One of the common issues optometrists see in our consulting room is cataracts. Of all the problems you can have with your eyes, we can offer reassurance because for most, cataract are easily treated. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries in the Western World. With modern surgical techniques the outcomes are, for most people, very successful.
Dr Fred Hollows
For many New Zealanders cataract awareness was raised by Kiwi eye surgeon Dr Fred Hollows (pictured above), and his work to improve access to cataract surgery.
In New Zealand most people will be having cataract surgery much earlier than those in other developing nations.
The routine procedure for surgery is to replace the clouded lens with an implant. The implant lens is designed to restore clarity of vision, and also aims for optimal focus. This usually means the clearest vision possible for distance vision. Following surgery most people continue to use glasses for reading and seeing detail at a close range.
Modern cataract surgery, as with most of life in the 21st century, involves more choice now. Now it is routine practice for eye specialists to use different powered lens implants, and offer to set the focus of each eye individually. Often this involves deliberately setting one eye to see more clearly at a close range while the other eye sees better in the distance - commonly called 'blended vision'. Multifocal lens implants are also becoming more popular, the in-eye, version of the modern progressive lens.
Modern instruments aim to accurately measure the eye to calculate the ideal desired lens implant power. But there are still occasional surprises with the final result - the surgery is still performed on a human eye! Through my experience testing people for glasses after cataract surgery I have the following recommendations:
Consider carefully what is important to you for your vision and lifestyle. For example if you are passionate about boating, seeing clearly in the distance with both eyes, this may be the best option. If you enjoy sewing and handcrafts then I would aim for both eyes to have similar vision to give best depth of focus.
Understand what clarity of vision you would like to have. If you have worn glasses you may be used to very sharp focus. To achieve this after surgery your glasses may still be needed, and you may be happy with that.
If you are considering blended vision, trial this concept in contact lenses before you have surgery - this gives you a chance to see how you adapt.
Talk to your optometrist about your options. Your optometrist knows you and your eyes, and has a good understanding of what is important for you and your vision.