Lens replacement surgery is the only permanent solution for patients with cataracts and there is often confusion regarding the terminology. A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye and not a growth, film over the eye, or something that can be removed. Through time, much like a cloudy headlight cover in a car, or lens in a camera, the lens will yellow and get cloudy. The lens cannot be un-yellowed or un-clouded and must be replaced with lens replacement surgery. Cataracts can only be treated by replacing this clouded lens thus, “cataract surgery” is lens replacement surgery.
There are also many ophthalmology terms for lens replacement surgery. The procedure could be called refractive lens exchange, intraocular lens implant, cataract surgery, clear lens exchange, natural lens exchange or presbyopic lens exchange. Don’t be confused, it’s all lens replacement surgery!
Simply, lens replacement surgery involves surgically replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial implant, or IOL (intraocular lens). Dr. Horn, at Vision for Life, is an expert in lens replacement surgery and his focus is to educate the ophthalmology industry and his patients on lens replacement surgery. By taking the time to consult with each patient, answer all their questions and advise them on an individualized lens replacement procedure, Dr. Horn ensures each patient has the best overall experience and outcome.
Many practices approach lens replacement in a “cookie cutter” fashion and will implant the same lens in every cataract patient. Vision for Life is on the forefront of intraocular lens (IOL) technology and only after careful consideration, will implant what lens is best for our patient’s lifestyle.
If you want to learn more about lens replacement surgery, please see the common questions below.