Restoring Sight After A Cataract Is Removed
Because the clouded lens is removed in cataract surgery, some type of substitute or replacement lens is needed to restore vision. There are three ways of doing this:
Intraocular Lens Implant
An intraocular lens implant, or IOL, is an artificial lens made of plastic, silicone, acrylic or other material that is implanted inside the eye during cataract surgery. The IOL is implanted within the capsule, which provides permanent support for the lens. This is the most natural and preferred way of restoring vision.
Because the IOL lies safely inside the eye, it is never handled or adjusted as one would for a contact lens. Most patients are good candidates for the implant.
Most patients have the device implanted during their surgery. Those who have had cataract surgery without the IOL implant, and who later discover they cannot tolerate contact lenses or cataract glasses, have to be evaluated very carefully before a second operation for a lens implant is recommended.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are another alternative to IOL implants. However, handling them is sometimes cumbersome, and not everyone is a good candidate.
Patients with tremors, extreme nervousness, or dry eyes, for example, are not likely to wear contact lenses with much success.
Today, hard contact lenses, soft lenses and extended wear soft lenses are available for persons who have had cataract surgery.
Cataract Eyeglasses
Years ago, cataract eyeglasses were the only option for patients who required cataract surgery. They are still used today but seldomly because they are the least-preferred option. These are recommended only when a patient cannot have another IOL implant or when they cannot wear contact lenses.
A cataract glass is a thick magnifying glass that may provide perfect vision. However, the glass provides clear vision only through the center of the lens, magnifying everything to about one-third larger than normal.
There are several disadvantages with cataract eyeglasses.
Because of the thickness of the glass, you must turn your entire head rather than just your eyes to see on either side.
If the vision in your other eye is good, you cannot wear a cataract eyeglass because both eyes will not be able to work together comfortably. This is because the magnification of the cataract lens will cause a difference in the size of the images you are looking at.
Further, cataract eyeglasses are expensive, need expert adjustment for best vision and are difficult to adapt to.
