Getting rid of your reading glasses (Spectacle Freedom/EDOF lenses):
Getting rid of your spectacles has always interested a lot of people. Its one of the few cosmetic procedures which are sought after by men and women alike. With the increased use of Mobile devices like mobile phones, tablets and laptops, people with refractive errors have become ever so more dependent on spectacles and contact lenses. Although LASIK serves as a good option for younger
individuals, it still falls short of efficiently correcting the whole range of visual requirements in all age groups
After the age of 40, spectacle dependance increases dramatically, owing to PRESBYOPIA. This has traditionally been attributed to the ageing intraocular lens and its muscular abilities. Although there have been many modalities to treat and/or delay spectacle dependence till date, its only now that we have a reasonably impressive arsenal of LASERS and extremely versatile INTRAOCULAR LENSES at our disposal. This makes “SPECTACLE FREEDOM even more reliable than what it was until now. Although different treatments are occasionally performed for spectacle independence in people over 40 years of age, the most promising option today has to be “Refractive Lens Exchange” (also known as “Clear Lens Extraction”). It not only involves a procedure which has been continuously fine-tuned since the time of its inception in 1967, but also includes precision optics, lasers and multi-focusing lenses.
The wide range of high performance lenses available today, including the EDOF (Extented depth of focus) & Trifocal lenses, allow the individual the ability to perform his or her activities at all comfortable distances giving them true spectacle independent vision. Most of the negative aspects of these lenses, such as halos, reduced contrast, chromatic aberrations etc, have been satisfactorily rectified, if not completely eliminated. People can now drive, read, use mobile devices with great ease and independence.
These lenses are not only compatible with advanced lasers like the “Femtosecond” and “Zeptosecond” lasers for increased precision but also allow the procedure to be completed using smaller incisions. This allows individuals undergoing this procedure to resume work in as early as 24-48 hours. Although patients have to maintain a post-operative regiment of drops for 6 weeks post-surgery, daily activities may be resumed much earlier. There is usually no restriction for TV, mobile phone usage and computer usage after surgery as long as the patient can tolerate the screens. We usually advise the patient to resume their activities at the earliest with certain precautions.
WHEN TO PLAN THE PROCEDURE..??
If you feel your spectacles ( either distance/ progressive or near vision) are uncomfortable or require to be changed frequently, you should consider this option.
Another reason for going ahead with this procedure is not wanting to carry and wear your reading glasses everywhere you go.
For those with documented cataracts, this can be chosen as the procedure of choice, wherein, the cataract is removed and these lenses are implanted at the same sitting.
However, if you are comfortable using your spectacles for all your daily activities and you do not have any complaints about your vision, you may consider these procedures at a later date.
WHAT TO EXPECT..??
Realistic expectations are paramount in these procedures and the patient should be totally aware of the the outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
The best way to explain outcomes is that,” the Intraocular Lens (EDOF) provides 95-97% of clear vision, the remaining 3-5% vision depends upon the patient’s own adaptation capabilities. This basically depends upon the type of spectacles (Plus or Minus Lenses) being used prior to the procedure, the regularity of spectacle usage, computer and mobile usage, night driving, personality and other daily activities
Lens selection is based on your “priority activities” i.e what you do during your daily routine, your eye measurements and presence or absence of cataract.
DOES MEDICLAIM COVER THIS PROCEDURE..??
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you can claim the expenses from your medical insurance company (Mediclaim). You can discuss the same with your eye surgeon as this depends from person-to-person.
MD MS FPRS (NN) FICO (UK) FAICO
Senior Consultant, Cataract & Cornea Refractive Surgeon,
Bhaskar Eyecare & Eyecon Vision
Ghodbunder Road, Thane W