Our eye works a lot like a camera. In order for us to see clearly, the light has to be focused by a lens. We are all born with a lens inside our eye that does this job for us and in early life it is crystal clear.

Our eye works a lot like a camera. In order for us to see clearly, the light has to be focused by a lens. We are all born with a lens inside our eye that does this job for us and in early life it is crystal clear. As we age, this lens can become cloudy and begin to block light or create blur. We call this change in the lens a “cataract”.

                               
If we live long enough, we will all develop a cataract and surgery will eventually be required. The idea of having eye surgery is usually confronting. But cataract surgery has now become one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide with a very high degree of safety. The procedure is typically a fast, day surgery. Through a micro incision, the cataract is broken down and removed from the eye. In its place a new intraocular lens or “IOL” is inserted to do the job of focusing light. There are many types of lens designs available and not all types are suitable for all patients. Some
may correct astigmatism if you have this, some may offer focus over multiple distances to reduce the need for reading glasses. The choice of the right IOL for each patient is a usually a discussion between patient and doctor.

Often seeing a local Ophthalmologists or Optometrist in conjunction with your family physician or a registered dietician is a great option to dealing with eye conditions and symptoms. Typically your vision will be somewhat blurry the day of the procedure, with return of clear vision over days or weeks. Complications of cataract surgery are fortunately very rare. Serious complications like infection or retinal detachment will occur in less than 1% of patients. Both are treatable if caught early and this is why keeping post operative appointments is important. Less serious complications such as
swelling, a need to go back to surgery for minor adjustment or replacement of a lens, bothersome light or shadow effects can occur, but are manageable problems with existing solutions. Satisfaction rates after cataract surgery are high. It is usually a procedure that makes a positive change to your vision and your life. If you would like more information about cataracts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local optician or ophthalmologist. Dr. Greg Moloney, MBBS, BSC MED, MMED, FRCSC, Ophthalmologist, explains what Refractive Cataract Surgery is and how it can eliminate cataracts and the need for glasses.

A refractive lens exchange, also known as a refractive lensectomy or clear lensectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves removing the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an intraocular lens, similar to cataract surgery. This surgery is typically performed on patients who are not candidates for laser refractive surgery or ICLs and want to eliminate the need for glasses.

Another common group of patients who opt for this procedure are those in their 50s and 60s who are presbyopic and require glasses to see up close. Thanks to advancements in intraocular lens technology, artificial lenses can now provide both distance and near vision.

The ideal candidate for refractive lens exchange is someone who is motivated to get rid of their glasses, but should have a little tolerance for glare and halos produced by the lenses. Recovery time is similar to cataract surgery, with patients experiencing blurry vision and eye irritation on the day of surgery, but seeing significant improvement in the following days and weeks.

In rare cases, patients may experience a secondary cataract, which can be easily treated using a YAG laser. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, but literature suggests the risk of losing an eye due to bleeding or infection is approximately 1 in 1,000, though it may be even lower.

Patients who undergo refractive lens exchange can expect their prescription to remain stable for the rest of their life. For more information and options on refractive lensectomy or any other refractive surgery, patients are encouraged to speak with their local optometrist or refractive surgeon.

 Often seeing a local Ophthalmologists or Optometrist in conjunction with your family physician or a registered dietician is a great option to dealing with eye conditions and symptoms. Smart Food Now and exercise is also important for overall health. 

 Dr. Baseer Khan MD, FRCS(C) Ophthalmologist Vaughan, ONNow Health Network  Local Practitioners: Ophthalmologist