Advances in cataract lens technology offers more options for vision correction

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- More than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them, according to the National Eye Institute.

As cataract treatment continues to evolve, patients now have more lens implant options than ever before.

Dr. Kelley Hawkins, an ophthalmologist with EYE-Q Vision Care, said cataracts develop when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy with age.

"When we're born, the lens is kind of a clear jelly-like material," Dr. Hawkins said.

As people get older, the lens can become cloudier, denser or more brown in color. Dr. Hawkins said cataracts typically begin developing around age 60 and progress over time.

"For most people, it starts at the age of 60 and kind of progresses over time. The average age for cataract surgery is 65 to 75 years old," Dr. Hawkins said.

Common cataract symptoms include blurry, cloudy or foggy vision, glare around lights and colors appearing faded.

During cataract surgery, doctors make a small incision through the cornea to remove the cloudy lens.

"Once inside, we actually use an ultrasound device to break the cataract into pieces and safely remove it from the eye. Once the cataracts out, the eye needs a lens to see. So we actually put an implant inside of the eye, and that's that intraocular lens," Dr. Hawkins said.

Dr. Hawkins said patients now have several choices when it comes to lens implants. One option is a monofocal lens, which is designed to provide clear vision at a single fixed distance.

"Most people want that to be far away, but some of my nearsighted folks choose up close with that lens. It's going to improve the vision, but you're still going to need glasses for either the distance or for up close," Dr. Hawkins said.

Another option is a multifocal lens, which can reduce a patient's dependence on glasses by providing vision at multiple distances.

"This lens implant gives distance vision, intermediate, and some near, kind of like our progressive glasses do," said Dr. Hawkins. "What really excites me is kind of this newer technology that we have for cataract surgery, this light adjustable lens."

Dr. Hawkins said the light adjustable lens is implanted during cataract surgery like other intraocular lenses. After recovery, patients return about a month later for adjustments designed to further refine their vision.

"Essentially, to dial in the vision is as close to perfect as possible. It just makes it customizable to every patient. Once you find your happy place, we actually lock this lens in, and then it stays like that for hopefully as long as possible," Dr. Hawkins said.

Dr. Hawkins also highlighted what she described as the relatively easy recovery process following cataract surgery.

"On average, it takes a few days for the vision to recover, even up to a week, and that's normal. Most patients have some mild irritation in the eye after surgery. That's expected. Severe pain and things like that are very unlikely," Dr. Hawkins said.

Patients considering cataract surgery should discuss the available lens options with their eye care provider to determine which choice best fits their vision needs and lifestyle goals.

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