Advanced Technology In Cataract Surgery Can Reduce Need For Glasses

Cataracts are caused by a clouding or hardening of the eye’s lens. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract, akin to looking through a dusty or foggy window. Other symptoms may include double vision in only one eye, needing brighter light when reading, worsening night vision, increased sensitivity to bright light, or seeing halos around lights.

Cataracts are quite common with aging—75% of the U.S. population over the age of 65 has them. The good news is that cataract surgery techniques and technologies are always advancing, such as with the use of multifocal or toric lenses.

Types of Advanced Lenses

During cataract surgery, the eye surgeon removes the eye’s natural lens, which has become clouded, and replaces it with an intraocular lens (or IOL). The IOL is a tiny, artificial lens responsible for bending (or refracting) light rays that enter the eye correctly, helping you to see clearly.

Just like prescription glasses or contact lenses, IOLs come in different focusing powers. A  monofocal IOL is the most common type of lens used during cataract surgery. It has one focusing distance, which is set for close-up, medium range, or distance vision. Most people opt for an IOL that’s set for clear distance vision, and then wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for reading or close-up work.

But advanced IOLs enable various focusing levels within the same lens. IOLs called multifocal lenses reduce your need for glasses by restoring your vision for more than just one set distance. Different zones on the lens allow the eye to focus on both near and far objects, correcting any previously existing vision impairments such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

There’s also an advanced IOL for people with astigmatism called a toric lens. Astigmatism is  common, and is caused by an uneven curve in your cornea or lens. The toric lens is designed to correct that uneven curve so that light rays are refracted correctly, helping you to see clearly.

The skilled surgeons at Baptist Eye Surgeons are experienced experts in a number of advanced cataract surgery procedures, including the use of advanced technology implants like multifocal and toric lenses. These innovative technologies and techniques also contribute to a patient’s quicker recovery time as well as lead to significant improvements in vision.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to advanced techniques like lense implants with cataract surgery. To learn about our specialities and our doctors, visit our website. We also invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted eye surgeons in Knoxville or Morristown, or call us at 865-579-3920.

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