Custom lens surgery for Cataracts
Techniques and lens options

In cataract surgery and in some refractive procedures, the natural lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens. The synthetic lens has a central portion known as the 'optic' and two 'arms' which hold it in place called 'haptics' The optic is approximately 6mm in size. It is rarely visible with the human eye and usually remains in place for a life time.

The 'one size fits all' approach to cataract surgery was, until relatively recently the only approach, as monofocal lenses were the only approved technology available. Patients were given monofocal implants and spectacles following cataract surgery. In some cases this solution is still highly appropriate, however a broad range of lenses are now available, each offering a solution for patient's specific visual needs.

Surrey Eye Surgeons use a range of lenses. After an in depth consultation you will be offered the lens that best suits your needs.

Below is some further information about cataract surgery & lens options. If you would like to talk with us about our treatments or have any questions, please call us on 01483 576 576 or email info@surreyeyesurgeons.com. We are based in Guildford, Surrey and have a team of highly qualified eye surgeons.

Cataract Lens Options

Monofocal Intraocular Lens
These have the longest track record. They have been used for over 50 years and provide excellent vision a single focal point. Monofocals are sometimes known as 'fixed focus' lenses meaning vision is in focus for either near or distance. You will therefore need glasses to help correct your vision. Usually we try to give good distance vision. Most patients require glasses for reading and close work such as the computer. There is also the possibility of choosing an intermediate distance so near and distance are reasonably clear giving a degree of freedom from glasses. However for best vision, glasses will be needed.

Surrey Eye surgeons usually use the AcrySof® IQ lens. This is the very latest version of the Acrysof® lens, of which there are approximately 25 million implants worldwide.

Monovision
An alternative method is to implant monofocal lenses with slightly differing focal distances, so that one lens has good distance vision whilst the other is set for near. Not everyone can tolerate this method of providing a range of vision and is only recommended for those who have tried this with contact lenses.

Multifocal Intraocular Lens
These lenses can offer spectacle freedom for approximately 80% of patients. Unlike its monofocal counterpart, this lens has a multifocal surface which enables good vision at distance and close up. Intermediate vision (computer / TV distance) is not as clear and some patients report seeing halos round light sources.

Accommodative Intraocular Lenses
This is relatively new technology which aims to offer spectacle freedom without unwanted side effects that are sometimes associated with multifocals. The optic has a fixed point like a monofocal, but the haptics allow the lens to move back and forth to change focus. It is however difficult to predict the level of movement that individual patients will attain and some do not acquire enough to offer freedom from spectacles.

Accommodative Intraocular Lenses
The only FDA approved accommodative lens called the CRYSTALENS is now availible in the UK. The advantages of this style of this lens are that some of the unwanted side effects sometimes associated with multifocal lenses are NOT associated with this technology.

Toric Lenses
A relatively new surgical advancement, this lens is designed to correct astigmatism as well as cataract. As many as 50% of patients have significant astigmatism and merit implanting a premium lens such as a toric lens to corect the astigmatism. This can improve the unaided vision after cataract surgery and reduce dependence on glasses.

Multifocal 'Piggy Back' Lens (Vitalis)
This is a new type of lens, which is designed for patients who had previous cataract or lens surgery and who are disappointed that they still need spectacles but would like to be free of them most of the time.

It is suitable for many people who had cataract surgery before the introduction of multifocal lenses, but who would now benefit from these lenses. Likewise it is also suitable for correcting refractive error caused by previous surgery. The lens is extremely thin and shaped to sit in front of an existing replacement lens.

To discuss any of our services or treatments
please call 0845 259 3131 or email info@surreyeyesurgeons.com