs, which include:
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are permanent artificial lenses inserted during cataract surgery to replace fogged natural lenses and restore near and distant vision. Cataract surgery replaces the affected lens and inserts IOL implants that come with no expiration date. They are designed medically for lifetime use and are only replaced if any sort of complication arises from prolonged use. That's why it is said that living with IOLs. However, these IOLs need to be re-sterilized before use to avoid infection. The materials used in IOLs are acrylic and silicone, which are biocompatible for the eyes and can co-exist as durable options after surgery.
Is an intraocular lens dislocation an emergency? Intraocular lens dislocation is a rare complication that can be associated with post-cataract surgery. There are several factors causing the dislocation of implants; we will discuss that too. Men have a higher risk of IOL dislocation compared to women. Also, the prevalence of intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation in patients with uveitis is relatively low. But it's quite a common case. The risk factors of intraocular lens dislocation are explained below,
Do you know about lens subluxation? This is a condition when zonular fibers are broken, because of which lenses are not securely held in the pupillary aperture.
IOL dislocations also include PEX, where the anterior segment tissues of the eyes are misplaced after cataract surgery. PEX indicates a condition when the lens capsule is fogged with extra material accumulation, resulting in dislocation.
As people get older, the series of fine fibers (zonules) that hold the lens in place can weaken. These are similar to the suspension ligaments of the lens. These are essential to suspend the lens and transmit visuals with the ciliary muscles.
Pre-operative trauma is found in some, as mentioned in Management of Traumatic Cataracts by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It is mentioned in one of the finest research studies that one-fifth of adults have ocular trauma at some point in time, this can impact the lens with subluxation or luxation, developing traumatic cataracts before surgery.
The weakness of zonules or fibrous structures that hold lenses is the major cause of the dislocation of IOLs. All these factors can contribute to intraocular lens dislocation.
Intraocular lenses fail to hold in place due to aging, previous surgeries, and other eye conditions. The dislocation of the intraocular lens could also indicate potential complications like,
In such cases, the emergency treatment asks for the removal or replacement of the intraocular lens. Another surgery for intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation shall be conducted, which may be performed with planned surgery in Nepal at a reasonable cost within 2 to 8 weeks. The main symptoms of intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation include:
Vision Concern is the best eye clinic in Kathmandu, which provides comprehensive eye care services and regular eye checkups and also facilitates eye surgery in Nepal. Inquire with us today for your IOL needs, contact lenses, power glasses for eyes, and more.
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
