How to choose the best lens for cataract surgery
A cataract is when the vision in your lens becomes cloudy, making it difficult to see things clearly. Cataracts get extremely common with age, leading to difficulties doing everyday work like driving, cleaning, reading, etc. This can be solved with the help of cataract surgery which involves replacing your natural lens with an artificial lens to restore clear vision. It is essential to make the right decision while choosing the best lens for cataract surgery, the process of which might feel overwhelming. Through this blog, we will explore different kinds of cataract replacement lens options catering to individuals with different lifestyles, to make the process easier.
Types of lenses in cataract surgery
Cataracts can be replaced by many different types of artificial lenses, known as Intraocular lens (IOL). As synthetic implants, these are made. These lenses differ in their focusing powers, such as:
- Monofocal lenses:
This type of lens makes it possible to see clearly at one point in a distance, whether it is up close, or very far away. However, you require glasses for the other points in the distance.
For those with cataracts in both eyes, they are usually recommended to choose a close focal point for one eye and a faraway point for the other, as it relies on the brain to adjust to the two contrasting distances. This combination is referred to as monovision.
- Toric lenses:
These types of lenses correct astigmatism as they have different powers in different directions to balance the eye’s astigmatism. These also help solve near-sightedness as well as far-sightedness. These are available in monofocal, trifocal, or extended depth-of-focus versions.
- Wider-range lenses
These lenses make it possible to see clearly at multiple distances, depending on the type of lens which comes under wider-range lenses, such as:
Multifocal Lenses: this type of lens uses two focal points
Trifocal Lenses: this type of lens uses three focal points.
How to choose the best lens for cataract surgery?
Choosing the best lens for cataract surgery can be challenging, but there are factors that can help narrow down your choices and make the best decision.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the best lens for Cataract surgery:
- Weigh up the pros and cons
It is vital to weigh up the pros and cons before choosing the best lens for your cataract surgery, as it is a huge commitment that will define your vision for the rest of your life.
- Consider your budget
When it comes to IOL material, these lenses are usually made of silicone, hydrophobic acrylic, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), etc. within which each material comes with a different flexibility and durability that influences the cost of the lens.
The cost of the best lens for cataract surgery differs in various aspects, such as:
- Material of the lens
- Design of the lens
- The refractive power of the lens
- Type of lens
These factors, paired with each lens having different characteristics, functions, and durability can often make the cost of the lens fluctuate considerably.
- Be clear about your vision goals and needs
It is also crucial to understand which type of lens would suit your lifestyle best. For example, if you like traveling and enjoying distant views, mono-focal lenses are the best option for you. You would, however, require glasses for near vision.
On the other hand, it also helps knowing which vision issues you can tolerate, such as getting halos and glare during the night, or light adjustments while reading or in a restaurant.
- Consider any existing eye issues or comorbidities
Certain pre-existing eye conditions or health problems can also influence which type of lens would be most suitable for you. Discuss any relevant medical history with your ophthalmologist, such as glaucoma, diabetes, etc. These factors can also affect your candidacy for certain types of lenses and may influence the overall surgical approach.
What is Cataract surgery cost in India?
The cost of Cataract surgery depends on multiple factors like
- Whether the hospital is equipped with the latest technology
- Which city the hospital is based in
- The type of surgery performed
The location of the hospital plays a huge factor in defining the cost of the lens, depending on where you get the Cataract surgery. For example, Cataract surgery in Delhi can cost anywhere between ₹20,000 and ₹1,50,000.
Having said this, Cataract surgery cost in India starts from ₹25,000, and ranges as high as ₹1,80,000. The average cost is approximately ₹65,000.
Facts and Myths about Cataract Surgery
With Cataracts being prevalent all around the world, there is a lot of false information also circulating around. It is extremely crucial to be able to distinguish between what is a fact and what is simply a myth. Here are five myths about cataracts and cataract surgery along with facts that you must know:
- Myth: Cataracts can be cured only with eye drops
Fact: Cataract surgery is currently the only way to cure cataracts. Eye drops and medicines might provide temporary comfort to your eye but they cannot cure cataracts.
- Myth: You only need surgery when you lose your vision
Fact: You need cataract surgery as soon as you develop symptoms like clouded eyes, faded colors, loss of vision, difficulty in seeing during dim lights and nights, etc.
- Myth: Cataract surgery is not safe for Diabetic individuals
Fact: You may need to go through a set of instructions, like visiting your physician to talk about your medicinal intake, and give a few tests prior to the surgery to ensure your safety.
- Myth: You can’t indulge in daily activities for a long time after undergoing Cataract surgery
Fact: Modern Cataract surgery ensures fast recovery with a minimal impact on your daily routine, making it possible to do all your daily activities the very next day after the surgery is done.
- Myth: You still need to wear glasses after the Cataract surgery
Fact: Depending on the type of surgery, it is possible to completely eliminate the need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. There are also options consisting of advanced eye lenses such as trifocal IOLs, toric IOLs, etc.
How long between Cataract surgery on each eye?
The answer to deciding how long between cataract surgery on each eye isn’t one-size-fits-all, as the recovery time for each individual varies depending upon multiple factors, such as:
- Eye health of the individual
- Severity of cataracts
- Preferences of the individual
However, it is generally considered ideal to wait for approximately two to three weeks between each eye surgery to continue to the other eye.
Conclusion
Choosing the best lens for cataract surgery is a process involving many decisions, so it is essential to find a team that is trustworthy and knowledgeable on the topic to get good guidance. At the AK Institute of Ophthalmology, our team is highly qualified and armed with the latest technology to ensure safe treatment for your eyes.
