Restoring clear vision with surgery, implantation

KUALA LUMPUR: Our eyes are our windows to the world. As we age, changes occur in our vision that may lead to a number of conditions such as cataracts and presbyopia.

A cataract is an opaque or cloudy area that forms within the eye lens, hindering vision, while presbyopia is the inability of the eyes to adjust vision to see things close-up due to weakening eye muscles and loss of eye flexibility.

Both conditions, which are common issues that affect adults aged over 40, can be treated with cataract surgery and implantation of intraocular lens (IOL). This surgical treatment involves removal of the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replacement with an IOL.

According to the Malaysian National Eye Survey II published in 2014, more than one in every four older people (26.8%) suffer from cataracts, which have been reported to be the leading cause of blindness.

Meanwhile, a consultant ophthalmologist at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Dr Cheong Fook Meng, said people suffering from cataracts and presbyopia can be treated through surgery and innovative IOL replacement options. Vision will be clearer after IOL implantation.

Cheong said there are two common types of Presbyopia-Correcting IOLs, including the trifocal intraocular lens and the extended depth of focus intraocular lens.

“The trifocal IOL is based on diffractive optics. Precise diffractive rings are designed into the IOL. When light waves strike the diffractive elements of the IOL, some of the light is bent in a different direction. This optical property allows the IOL to focus light from far distances, intermediate (60 to 80cm), and near distances onto the retina. This provides the individual with the ability to see far, intermediate and near without relying on spectacles.