Refractive lens exchange can be done to prevent cataracts or after their removal. It is the practice of exchanging the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens. In cataract prevention, this is effective because a non-organic lens cannot develop cataracts. If you are considering or have had cataract surgery in Long Beach, speak with one of our ophthalmologists about refractive lens exchange, today.
There are several indications that a patient will develop cataracts, such as early stage cataract development and the onset of presbyopia. In such a case, patients may choose to receive refractive lens exchange to prevent the hassle and disability of living with obscured vision.
The advantages of preventative lens exchange are:
- Eliminates the need for reading glasses
- Reduction of common vision issues, including farsightedness and nearsightedness
- Effective alternative to LASIK
- Intraocular lenses are exchangeable, allowing for future adjustments if necessary
- No risk of developing presbyopia or cataracts
Types of Intraocular Lenses
Monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs)
Monofocal lenses are the most basic IOL. They improve a patient’s ability to see at a single point, usually at a distance. This means that glasses will be required for full vision correction. Monofocal IOLs are covered by insurance, as they are mandatory in the process of cataract surgery.
Tecnis Multi-Focal
Unlike a monofocal IOL, the Tecnis Multi-Focal Lens delivers a clarity of vision at any distance. Patients can focus their eyes at far distances or close, and the Tecnis Multi-Focal Lens will respond to the demand, eliminating the need for glasses following cataract surgery.
Crystalens HD
The Crystalens HD is what’s known as an accommodating intraocular lens. In the case of presbyopia, the natural lens is unable to flex and bend properly. The Crystalens HD is able to flex and bend as the eye focuses, which means it can be used to simply treat presbyopia, whether or not cataracts exist.
The Crystalens HD fits itself to the action of the existing eye muscles, responding to them in the way that a healthy natural lens would. This gives the patient dramatically improved depth of focus, improving vision of close objects while still maintaining focus at far distances.
With many types of IOLs, there have been reports of glare, halos and difficult with night vision. The Crystalens HD virtually eliminates these issues by relaying only a single image to the brain, as opposed to multifocal lenses that project multiple images. This prevents the need for the brain to “adjust” to multiple images.
The Crystalens HD is a great option for patients looking to restore their full spectrum of vision, from reading a book to driving a car.
Toric Lenses
The Toric IOL is specifically designed to help patients with astigmatism. In astigmatism, the cornea is elliptical rather than round, resulting in blurred vision. The Toric IOL is shaped to offset the imbalance.
For patients with cataracts who are also suffering from astigmatism, Toric IOLs are the clear solution to restore vision. The Toric IOL has been shown to significantly improve distance vision without reliance upon glasses or contacts.
Following surgery with a Toric IOL, 95% of patients report their vision is clear. This is a dramatic improvement from patients receiving a standard IOL, who have historically shown a 25% chance of seeing well without glasses.
The Toric IOL is intended to be permanent. Once implanted, it stays in place, effectively eliminating pre-existing astigmatism.
TRULIGN® Toric Lens
Representing the very latest in eye care technology, the TRULIGN® toric lens is now available at our Long Beach office. The surgeons at Atlantis Eyecare are among the first to offer this leading edge lens, which was just approved by the FDA on May of 2013.
What is TRULIGN® Toric IOL?
The TRULIGN® Toric Lens is the very latest in refractive lens technology. At Atlantis Eyecare in Long Beach, we are proud to offer this cutting edge lens for our patients, which was just approved by the FDA in May of 2013.
The TRULIGN Toric Lens has been specifically designed for patients with severe astigmatism who wish to correct their nearsightedness. With some of the most advanced technology of any intraocular lens, the TRULIGN can correct the broadest spectrum of vision for patients with astigmatism. There is no single IOL that can correct astigmatic vision as thoroughly as the TRULIGN.
Is TRULIGN Right For Me?
In order to determine if the TRULIGN is right for you, the next step is a consultation with one of our eye care specialists. During this time, they will perform any exam necessary to determine your candidacy for the TRULIGN Toric Lens. To learn more or to set an appointment, please call our office today.
