Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to a gradual loss of vision and even blindness if left unchecked. However, medical knowledge and technology today allows surgeons to replace the lens of the eye, restoring vision and preventing blindness. This type of cataract surgery now comes with two options: monofocal lens replacement or multifocal lens replacement.
The more common, and older, option is the monofocal lens. It gives sharp focus at one distance and equal power throughout the lens, providing almost complete restoration of optimal vision. It requires no adjustment period and those who opt for this surgery usually only need glasses with a mild prescription. Monofocal lenses provide a number of advantages over multifocal lenses, namely that they are adjustable by wearing glasses and cause less complication overall. This often comes in the form of glare in multifocal lenses, as well as the inability to correct poor vision at certain distances by wearing glasses. Monofocal lenses allow more light than multifocal lenses, up to 18% more in some cases.
Monofocal lenses are a good choice for all cataract sufferers, even those with astigmatism, as the astigmatism can often be corrected with spectacles. Additionally, monofocal lens are the less expensive option and are usually covered by health insurance. It is an older procedure and all ophthalmologists should be versed in its ins and outs.
Anyone in Vegas should contact a Las Vegas area ophthalmologist if they believe they or a loved one are suffering from cataracts for a consultation.
