Bifocal Implants

Cataracts

Over fifty percent of people over the age of 60, and quite a few younger than that, suffer from cataracts. Currently there is no medical treatment to reverse or prevent the development of cataracts. Once they form, the only way to see clearly again is to have them removed from within the eye.

In your parents' or grandparents' day, cataract surgery was considered risky, required a lengthy hospital stay and was usually postponed for as long as possible. Today, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes. It is now one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed. In fact, following cataract surgery, many patients experience vision that is actually better than what they had before they developed cataracts. Cataract surgery is now the most common surgical procedure performed in medicine today.

Over time, cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision.

Presbyopia

As we age, the lens inside our eye loses its flexibility. This diminishes the eyes’ ability to switch its focus from distance to near and back again. This becomes most noticeable as people find it more difficult to see or read things that are close. Bifocals have been a frequent solution to fix this problem.

Refractive lensectomy is a surgical procedure that uses the same successful techniques of modern cataract surgery. Refractive lensectomy corrects nearsightedness or farsightedness by replacing the eye's natural lens, which has the wrong power, with an artificial intra-ocular lens (IOL) implant that has the correct power for the eye.

The main difference between standard cataract surgery and refractive lensectomy is that cataract surgery is primarily performed to remove a patient's cataract that is obstructing and clouding their vision, while refractive lensectomy is performed to reduce a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Refractive lensectomy can be combined with other procedures that treat astigmatism.

Multifocal Implants

With either of the above conditions, a multifocal lens such as the ReZoom™ can be placed into the eye. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Only one eye will be treated at a time. After the eye is completely numbed with topical or local anesthesia, the eye's natural lens will be gently vacuumed out through a tiny incision, about one eighth of an inch wide.

Next, the new, intra-ocular lens will be folded and inserted through the same micro-incision. It will then be unfolded and placed into the "capsular bag" that originally surrounded the natural lens. This incision is "self-sealing" and usually requires no stitches. It remains tightly closed by the natural outward pressure within the eye. This type of incision heals fast and provides a much more comfortable recuperation.

Realistic expectations

The decision to have cataract surgery or refractive lensectomy is an important one that only you can make. The goal of a multifocal implant is to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. In fact, 92% of those who receive the ReZoom ™ Multifocal lens report wearing glasses either “never” or “occasionally”. We cannot guarantee, however, that you will have the results you desire.

For most people, there is a period of weeks when your brain is learning to “see” up close and at distance with the new lens. This adjustment period is usually complete within 6 to 12 weeks. A common side-effect during this “learning period” may include halos or glare around bright lights. This varies from person to person and in most cases is more noticeable during the first few months after the procedure when your eyes are more sensitive. For most people this diminishes over time. Some people are more likely to have difficulty with glare and halos, so ask your doctor to explain this possible condition to you before your procedure.

Serious complications with cataract extraction and refractive lensectomy are rare. They are safe, effective and permanent procedures, but like any surgical procedures, there are some risks. Going to an eye specialist experienced with the procedure can significantly minimize the risks involved.