Introduction:
A lens is a clear window of protein and water behind the pupil. It alters its shape to focus light on the retina due to the action of the ciliary muscles. To focus on adjacent objects, it becomes thicker and becomes thinner as distance increases. In addition, the lens gets stiffer and less flexible as it ages, which makes focusing more challenging. The proteins alter with age and some lens areas get foggy. This condition is referred to as a cataract. Cataracts can create blurry outlines, or eyes turn a brownish color. Cataracts may develop from some inherited genetic conditions, other eye disorders, previous eye surgery, and medical conditions like diabetes. It steadily worsens, begins to impair eyesight, and, if left untreated, could result in total blindness. Cataracts can initially be managed with greater lights and spectacles. However, cataract surgery may be required if poor eyesight interferes with daily activities. The good news is that cataract surgery is typically a risk-free, successful treatment. Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical treatments in industrialized nations.
What Are Intraocular Lenses?
Intraocular lenses are small permanent artificial lenses that can be replaced with naturally diseased lenses of the eye during cataract surgery and can be used for conditions like myopia, presbyopia, or other refractive defects. Intraocular lenses are constructed from acrylic, silicone, or other plastic materials. Additionally, they include a special coating to assist in shielding the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to human eyes. Similar to contact lenses or glasses, intraocular lenses are available in various focusing powers. The doctor may measure both the length and corneal curvature of the eye, which can be used to arrange the focusing power of intraocular lenses.
What Are the Different Types of Intraocular Lenses?
The different types of intraocular lenses include:
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Monofocal Intraocular Lenses - Monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are the most popular lens used during cataract surgery. It can focus for close-up, medium distances, or distant vision. Similar to a natural lens, this lens maintains focus at a single fixed distance, which can stretch or stretch to aid the eye's focus. These lenses provide good vision over a wider range of distances, which reduces the need for glasses.
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Trifocal Intraocular Lenses - Intraocular lenses contain multiple focusing powers within a single lens. These are referred to as trifocal or multifocal lenses. These lenses may focus on objects far, medium, or close to the patient's eye. Different zones of the lens are adjusted to different powers.
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Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lenses - These lenses may provide patients with distance, medium, and some near vision. These lenses may offer particular advantages over trifocal or multifocal lenses in some patients, like those who have undergone laser treatment (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis).
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Toric Intraocular Lenses - Toric intraocular lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive defect caused by an irregular corneal or lens curvature.
At What Age Can Intraocular Lenses Be Inserted?
An intraocular lens is generally used when cataract surgery is conducted in elder individuals. The recent nationwide study was conducted under the supervision of the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health to determine if an intraocular lens is a practical choice for newborns. This study showed that the visual outcome in infants treated with an intraocular lens and newborns treated with contact lenses were equal. On the other hand, the patients who had undergone intraocular lens implants experienced a higher risk of problems and required more procedures. Initially, if the child wears contacts or glasses, then intraocular lens insertion can be considered once the child is older and has completed eye growth.
How Is Intraocular Lens Implant Performed?
The intraocular lens implant is a surgical procedure where diseased natural lenses are removed and replaced with an intraocular lens in an eye, usually in cataract surgery. Before the surgery, the doctor may take an eye measurement to choose the appropriate implant for the patient. The patient will be given medicated eye drops a few days before the procedure, and also advised to stop taking certain medications or avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days. The procedure is carried out in a hospital or surgical clinic and may last an hour or less. During the procedure, the doctor may put eyedrops in the eye to enlarge the pupil. Then the patient may also receive local anesthetics to numb the area and maybe a sedative to help them relax. To access the lens, the doctor makes a minimal cut through the cornea. The naturally diseased lens is then broken up into bits and removed piece by piece. Later, the doctor insert the implant correctly and stitches the cut. The complete process usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes.
What Are the Complications of Intraocular Lens Implants?
Complications are rare in intraocular lens implants; some of them include:
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Swelling.
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Bleeding.
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Inflammation.
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Pain.
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Elevation of the eye temperature.
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Redness
More severe complications include:
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Retinal detachment (the separation of a layer of light-detecting tissue from the back of the eye).
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Implants dislocations (when an implant shifts out of place).
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Vision loss.
Within weeks to years after the implant, the patient may also experience a problem where the tissue surrounding the new lens becomes foggy, and their vision becomes blurry; such condition is called posterior capsular opacification. This can be fixed by the doctor using a quick laser operation.
What Precautions Have To Be Taken After the Intraocular Lens Implant?
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Wear Eye Cover (Eye Patch) - The patient is recommended to wear an eye cover while sleeping during the first week. This helps the eye heal by preserving the surgical incision site.
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Take Eye Drops and Other Medication - To prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and manage eye pressure, the doctor may advise eye drops or other medications.
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Avoid Rubbing - Try to avoid rubbing or touching the eye even if the eye is itchy or oozing some fluid. It may lead to more complications.
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Others - Driving is prohibited, and one should avoid bending down, picking up heavy objects, and applying pressure to the eye. Most of the discomfort should disappear after a few days. Complete recovery frequently happens in eight weeks.
Conclusions
Intraocular lenses are medical devices created to replace lenses that have been removed due to ocular conditions like cataracts or myopia. Intraocular lens Implants are one of the safest and most efficient procedures in developed countries. This technology allows 90 percent of patients to restore their eyesight. Complications are uncommon. Follow the doctor's advice for eye care after cataract surgery, including specific eye drops.
