Multifocal lenses can be implanted inside the eye during a cataract operation providing complete spectacle independence.
In the human eye resides a lens that can change shape and permit clear vision at different distances. The lens is located behind the color or iris of the eye. Children and young adults have no difficulty in reading small print without the need for spectacles.
The situation changes however as we get older. Our own lens becomes stiff, and in our forties we find that our arms are getting too short to read comfortably. We find that it becomes necessary to wear spectacles to read small print, and this need becomes progressively worse as we age. Over time it becomes necessary to also use spectacles for intermediate work like computer work or viewing the cellphone screen. This aging process is called presbyopia.
During this process of hardening of our lens, it also changes color and becomes a cataract. A cataract is the age related changes of the human lens that leads to opacification of the lens. The result is that incoming light is blocked by the opaque lens. The common complaints are visual difficulty in poor ambient light conditions, difficulty reading at night, difficulty driving at night and being blinded by oncoming lights. Viewing the small letters on the television also becomes a problem.
A cataract is removed during a surgical procedure and a new plastic lens is implanted that restores clear vision. The whole procedure is performed with a needle through a small opening of little more than 2mm. A small opening is made in the front of the cataract and the opacified content removed, leaving a bag behind, much like an envelope opened at the front. The new plastic lens is then inserted in the bag. The plastic lens is approximately 6mm in diameter and is rolled up and injected through a needle and the same 2mm opening through which the procedure was performed. It unfolds inside the eye. The plastic lens is safe, permanent and there is no need to for it to be changed or replaced in future. The procedure is painless and performed in ten minutes with only local anesthesia of the eye. The patient eats his breakfast as usual; there is no need to fast for the procedure.
The lens implanted during the procedure can potentially make a massive improvement in a patients’ vision. In most instances a monofocal lens is implanted, but this lens only permits good vision at one distance, and therefore the patient is still dependent on spectacles. The newest technology permits the implantation of a multifocal lens inside the eye during a cataract procedure. This lens permits clear vision at three distances. Far distance is improved for activities like driving and watching TV. Intermediate and near vision is also improved permitting activities like reading, computer work and seeing your face in the mirror. All these activities can be achieved without the need for spectacles.
The implanted multifocal lens does not perform in the same way a spectacle lens does. A spectacle lens changes in strength from the top of the lens to the bottom in order to permit good vision for different distances. The implanted lens however has very small prism rings that permit light to be focused at three points, permitting clear vision for all activities.
The lens implanted during the procedure needs to be calculated very accurately. To this end the newest laser measuring techniques are utilized. Dr Hartog has also used the same lens platfor for the past 8 years. The outcomes of all surgeries are analyzed in software that permit optimization of the lens calculations. This translates to more accurate outcomes for all patients and massive improvements in the visual results.
Please contact Dr Hartog at 021 9461257 or assist@hartog.co.za if you need more information or to make an appointment.