Cataracts have long been a common cause of vision problems, affecting millions of people worldwide and leading to blindness if left untreated. Cataracts occur when the protein structure of the lens in the eye changes, causing it to become opaque and obstruct light, resulting in decreased vision. In the past, cataract surgery only provided improved distance vision, requiring patients to wear glasses for close-up activities. However, advancements in technology have introduced refractive phaco, allowing patients to see clearly at all distances after surgery.
The Director of Hanoi High-Tech Eye Hospital, Nguyen Van Sanh, emphasized the increasing prevalence of cataracts among younger people, with over 60% of blindness cases attributed to this condition. Cataracts can be caused by various factors, including harmful substances from within the body or the external environment. The most effective treatment for cataracts is artificial lens replacement surgery, where an intraocular lens (IOL) is used to replace the cloudy natural lens.
There are different types of IOLs available, including monofocal and multifocal lenses. Monofocal lenses focus light at a single point, usually for distance vision, while multifocal lenses allow for clear vision at multiple distances, including near, intermediate, and far. The latest generation of multifocal IOLs, such as asymmetric rotating refractive lenses, offer significant advantages over traditional monofocal lenses. These lenses provide clear vision at all distances and reduce the need for glasses altogether.
With advancements in technology and medical innovation, cataract patients now have access to high-quality lenses that improve their quality of life and help them perform daily activities without reliance on glasses or contact lenses. The use of asymmetric refractive multifocal IOLs is becoming increasingly common at Hanoi High-Tech Eye Hospital and other similar facilities worldwide.
Cataract surgery has come a long way since its introduction decades ago. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, patients can now enjoy improved distance and near vision after surgery without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses.
Advancements in technology have revolutionized cataract surgery by introducing new surgical techniques that allow patients to see clearly at all distances after treatment. One such technique is refractive phacoemulsification (phaco), which uses ultrasound waves to break down cloudy lens material into smaller fragments that can be safely removed from the eye through a small incision.
Phaco has several advantages over traditional cataract surgery methods because it reduces postoperative complications such as bleeding and inflammation while also minimizing scarring.
Another major advantage of phaco is that it allows doctors to implant a variety of artificial lenses (IOLs) during surgery that correct both distance and near vision problems.
One such IOL is the multifocal IOL that allows patients to see clearly both far away and up close without having to wear glasses or contacts afterwards.
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