Health Corner

1. What is cataract? Are there ways to cure it completely?
A cataract refers to the clouding of the lens inside the eye. The only way to completely treat cataracts is through surgery. Modern cataract surgery technology is highly advanced, with small incisions (2.2 mm) and quick recovery. During the surgery, the doctor removes the cloudy lens and implants an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

2. What is an intraocular lens (IOL), and how do I choose the right one?
There are several types of intraocular lenses to choose from, including:

• Monofocal lens:
  This lens provides clear vision at only one distance. Patients can choose whether to have clearer vision for near, intermediate, or far distances. They may still need glasses for other distances. To reduce dependence on glasses after surgery, some patients can use monovision, where one eye is adjusted for near vision and the other for distance vision. It takes time for the brain to adapt, and the doctor will assess suitability beforehand.

• Multifocal lens:
  This lens has multiple concentric focusing zones, allowing light from different distances to focus on the retina. The advantage is that patients can see both near and far objects without glasses. However, the brain also needs time to adjust to this new way of seeing. Some patients may experience halos or glare, and vision in dim lighting may be less sharp.

• Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lens:
  This lens uses optical technology to extend depth of focus, providing continuous vision from far to intermediate distances. It offers smoother vision transitions and tends to cause fewer halos and glare compared with multifocal lenses.

• Toric lens:
  For patients with astigmatism, toric lenses can be used—available in monofocal, multifocal, or EDOF versions—to correct astigmatism and improve visual clarity.

Each type of lens has its own advantages and drawbacks. When selecting an appropriate lens, the doctor will consider various factors such as whether the patient prefers not to wear glasses, lifestyle and work needs, and the presence of other eye conditions. For instance, patients with glaucoma or macular disease may not be suitable for multifocal lenses.