Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
ARE THERE SPECIAL TYPES OF LENS IMPLANTS?
Aspheric Lens Implants: An Aspheric Lens Implant is a type of lens that is specifically designed to reduce visual disturbances caused by the optical aberrations found in ordinary lens implants. This can help reduce glare seen with traditional monofocal implants and can improve sharpness and contrast under dim lighting conditions. Patients who wish to have the best quality of distance vision may want to consider this implant, but need to remember that it can only correct one distance so reading glasses may still be needed after surgery.
Toric Lens Implants: This implant can correct for corneal astigmatism. Astigmatism is an optical aberration that can be caused by an irregular shaped cornea. For cataract patients who have this type of astigmatism and do not want to wear glasses for distance after surgery, this type of implant can reduce the likelihood of needing corrective lenses. Toric implants are not designed to correct for near vision and reading glasses may be needed after surgery.
Multifocal Lens Implants: In recent years, advances in lens technology have led to the development of multifocal intraocular lenses often referred to as premium implants. These lenses are designed to correct both near and far vision and reduce the likelihood of needing glasses after cataract surgery. There are several types of presbyopia correcting multifocal implants including: ReSTOR (by ALCON), and Tecnis ZMA00 AND ZMB00 (by AMO), AT LISA tri 839MP (by ZEISS), SBL-3. Each of these implants works in a different way to correct vision and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Even with this type of implant, there is no guarantee that corrective lenses will not be needed after surgery.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH IMPLANT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
At the conclusion of your examination, your surgeon will review with you the different type of implants that are best suited for you based upon the outcome of your exam and your visual needs.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN PREPARATION FOR CATARACT SURGERY?
You will receive a complete eye examination, after which your eye care provider will counsel you about surgery and answer any questions you may have. If you wish to go ahead with surgery, a surgery date will be selected and your pre-surgery systemic test will be scheduled. The surgery is often done under local anesthesia, but you can also choose systemic anesthesia if you really fears the surgery. If so, on the evening before surgery you will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight. It is helpful to get a good night's rest prior to surgery.
HOW IS A CATARACT REMOVED?
First your eye will be cleaned and dilated by the cataract surgeon and drops of a topical anesthetic will be used before a small incision is made. A ultrasonic probe is inserted into the small incision and it breaks apart the cataract and the fragments are then removed. Once the cataract has been removed, an intraocular lens will be placed into the small incision where it will permanently stay. The small incision is self-healing and in most cases, stiches are not required.
