Choosing a Lens Implant for Cataracts in Connecticut

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Lens Implants for Cataracts in Connecticut

Connecticut patients should become familiar with choosing a Lens Implant for Cataracts as it is an important decision they will make when having Cataract Surgery. “The decision on exactly how to correct your vision after Cataract Surgery used to be a decision that was the sole responsibility of your Cataract Surgeon,” said Corneal Specialist and Fairfield County Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices in Westport, Norwalk and Wilton CT.  “As more advanced types of lens implant technology became available that could do some extra things for patients, we were able to offer our Cataract patients some options for their vision correction,” said Dr. Doctor.

Beginning in around 2005 it became necessary for Cataract Surgeons to discuss Lens Implant options with patients so together they could choose the most appropriate lens implant for the lifestyle needs of the patient. Only after the Cataract evaluation, can we make a firm recommendation for each patient because the choice of Lens Implant really depends on several factors including
  • the patient’s prescription
  • the overall health of their eyes
  • whether they have any other health problems, such as diabetes
  • and most importantly, how they use their eyes throughout their daily routine.
A type of lens implant called an aspheric lens implant seems to give the sharpest, most crisp vision-but only corrects distance vision and requires you to wear reading glasses or bifocals, after cataract surgery. This might be fine for a truck driver who needs cataract surgery, but might not be the best choice for a sales clerk who uses his or her eyes at many distances all day. A type of lens implant called a toric lens implant is often selected for Cataract patients who have correction their eyeglasses. If you have a toric lens implant to correct your vision after Cataract Surgery, you will still need to correct you near vision to see up close with reading glasses of some sort. For those patients who do a number of things throughout the day that require seeing far away, at arm’s length (say for the computer) and also to see up close, if you are a good candidate, we can offer you a multifocal lens implant that corrects near vision and presbyopia. So, it will help you see at a range of distances without being totally dependent on eyeglasses. Choosing a Lens Implant is a joint effort between you and your eye surgeon. It is not your decision alone. It’s not like buying a pair of shoes or a car where you can ask your friends for a good “brand” or you can read a brochure or see a TV commercial and then you can choose. It requires the careful evaluation and recommendation of skilled and experienced cataract surgeon to help you make the best choice. If you or someone you know has Cataracts and needs help with Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant information please feel free to call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113