Eye surgery to remove cataracts involves a straightforward replacement of the natural lens. The results are certainly an improvement in quality of vision, and patients who undergo the procedure are normally pretty pleased. However, lens replacement surgery has developed to offer even greater results, and provide a solution to more than just cataracts. The effectiveness of cataract surgery is undeniable, with artificial lenses ensuring that the problem can never return. But the fact that other conditions can now be cured through the same procedure has resulted in the development of new and improved lenses. A considerable level of research and development has been invested in lens design, so that cataract removal can now be the principal, though not the exclusive, motivation behind replacing natural lenses in the eye. Unsurprisingly, the leading refractive lenses, or intraocular lenses, have become the most popular option. Standard Lens vs. Refractive Lens It might seem on the surface of it that all lenses are the same, but the precision put into the design of modern lenses is extremely impressive. Standard lenses offer only a straightforward solution to the issue of cataracts. The fact that so many people suffer from the eye condition means that the demand for a workable solution has been high, so a standard lens replaces the flawed natural lens and allows patients to see clearly again. However, this procedure does not remove the need to use eye glasses, as other conditions are not treated. Amongst these conditions are myopia and hyperopia, or short and long sightedness as we better know them, which are also very common. Laser treatments, like the Lasik and Lasek procedures, can address these problems, but then the threat of cataracts still remains. The advantage of having a refractive lens replacement procedure is that, while the cataract lens is replaced, conditions like myopia and hyperopia are also dealt with at the same time. This is because the lens itself is developed to counter such focusing flaws, allowing the wearer to see objects clearly without the use of glasses. The range of refractive lenses is such that short sightedness or long sightedness can be treated, depending on the needs of the patient, but it is also possible to choose lenses that can correct both conditions at the same time. Short and Long Sightedness The difference between myopia and hyperopia is rather basic. In effect, flaws in the cornea result in a failure of the eyes to focus properly, causing poor vision for items at a distance or up close. With myopia, images are focused in front of the retina at the back of the eye. In failing to hit the retina spot on, objects at a distance are blurred. With hyperopia, meanwhile, the cornea may be too flat so images captured by the eye are focused beyond the retina, not on it. Thus, objects that are close appear blurred. These problems and others, like presbyopia and astigmatism, have traditionally been treated by providing corrective lenses in eye glasses and contact lenses. However, they are only compensatory measures that do not cure the problem. Laser Option Laser procedures can cure the problem, with Lasik and Lasek laser corrective procedures reshaping the cornea in order to counter the flaws. These are also highly effective options to choose, and are affordable and fast, but neither can do anything to deal with a cataract that has formed. This means that
cataract surgery will be necessary anyway. For most people, life with eye glasses has become normal, but when it comes time to have a
cataract removal procedure done, there is a golden opportunity to deal with focusing problems too. Thanks to the development of refractive lens exchange procedures, everything can be cured in one fell swoop. What is more, it is not necessary to wait for cataracts to develop before availing of
lens replacement surgery. The fact that short sightedness, long sightedness and other conditions can be effectively cured though implanting artificial refractive lenses, means that the chances of cataracts developing are cancelled out at the same time. What this means is better eyesight and greater peace of mind for patients, safe in the knowledge that the risk of cataracts has gone, and near perfect vision may be here to stay.
