Pseudophakia pertains to the surgical procedure of placing an artificial lens device in the eye. Generally performed after cataract surgery where the opaque lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), this procedure is referred to as Pseudophakia.
The unclouding of vision due to cataract surgery is considered an efficacious treatment for one of the most prevalent problems associated with aging. The word Pseudophakia is derived from the Latin language which means ‘the false lens.’
This process aids in restoring vision as the artificial lens works like the natural lens in sending the focused image onto the retina. After the surgery, patients suffering from cataract-related blurred vision are able to see normally.
It is an operation that meets the needs of many patients in psychosocial rehabilitation behaviour, and a lot of them are satisfied with such treatment. Pseudophakia is a very effective treatment and does help restore vision and the quality of life of patients diagnosed with cataracts.
There are four types of IOLs. They are:
Monofocal lenses are the most common types and are all one power. This lens has a single focal point meaning it gives a clear vision at a certain distance. Mainly, these are designed for people with distance vision problems allowing them to see clearly at even a distance. For eg: mono-focal lens help while driving or watching television. They are considered an effective and reliable option for cataract surgery. Get ready to get a clear distance vision at a reliable cost.
Some people like the idea of having a pseudophakic lens for both near and far distances simultaneously. A multifocal lens can achieve that. There are also some advanced lenses known as trifocal lenses which can be used to see both far and near and also intermediate vision, unlike simple monofocal lenses.
Multifocal lenses adopt a lens design in which the lens has two or more focal points. In terms of functionality, this lens distorts light at different angles in order to provide focus at various distances. Such lenses, after surgery for cataracts, may enhance or even eliminate completely the patients’ dependence on reading glasses or bifocals.
Note: Multifocal IOLs provide distance vision that is good enough for most activities between distances, but as good as somewhat distance vision provided by a mono-focal microscope, this may not hold true for some implants. Some people may still require reading glasses for reading small prints.
Accommodative IOLs are a developing technology that attempts to replicate the eye's natural ability to focus. There is still a lot of study and refining going on about this.
Accommodative IOLs, unlike mono-focal intraocular lenses or multifocal intraocular lenses, have no fixed distant or near point. These modern lenses can be moulded in a manner that allows focusing on distant and close objects, changing their structure according to the distance of the object. This is a cost-effective procedure owing to the wide range of vision offered, hence this technology is aimed at cutting down the use of glasses or contact lenses post cataract surgery.
All said accommodative IOLs may not be suitable for every individual. There are certain factors like age, eye health, and individual needs that may affect their effectiveness. Before jumping into it, we recommend consulting a doctor to discuss the potential benefits and side effects of these IOLs.
These types of lenses are made specifically to solve the astigmatism issue during cataract surgery. In case you do not know, astigmatism is a defect in vision where one sees fuzzy images because the curvature of the cornea is not accurate. Toric IOLs have similar shapes and therefore perform like cylinders, helping patients with astigmatism by correcting the refractive astigmatism.
After that issue of astigmatism is addressed, one is able to see better at any distance and thus there is less dependency on both glasses and contact lenses which is encouraging for the patient in other activities such as driving or reading.
The main indication for patients undergoing IOL surgery is to rehabilitate lost vision after surgery for cataracts. In this case, the surgeon removes the opaque lens from the eye and replaces it with an artificial lens also called IOL.
During the 1940s, this advanced device was coined by an eye surgeon named Harold Ridley. In those days, the method involved placing an implant inside the eye, but the original lens was left untouched. Nowadays, doctors take out the natural lens to replace it with an IOL lens fully.
You may consider undergoing IOL surgery when your vision reduces and it starts affecting your everyday life. These constant symptoms show that it might be time you should consider one:
In Presurgery, you need to spill all the chronic conditions that you have to your doctor like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes to make sure that they can be kept in control.
Also, make your practitioner aware of the medications you’re taking (if any). Cataract surgery does not cause any bleeding. However, it is still suggested that you discontinue any blood thinners temporarily. That is a topic you should not forget with your prescribing doctor.
In case you’re taking any alpha-agonists, you must inform the doctor prior to surgery since these can potentially hamper the procedure if not dealt with properly.
Now, with all those things in check, your doctor will measure your eyes with biometry to be sure of which pseudophakic lens is correct for you. You may also be given some eye drops to prepare for surgery.
On the day of the operation, you must stay at the clinic for a few hours. Luckily this process will take about thirty minutes and all through the procedure you will be alert.
The doctor will give you a sedative to relax you, and then, he will inject a local anaesthetic to make you feel painless. Then, the doctor may give some antibiotics right before and after.
Talking about how the surgery takes place, the doctor inserts a small wand into your eye through a tiny cut. The off-sound waves break apart the cataract into tiny pieces and then are suctioned out of the eye. Then it makes space for replacing the original lens with the pseudophakic lens.
Another way how the surgery can be conducted is extracapsular cataract surgery where the surgeon makes a larger cut in the eye. This process is usually carried out if the cataract seems difficult to break apart. Through this process, the natural lens can be broken in one piece and the doctor can insert the pseudophakic lens.
During the surgery, the surgeon places the IOL in the posterior chamber which is between the usual location of the lens and the iris.
Post-surgery, your doctor will tell you a list of things that you need to follow to take care of your eyes over the next few weeks as they recover.
After a short rest, you can go home. Make sure, you book a ride or have someone to drive you home since you can not drive right after surgery.
You need to make several visits to your doctor over the next several weeks to come. The doctor will check how your eyes are functioning. It normally starts just a day after surgery. Expect the vision to be a bit blurry the first few days of the surgery. Then, it will get clearer.
In almost all cases, vision improves significantly after cataract surgery. But, the doctor may ask you to wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses. Note that the prescription will not be the same as the previous one.
A synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) can reasonably be expected to give a lasting performance safely for the rest of the patient’s life because it is a non-deteriorating element and serves as an implant.
On the other hand, there have been however unusual incidences that within a few years after insertion of the lens, certain forms of vision affecting lenses caused complications. Hence, there is a need to talk to the physician about which lens can work best for you in the future.
In the majority of cases, pseudophakic surgery goes smoothly but in some cases, these issues may occur:
In addition to these complications, cataract surgery may itself carry some risks like bleeding, infection, vision loss, inflammation, etc.
With the possible exception of premiums, within the capsular bag is the routine insertion of pseudophakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) after cataract surgery, which can offer effective vision correction for a lengthy period. Lenses of these types come in different materials, powers, and shapes. This can be effective but as complications are not so common, this should be understood that all procedures have risks and such risks must be discussed with your doctor & you may consult with an eye specialist in Vision Concern.
Ans: You are having problems with your eyesight, and more than likely, you will need a new eye lens. These concerns include constant light glare and distorted sights of clouds and halos which cause pain in the head. These alone are the signs that something is not right with your eyes and you must visit your doctor ASAP.
Ans: In some instances, a person who has undergone a pseudophakic operation may develop glare and halo complications. This usually occurs when the IOL is not positioned correctly, or an incorrect IOL type is implanted into the eye.
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.
