Intraocular Lenses for Cataract Surgery [Archives:2000/37/Health]
What is Cataract and what can be done to help?
A cataract is clouding of part of the eye called the lens. The vision becomes blurred or dim because light cannot pass through the clouded lens to the back of the eye. Over half of those over 65 have some cataract development and most cases can be treated successfully with surgery. The most effective treatment for cataracts is an operation to remove the cloudy lens and replacing it with a plastic intraocular lens implant.
What is an intraocular lens implant?
After removing the cloudy lens surgically it is usually replaced by a plastic lens so that the eye can focus properly. The quality of life and the type of vision with an intraocular lens are far much better than using thick glasses.
What is the history of intraocular lens implant?
The concept of an intraocular lens was allegedly attempted in the 18th century. However, the modern era of intraocular lens implantation was a by-product of World War II technology. Some of the British Royal Air Force fighter planes had canopies made of a polymer trademarked as Perspex. Harold Ridley, then on active duty, noted that when Perspex was involved in traumatic injuries to the eye, there was good intraocular tolerance to this foreign body. Ridley used this material to fabricate an intraocular lens, which he implanted in London in November 1949. This was the beginning of intraocular surgery.
How long will the intraocular lenses last?
The implant used in cataract surgery is life long.
Is there any need to remove or replace the implant?
No. There is no need to remove it or replace it except in extreme situations.
Will physical activities or prayers displace the implant?
No. The intraocular lens implant is stable in the eye and it doesnt move or rotate in the eye but patients should be careful not to injure their eyes.
Will the intraocular lens implant cause irritation in the eye?
No.
Are these lenses expensive?
No. They are now available in reasonable prices affordable by most Yemeni patients.
Is there any need to wear glasses after the implant?
It usually depends on the personal requirements and occupation. Most elderly people are happy without spectacles and manage their lives with the vision they get with the intraocular lens implant. If the person wants to read he or she will need reading glasses.
Ultraviolet Absorbing Lenses
Most manufacturers incorporated UV absorbers into intraocular lens as prophylaxis against ambient UV light.
CONCLUSION
Intraocular lenses give a convenience of lifestyle with a quality and quantity of vision far superior to other modalities of optical correction, and the adult cataract patient who does not receive an intraocular lens is the exception.
Routine eye exam by an eye specialist is very important.
It is your sight and your eyes need every care they deserve.
1.Mahfouth A Bamashmus FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Ibn-Al-Haitham Clinic
University of Science & Technology, Sanaa
2.Ahmed Al-Shabouti, MD
Al-Thawra Hospital, Sanaa
What is Cataract and what can be done to help?
A cataract is clouding of part of the eye called the lens. The vision becomes blurred or dim because light cannot pass through the clouded lens to the back of the eye. Over half of those over 65 have some cataract development and most cases can be treated successfully with surgery. The most effective treatment for cataracts is an operation to remove the cloudy lens and replacing it with a plastic intraocular lens implant.
What is an intraocular lens implant?
After removing the cloudy lens surgically it is usually replaced by a plastic lens so that the eye can focus properly. The quality of life and the type of vision with an intraocular lens are far much better than using thick glasses.
What is the history of intraocular lens implant?
The concept of an intraocular lens was allegedly attempted in the 18th century. However, the modern era of intraocular lens implantation was a by-product of World War II technology. Some of the British Royal Air Force fighter planes had canopies made of a polymer trademarked as Perspex. Harold Ridley, then on active duty, noted that when Perspex was involved in traumatic injuries to the eye, there was good intraocular tolerance to this foreign body. Ridley used this material to fabricate an intraocular lens, which he implanted in London in November 1949. This was the beginning of intraocular surgery.
How long will the intraocular lenses last?
The implant used in cataract surgery is life long.
Is there any need to remove or replace the implant?
No. There is no need to remove it or replace it except in extreme situations.
Will physical activities or prayers displace the implant?
No. The intraocular lens implant is stable in the eye and it doesnt move or rotate in the eye but patients should be careful not to injure their eyes.
Will the intraocular lens implant cause irritation in the eye?
No.
Are these lenses expensive?
No. They are now available in reasonable prices affordable by most Yemeni patients.
Is there any need to wear glasses after the implant?
It usually depends on the personal requirements and occupation. Most elderly people are happy without spectacles and manage their lives with the vision they get with the intraocular lens implant. If the person wants to read he or she will need reading glasses.
Ultraviolet Absorbing Lenses
Most manufacturers incorporated UV absorbers into intraocular lens as prophylaxis against ambient UV light.
CONCLUSION
Intraocular lenses give a convenience of lifestyle with a quality and quantity of vision far superior to other modalities of optical correction, and the adult cataract patient who does not receive an intraocular lens is the exception.
Routine eye exam by an eye specialist is very important.
It is your sight and your eyes need every care they deserve.
1.Mahfouth A Bamashmus FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Ibn-Al-Haitham Clinic
University of Science & Technology, Sanaa
2.Ahmed Al-Shabouti, MD
Al-Thawra Hospital, Sanaa
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