Correcting presbyopia and choosing an intraocular lens to suit you
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed procedures in the UK. There are various types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) available to correct your vision and they work in different ways. London based Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Sharmina Khan explains how.
Monofocal IOL and monovison
The most commonly used standard IOL is typically used on the NHS to correct vision for distance and you would require glasses for near vision reading. This type of IOL can be used for presbyopia blended mini-monovision which means correcting your dominant eye for distance and the non-dominant eye for near. without losing binocularity. This will allow you to visualise a bus number in the distance, read a menu at arm’s length but you will not be able to read the label on the back of a tin of beans. You will need glasses to read “War and Peace” and legal documents at speed.
Toric IOL and monovision
This premium IOL is like a monofocal IOL but with a built-in element that corrects astigmatism that pre-exists in the cornea (the clear window of your eye).
What is astigmatism?
The cornea is less like a football and more akin to a rugby ball in shape. Correcting your vision with a toric lens means glasses worn post-operatively will be less expensive. Again both eyes can be corrected for distance or mini-monovision as explained above.
New generation “Multifocal” IOL
There are currently two most advanced types available:
- Trifocal
- Extended depth of focus (EDOF)
A Trifocal IOL is able to achieve greater spectacle independence than an EDOF IOL by correcting your vision for distance, intermediate and near. EDOF IOLs preferentially correct for distance and intermediate vision with a requirement for reading glasses for near vision. Following a detailed assessment and discussion, your surgeon will guide you based on experience and outcomes towards a preferred multifocal IOL.
Who is not suitable for a multifocal IOL?
These should be avoided in long-distance HGV drivers those who drive long distances for work/leisure as they can experience glare; tennis players may notice difficulty tracking the ball at speed and other lifestyle factors should be discussed.
Monofocal “Plus” IOL
This recent addition to the market improves distance and intermediate vision on a monofocal platform without the glare effects of a multifocal IOL and may replace the EDOFs out of the market.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and intraoperative digital image guidance
Employment of both these technologies further enhances your premium cataract surgical service by the more predictable placement of your corneal incisions, optimum centration of your trifocal IOL and optimum alignment of your toric IOL.
In summary:
Cataract surgery is an opportunity to become (i) spectacle independent or less dependent (ii) correct myopia (short-sightedness) and (iii) correct astigmatism. Sharmina Khan embraces innovative changes in delivering eye healthcare with the aim of changing people’s lives for the better by
- adopting proven technologies that are safe
- proven track record in auditing cataract surgical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures.
Are you suitable for vision treatments?
They aren’t suitable for everyone.
Find out if you could benefit from this life-changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
Our most popular procedures
What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Had cataract surgery on both eyes simultaneously last week and, 7 days later, the vision is brilliant. I can see to read as well, including small print smaller than I expected! I can see car number plates at the end of the road. Everything was excellent, and I could not have wished for anything better.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“My cataract surgery was a great experience. My vision is now brighter; overall, I felt informed and secure throughout, and I am glad I did it and definitely recommend Sharmina Khan. Everyone at the hospital was great, very professional, friendly, and treated me very nicely. During the surgery, I didn’t feel any pain at any time. The recovery was very easy and smooth.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was very nervous about having cataract surgery, as I have other medical conditions in both eyes. Ms. Khan allayed all of my fears and explained everything in detail to me. Now that both surgeries are completed, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I’m seeing things I’ve not been able to see properly in years. Amazing!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Ms. Sharmina Khan is an outstanding eye consultant. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and provided thoughtful, easy-to-understand explanations. Her depth of knowledge and ability to address my questions left me thoroughly satisfied with her services. I highly recommend Ms. Sharmina Khan to anyone seeking expert eye care and guidance.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I had cataract surgery in both eyes. The procedure was painless, easy to understand, and swift. My anxiety levels were very low, and recovery was quick and easy. I was just so relaxed. My vision was like being Wonder Woman. It was so clear, and it was like someone had cleaned a window. Now, my vision is fine for reading, computer use, and using a sewing machine.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Extremely happy with vision following cataract surgery. I wish I had it done sooner. The colors I am experiencing, I didn’t know existed. The experience was really good; it wasn’t much painful. I really enjoyed the sandwiches afterward. When I got home, I saw every little mark on the walls and now am cleaning up!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“6/5. Incredibly impressed with Miss Khan’s bedside manner and operation and consultation. I have had the Synergy toric lens and have experienced a dramatic increase in distance vision. Now, I am able to read stuff on the television perfectly, and reading small print, I can now read the back of a tin of beans!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Miss Khan was very professional, and both my eyes had trifocal intra-ocular lens implants (toric in the left). The risks and benefits were explained to my satisfaction, and I was very nervous. However, the procedure and the recovery were painless. I now have perfect unaided vision in both eyes and would recommend Miss Khan, 10 out of 10.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I’m so pleased I sought Sharmina Khan’s help. My dry eye problem was debilitating. I turned up to my appointment in a very worried state and left reassured. My eyes are now vastly better. I feel in good hands. Thank you!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I have had Lipiflow a few times now, and I couldn’t do without it because it really gets rid of my gritty and sore eyes for months at a time. Lipiflow has helped me go back to doing normal things without getting frustrated, like driving, tolerating air conditioning, generally tolerating different humidity levels, and not feeling like I need to use eye drops all the time. I would highly recommend it.”
Verified patient on DoctifyWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
