By Middlesex Eye Physicians, PE
Editor’s note: This is part 4 of an 8-part series submitted by Middlesex Eye Physicians.
There is an obstacle in my way.
As we age, we have many wonderful things to look forward to: grandchildren, retirement, travel, wrinkles, and cloudy vision. This cloudy vision is usually a result of our lens which is in a pocket behind our pupil. Yellowish build-up gathers and thickens here preventing clear vision.
In America, 90% of Americans will develop cataracts by the age of 65. More than 98% of patients who undergo cataract surgery have improved vision. It is one of the most common surgeries. It is very safe and causes very little discomfort. Once your surgeon and you have decided upon surgery, images and measurements of your eyes will be taken and discussion about lens choices will take place.
What does this mean?
What is the vision for your life? How do you want your life to look?
Here is a list of lenses with a brief description:
- Here is where lifestyle is essential in decision making. Patients who quilt, sew, crafters, jewelry makers, gun enthusiasts, golfers, etc. may want to seriously consider the advancements in lenses! The out-of-pocket expense is worth it for the improvement in a person’s quality of life.
- Toric lens helps those with astigmatism. This is a permanent correction and most often reduces spectacle dependence.
- Vivity lens corrects vision for distance and intermediate (arm’s length) with some functional near vision (may need readers for small print). This lens is more forgiving, meaning that more people will benefit from this lens despite having some “imperfections” in their eyes.
- Multi-Focal or Panoptic lens provides a full range of vision: distance, intermediate and near. The patient’s eye needs to be free of “imperfections in order to benefit from this lens. One of the down-sides to this lens is halos of light might be present, especially at night.
How exciting it is to have choices and create the type of life you desire through cataract lens replacement!
