Treating Cataracts with Multifocal Lenses in Gangnam
Hello.
I'm Dr. Kim Joong-hoon, head director of Gangnam ID Eye Clinic.
As people age, their bodies naturally change. This includes not only muscles and joints but also sensory organs.
The eyes, in particular, are affected by aging relatively quickly due to their daily use. A common change is presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
A significant concern is cataracts, as their early symptoms often overlap with those of presbyopia, making self-diagnosis difficult.
If you mistake cataracts for presbyopia and miss the appropriate treatment window, the cataracts can worsen, leading to more complex treatments. Therefore, regular check-ups and accurate diagnoses are crucial.
Today, we'll explore the differences between presbyopia and cataracts, which many people are curious about but often confuse. We'll also examine treatment options for each condition and the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of monofocal and multifocal lenses used in cataract surgery.
"Symptoms and Differences Between Presbyopia and Cataracts"
The eyes are constantly exposed to external stimuli from the moment we open them each morning. This continuous use leads to rapid aging.
Common age-related eye conditions include presbyopia and cataracts. While their onset and initial symptoms may appear similar, causing confusion, their causes, progression, and treatments differ significantly.
Presbyopia occurs due to decreased elasticity of the crystalline lens. Normally, the lens thickens to focus on nearby objects and thins to focus on distant objects. However, as we age, the lens gradually hardens, and the function of the ciliary muscle, which controls lens thickness, declines.
As a result, it becomes difficult to read small print, and focusing on nearby objects after looking at a distance takes longer.
Cataracts, on the other hand, involve the clouding of the eye's natural lens, preventing light from passing through properly, resulting in blurred vision as if looking through a frosted window.
The lens is the eye's primary refractive structure, bending light to focus images on the retina. When cataracts develop, vision deteriorates, and bright light may appear scattered or cause glare.
Partial lens opacity can also cause double or multiple vision. While increased lens refractive power may temporarily improve near vision, this is not a sign of recovery. Ultimately, cataracts affect the entire field of vision and can lead to various complications, making early treatment essential.
"Causes of Cataracts and Preventive Measures"
Age-related cataracts are the most common, but cataracts are increasingly found in younger individuals due to various external factors.
Other potential causes include diabetes, inflammation, systemic diseases, genetic factors, trauma, certain medications, UV exposure, and increased use of electronic devices like smartphones and computers.
In the past, cataracts were primarily considered a condition of the elderly. However, with the increased use of electronic devices and the resulting strain on the eyes, cataracts are now more frequently diagnosed in younger people.
To help prevent cataracts, wear sunglasses to reduce UV exposure. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they increase the risk of cataracts.
Diabetes also increases the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.
"How is Cataract Surgery Performed?"
While medication can slow the progression of cataracts in the early stages, it cannot fundamentally restore clarity to a clouded lens.
If treatment is delayed, the lens can harden and expand, leading to hypermature cataracts. This increases the complexity of the surgery and the risk of complications, making regular check-ups essential.
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens (IOL) to restore vision. The procedure is relatively quick, and the recovery period is generally short.
The type of IOL implanted can significantly impact your post-operative lifestyle. Therefore, a thorough examination and consultation are crucial to selecting the right lens for you to ensure the best possible outcome.
"Understanding the Difference Between Multifocal and Monofocal Lenses"
With the recent development of various types of IOLs, you can choose between monofocal and multifocal lenses based on your vision needs and lifestyle.
Monofocal lenses provide a single focal point, offering clear vision at either near or far distances. They have the advantage of lower rates of glare and side effects, but you may need reading glasses after surgery.
Multifocal lenses, on the other hand, provide a wide range of vision, including near, intermediate, and far distances, eliminating the need for reading glasses.
They can also reduce glare during nighttime driving and correct both presbyopia and cataracts simultaneously, making multifocal IOL cataract surgery a popular choice for middle-aged and older adults.
However, because individual eye conditions vary, no single lens is universally superior. A detailed pre-operative examination, including corneal thickness, pupil size, astigmatism, and retinal health assessment, is essential.
"Want to Get Cataract Surgery Suitable for Your Eyes?"
Successful cataract surgery begins with a precise pre-operative diagnosis. Because individual eye refraction, corneal surface condition, retinal and optic nerve health, lens depth, and cloudiness levels all vary, a systematic and thorough examination is crucial to accurately assess your eye condition.
It is also important to comprehensively consider individual characteristics such as age, occupation, lifestyle habits, and hobbies to select the most appropriate artificial lens and establish a customized plan.
Since the surgeon's skill is crucial for cataract surgery, it is best to have the procedure performed by a highly accurate, skilled, and experienced medical professional. It is also advisable to choose an ophthalmology clinic equipped with a systematic examination and consultation system, a wide range of artificial lens products, advanced equipment, and a comprehensive aftercare system.
The timing of presbyopia and cataract surgery is important.
Thank you for reading this long article so far, and this was Kim Joong-hoon, the representative director of Gangnam ID Eye Clinic.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/tkatlrltkatl/224086075161
No comments yet.
