IN THIS VIDEO PROF MOHAMMED MUHTASEB DISCUSSES THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LENS IMPLANTS

What are the different types of lens implants available at iLase?

In my practice, I use a range of intraocular lens implants to replace the natural lens of the eye. This is necessary as part of a cataract operation, or refractive lens exchange procedure. In broad categories, lens implants can either be monofocal or multifocal and within the multifocal category, there are some slight nuances regarding how the lenses achieve multifocality. But in broad-brush categories, monofocal or multifocal.

Monofocal lenses

Monofocal lenses have one fixed point of focus, and usually, patients will want to see in the distance, but then they’ll have to have glasses for reading and to use the computer. Very occasionally, a patient will have been shortsighted throughout their life, then develop a cataract. Still, because of their short-sightedness, they’d been able to see up close without glasses and had glasses for distance. Such patients occasionally want to remain shortsighted. We have a long discussion about the ins and outs, and pros and cons of this choice. Still, if after the discussion, a patient wants to remain shortsighted, we can place a monofocal lens so that they stay shortsighted. Then the distance vision is blurred, and they have to wear glasses for far away.

Multifocal lenses

Multifocal lenses give the ability to see in the distance, and up close. Sometimes the vision improves in between as well. For example, when someone is using a computer, we can help to see the screen better, if the patient is suitable and if, following the discussion regarding the lens choices, they feel that the multifocal lens is better suited to them.

Whichever kind of lens implant is chosen, any astigmatism can be corrected, and certainly, that preexisting astigmatism is not made worse by the surgery. Toric lenses correct astigmatism, and both monofocal and multifocal lenses come in Toric varieties.

I invite you to book a consultation in order to determine your suitability for refractive cataract surgery, or refractive lens exchange. It’s the only way to determine your suitability for these procedures and to have an in-depth discussion regarding the risks and benefits of each of them. I look forward to seeing you there and taking you through the journey to achieving your desired post-operative outcome.