What are the potential risks or side effects of premium lenses?

Premium lenses, also known as intraocular lenses (IOLs), are designed to provide improved vision after cataract surgery or lens replacement surgery. These lenses offer multiple benefits, such as reducing the need for glasses and correcting a wide range of vision problems, including astigmatism and presbyopia. While premium lenses provide excellent results for many patients, they are not without potential risks or side effects. Understanding these possibilities can help you make an informed decision about your eye care.

In this blog, we will explore the potential risks and side effects of premium lenses and what to expect if you are considering this option for your vision correction.

Types of Premium Lenses

Before diving into the risks and side effects, it’s important to understand the types of premium lenses available:

Multifocal lenses:

Designed to correct vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses. They provide sharp vision at near, intermediate, and far distances, offering more flexibility in everyday tasks.

Toric lenses:

Specifically designed to correct astigmatism, in addition to providing clear vision at one or more distances. Each type of premium lens has its own set of advantages, but also some potential drawbacks.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Premium Lenses

1. Glare and halos

One of the most commonly reported side effects of premium lenses, particularly multifocal lenses, is the presence of glare and halos around lights. This is especially noticeable at night, when bright lights, such as street lamps or headlights, may appear to have rings or halos around them.

For some patients, these visual disturbances can be bothersome, especially when driving at night. However, many find that the glare and halos diminish over time as their eyes adapt to the new lenses. It’s also worth noting that the severity of these side effects varies from person to person.

2. Reduced contrast sensitivity

Another potential issue with premium lenses, particularly multifocal lenses, is some reduction contrast sensitivity. This is less so with the modern multifocal lenses. This refers to the ability to distinguish between different shades of light and dark, particularly in low-light conditions. As a result, some patients may find it more difficult to see clearly in dimly lit environments, such as when reading in a dark room or walking at night.

While this reduction in contrast sensitivity may not affect everyone, it is something to consider if you often find yourself in situations where sharp vision in low light is important for you.

3. Astigmatism under-correction (with toric lenses)

While toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, there is a small risk that they may not fully correct the condition. In some cases, slight residual astigmatism may remain, leading to blurred vision.

This can happen if the lens rotates or moves slightly after surgery, affecting its position in the eye. If this occurs, additional correction, either through a minor adjustment, further surgery, or the use of glasses, may be necessary.

4. Dysphotopsia (unwanted visual images)

Dysphotopsia refers to unwanted visual images that some patients experience after lens implantation. These can include seeing shadows, flashes of light, or dark arcs in the peripheral vision. This side effect is more common in premium lenses due to the more complex design of multifocal or trifocal lenses compared to monofocal lenses.

In most cases, dysphotopsia is temporary and resolves as the brain adapts to the new lenses. However, for some patients, these visual disturbances may persist and require further treatment or lens replacement.

5. Lens dislocation

Although rare, lens dislocation can occur after surgery. This happens when the implanted lens shifts out of place, leading to blurry or distorted vision. Lens dislocation may result from trauma to the eye or issues with the eye’s natural anatomy. In such cases, further surgery may be required to reposition or replace the lens.

6. Infection or inflammation

Like any surgical procedure, lens replacement surgery carries a risk of infection or inflammation. However, this risk is very low due to the sterile conditions under which the procedure is performed. Infections can typically be treated with antibiotic eye drops, while inflammation can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications.

It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of these complications. Attending follow-up appointments and using prescribed eye drops as directed will help ensure a smooth recovery.

7. Visual adjustment period

After receiving premium lenses, some patients may experience an adjustment period during which their vision gradually improves as the brain adapts to the new lenses. During this time, it is common to experience slight blurriness, fluctuations in vision, or difficulty focusing at certain distances.

The length of this adjustment period can vary from a few days to several weeks. It’s important to be patient and give your eyes time to adjust. Your surgeon will monitor your progress during follow-up appointments and can provide additional guidance if needed.

Minimising Risks and Managing Side Effects

While premium lenses offer many benefits, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and side effects. To minimise these risks, choose an experienced surgeon like Sharmina Khan who can help you select the best lens for your specific needs. Follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, and attend your follow-up appointments to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.

Premium lenses offer significant advantages, especially for patients looking for greater freedom from glasses. However, they do come with potential risks and side effects, such as glare, halos, some reduction in contrast sensitivity, and occasional vision disturbances. Most of these side effects are temporary and manageable, but it’s essential to be aware of them before making your decision.

If you’re considering premium lenses and want to learn more about whether they are the right option for you, book a free video assessment today. Speak to a specialist who can answer your questions and guide you through the process of achieving clearer vision.