Custom Lens Surgery
In cataract surgery and in some refractive procedures, the natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens. The synthetic lens has a central portion known as the ' optic' and two ' arms' which hold it in place called ' haptics' The optic is approximately 6mm in size . It is rarely visible with the human eye and usually remains in place for a life time.
The ' one size fits all' approach to cataract surgery was, until relatively recently the only approach, as monofocal lenses were the only approved technology available.
Patients were given monofocal implants and spectacles following cataract surgery. In some cases this solution is still highly approprate, however a broad range of lenses are now available, each offering a solution for patient's specific visual needs.
Mr Tappin uses a range of lenses. After an in depth consultation you will be offered the lens that best suits YOUR NEEDS
Lens Options
Monofocal Intraocular Lens
These have the longest track record. They have been
used for over 50 years and provide excellent vision a single
focal point.
Monofocals are sometimes known as ' fixed focus' lenses
meaning vision is in focus for either near or distance.
You will therefore need glasses to help correct your vision.
Usually we try to give good distance vision. Most patients
require glasses for reading / close work.
There is also the possibility of choosing an intermediate
distance so near and distance are reasonably clear giving a
degree of freedom from glasses. However for best vision ,
glasses will be needed.
Mr Tappin uses the AcrySof® IQ lens. This is the very latest version of the Acrysof® lens, of which there are approximately 25 million implants worldwide.
Monovision
An alternative method is to implant monofocal lenses with slightly differing focal distances, so that one lens has good distance vision whilst the other is set for near. Not everyone can tolerate this method of providing a range of vision and is only recommneded for those who have tried this with contact lenses.
Click on the IMAGES to download the patient leaflets
Multifocal Intraocular Lens
These lenses can offer spectacle freedom for approximately 80% of patients. Unlike its monofocal counterpart, this lens has a multifocal surface which enables good vision at distance and close up. Intermediate vision ( computer / TV distance) is not as clear and some patients report seeing halos round light sources.
Accommodative Intraocular Lenses
This is relatively new technology which aims to offer spectacle freedom without unwanted side effects that are sometimes associated with multifocals. The optic has a fixed point like a monofocal, but the haptics allow the lens to move back and forth to change focus. It is however difficut to predict the level of movement that individual patients will attain and some do not aquire enough to offer freedom from spectacles.
Toric Lenses
A relatively new surgical advancement, this lens is designed to correct astigmatism as well as cataract.
CLICK IMAGE to enlarge
to see multifocal rings
on the lens
Multifocal ' Piggy Back' Lens ( Vitalis)
This is a new type of lens, which is designed for patients who had previous cataract / lens surgery and who still need spectacles but would like to be free of them most of the time.
It is suitable for many people who had cataract surgery before the introduction of multifocal lenses, but who would now benefit from these lenses. Likewise it is also suitable for correcting refractive error caused by previous surgery.
The lens is extremely thin and shaped to sit in front of an existing replacement lens. CLICK HERE for further information about the Vitalis lens.
